Gladys Tilleraas

Gladys Tilleraas, age 89, of Mahnomen, MN died Friday, January 18, 2013 at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home. Gladys Lorraine Slette, the daughter of Oscar and Alvina (Goodrich) Slette, was born on June 24, 1923 in rural Mahnomen County. Gladys was baptized on July 29, 1923 and later confirmed her Lutheran faith on September 12, 1937 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, MN. She attended country grade school and graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1941. Gladys then attended business school in Fargo, ND and began working in the Fargo-Moorhead area. On August 19, 1945 Gladys was united in marriage to Clayton Tilleraas at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. The couple made their home in Mahnomen, MN and Gladys worked for the Mahnomen County Field Service Office for a time. She also worked in several other local business offices over the years. Gladys and Clayton were blessed with two sons, David and Curtis. In 1956, the family moved to California until returning to Mahnomen in 1960. In the 1960’s Gladys owned and operated a ceramic shop from her home and she later spent many years helping area flower shops. After Clayton’s death in 1994, Gladys remained in her home until 2008, at which time she moved to the Pioneer House in Fargo. She recently returned to Mahnomen to make her home. Gladys was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. She served in many areas of the church but especially enjoyed the ladies aid, circles and visiting with her friends during quilting. She was also a member of the Legion Auxiliary as well as the Hospital Auxiliary. Gladys had an artistic eye which was demonstrated in her talent of painting, ceramics and arranging flowers. She also spent many hours cooking, reading and having coffee with Arlys at the Red Apple. She enjoyed traveling and took several trips, both in the United States and abroad, with dear friends. Gladys and Clayton loved to entertain and often had guests at their Tulaby lake home. Over the years, Gladys hosted many parties, school reunions and family gatherings where many wonderful memories were made. Above all, Gladys treasured the precious time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by two sons, David (Clarice) Tilleraas of Mahnomen, MN, and Pastor Curtis (Debra) Tilleraas of Moorhead, MN; one sister, Charlotte Paskey of Waubun, MN; one step-sister, MaryAnne (Maynard) Gross of Homer, AK; one step-brother, Sivert (Adis) Dombu of Las Vegas, NV; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Grace (Darrel) Nichols of Detroit Lakes, MN, Duane (JoAnne) Tilleraas of Gary, MN, and Truman (Dorothy) Tilleraas of Great Falls, MT; four grandchildren: Cory (Robin) Tilleraas, Kristofer Tilleraas, Tina (Daniel) Stowman, and Jenna Pender; four great grandchildren: Caleb Stowman, Olivia Tilleraas, Grayson Tilleraas, and Zoe Stowman; two wonderful foster great grandchildren Isaiah and Elijiah Wilson, and many nieces and nephews. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Alvina; her step-mother, Gunvor Slette; her husband, Clayton; one granddaughter, Kristi; and one brother, Paul Slette. Funeral Services were held at 11:00am on Thursday, January 24, at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, with Pastor Gary Lundburg and Pastor Norman Thompson officiating. Alden Anderson will serve as soloist with Lavon Cook as organist. Dave Kochmann will play the saxophone. Serving as pallbearers were all of Gladys’ grandchildren. Her great grandchildren and all of her nieces and nephews were honorary bearers. Visitation was at the Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen on Wednesday, January 23, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, with a Prayer Service at 6:30pm. Interment took place at First Lutheran Cemetery in Mahnomen.

Gladys Tilleraas

June 24, 1923 - January 18, 2013