Gertrude Edna Widsten (nee Harrell) age 92, born June 5, 1918 in St. Paul MN.
She peacefully joined husband Norman Widsten and daughter Diane Kelsey in heaven on December 23, 2010. She was also preceded by her younger brothers, Elmer and Byron Harrell.
She is survived by her son, Mark Widsten of Las Vegas, Nevada, daughter, Mary Wood (Bob) of Morrison, Colorado, and son-in-law, Robert Kelsey of Roseville, MN; grandchildren: David Kelsey, Carolyn Kluender (Kim), Amy Widsten, Michael Wood (Jacque), Mylissa Matson (Josh), Mark Wood (Julie); great-grandchildren: Nikolas Kluender; Tyler, Paige, Emma, and Grace Kelsey, Ethan and Austin Wood, Lynnea Matson, and Matthew Wood.
Gertrude graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1940 with a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education. While teaching in Ada, Minnesota she met husband, Norman and they were married August 16, 1941. She lived most of her life in the Mac-Groveland neighborhood on Stanford Avenue & was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She was a meticulous seamstress and enjoyed sewing most of her life, everything from clothing for her family to upholstery and tailoring. She was known for keeping up with her high school friends from the First Baptist Church via Round Robin letters, a friendship that spanned decades and often made the news. She was an avid volunteer, loved history, and sharing articles with friends and family.