Gladys Amdal

Gladys Mae (Swenson) Amdal, 83, a resident of Fergus Falls, died peacefully surrounded by her family, on Friday, July 25, 2008 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after a short illness with lymphoma.   She was born at home in Miltona, Minnesota on January 27, 1925, the daughter of John August and Freda (Dahlstrom) Swenson. Gladys was proud of being 100% Swedish. After graduating from Alexandria High School in 1943, she moved to the Twin Cities, where she attended the University of Minnesota, and worked in the defense industry during World War II. In 1950, after her father’s early death, she moved back to Miltona to help in her family’s business, the Miltona Lumber Company. On May 1, 1954, she married James Amdal (formerly of Lake Park) and together they built their current home on Linwood Court in Fergus Falls. Many of Gladys’ best friends were the neighbors on Linwood Court. As a long time member of First Lutheran Church, she sang soprano in the senior choir, served on many committees, and volunteered. She also actively participated and volunteered in the Sons of Norway, and the Otter Tail County Historical Society. Music and the arts were a major part of her life. For many years she taught piano lessons to neighborhood children and the community, and attended music and theatre performances through the Concert Association, the Community College, the Center for the Arts, and the former Schubert Club. She filled her calendar with upcoming events, and saved the programs of those attended. A lifelong traveler, she visited all 50 states and Europe, and most recently again visited Sweden, Norway, and Mexico. Gladys found daily joy in flowers, family, visiting with friends - especially over coffee or lunch, planning events, and remembering others with long letters and cards. Preceding her in death were her parents; her brother, James Swenson and his wives, Elizabeth and Kathleen; a brother-in-law, John V. Amdal; a sister-in-law, Martha Gessling and her husband George; and a niece, Katherine Amdal. Survivors include her husband of 54 years, James of Fergus Falls; a son, Jack (Cheryl) Amdal of Wayzata, MN; a daughter, Jane (Keith) Moheban of Bloomington, MN; grandsons, Samuel and Zackary Moheban; step-granddaughters: Kelli (Ryan) Varley, and Jessi (Eric) Risch; three step great-grandchildren; her friend and sister-in-law, Lorna Amdal; nephews and nieces: John (Gena Aiello) Swenson, Sandra Noble, Deborah (Steven) Oppel, David Amdal, Philip (Joan Webster) Amdal, Richard (Jean Albus) Gessling, Donald (Meriko) Gessling, James (Farkhanda) Gessling, and Paul (Irene) Gessling; and numerous other dear cousins, family and friends. Visitation:  5 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 1, at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service:  11 a.m. Saturday, August 2, at First Lutheran Church, 402 S. Court, Fergus Falls Clergy:  Reverend Matt Philaya Burial:   First Lutheran North Cemetery Arrangements: Olson Funeral Home, 711 Pebble Lake Road, Fergus Falls Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.   Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com