Gladys Kirkeby

Gladys Irene Jacobson, the thirteenth child of Soren and Anna (Larson) Jacobson, was born at home in rural Ulen, MN, June 18, 1924. She died peacefully, November 13, 2017, at the Ortonville Hospital, in Ortonville, MN, with her immediate family by her side. Following two recent hospitalizations for heart issues as well as pneumonia, Gladys and her family made the decision to put her under the care of Rice Hospice. Though her time with hospice was short, she and her family are so grateful for all their concern and assistance.
Gladys was baptized, confirmed and married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen. She graduated from Ulen High School in 1942. On June 26, 1948, Gladys and Vernon Kirkeby were united in marriage and began their life in rural Flom, MN. In 1957, they left the farm for life in the Fargo-Moorhead area, purchasing a home in north Moorhead, where they enjoyed living for 45 years. Following a broken hip, Gladys and Vernon moved to a townhouse in south Moorhead, again enjoying spending time with great neighbors. Additional health issues found them moving to Eventide Assisted Living in Moorhead. Their final move was to Ortonville, MN, when Fairway Catered Assisted Living opened in 2015, so that they could be near their daughter Sandra and her family.
Gladys was a lifelong homemaker. Her cooking and baking skills were second to none; the freezer was always overflowing with goodies, which she enjoyed sharing with anyone who stopped by. She took pride in keeping her home in immaculate order. Gladys was a woman who was filled with kindness and compassion. She was happiest doing things for her family and others, as evidenced by the time she spent volunteering at her church and other organizations. She loved her immediate and extended family fiercely, but quietly. Becoming a grandmother was a highlight of her life, and she doted on Sally. All children were special to her and she took care of several neighbor children anytime help was needed. Countless bowls of salad and hotdish, along with a visit, made their way to friends and family recovering from an illness or facing death in the family.
Gladys and Vernon were active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Moorhead, where Gladys was involved with the quilters, served on the altar guild, was a loyal circle member, among other volunteer capacities. In addition, she volunteered at St. Ansgar Hospital in Moorhead and Eventide in Moorhead. Gladys was also a member of the VFW and a great supporter of veterans. She and Vernon were members of a card club for many years.
Although she had many health problems over the years, she was never a complainer. She took issues in stride and carried on, never wanting to bother anyone. Perhaps her greatest regret was losing her vision the last couple of years so that she was no longer able to bake, read or even recognize faces. Gladys died as she lived, with grace, dignity, and strength.
Gladys is survived by her husband of 69 years, Vernon, Ortonville; daughter, Sandra and husband Larry Helgeson, Ortonville; granddaughter, Sally and her husband Dave Sterk, Fargo, ND; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Darrell and Sharon Kirkeby, Bullhead City, AZ, and Twyla Kirkeby, Glencoe, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Archie, Henry (Leah and Mabel), Maynard (Merine), Lila (Norman) Burres, Sander, Joseph, Johan, William (Mattie), Myrtle (Earl) Doran, Adeline (Norman) Eide, Alice (Arnold) Moe, and Morris (Donna); as well as Vernon's parents, Lewis and Clara Kirkeby; and Vernon's siblings, Gilma (Orrin) Swenson, Milton (Esther), Lloyd (Helen), and Douglas.
Memorials may be directed to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Moorhead, or Rice Hospice, 301 Becker Ave SW, Willmar, MN, 56201.
A Visitation for Gladys will be Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a 6:30 PM Prayer Service in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.
Her Funeral Service will be Saturday, November 18, 2017, at 10:30 AM, in Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Moorhead.
Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Moorhead.
A Memorial Service for Gladys will be Monday, November 20, 2017, at 4:00 PM, in Zion Lutheran Church, Ortonville, MN.
(Korsmo Funeral Service, Moorhead, MN)