Gertie Mae Asplund

Gertie Mae Asplund was called home to heaven on March 29, 2011. Services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, April 2, at Sunne Lutheran Church, Wilton, with Rev. Paul Schauer officiating. Spring burial will be held at Sunne Lutheran Church Cemetery, Wiilton. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Friday, April 1, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Gertie was born May 19, 1923 in Monroe, WA, to Eva and Victor Mattson. Gertie was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend to many. She loved the Lord and her faith was of utmost importance in her life. Gertie was a lifelong member of Sunne Lutheran Church. Gertie was born and raised in Monroe, WA. After graduating from high school she held a civilian position assembling torpedoes. In 1942, she joined the Women's Army Corps. She met the love of her life and best friend, LW Asplund Bill, in 1950 and shortly thereafter married. They moved to the family farm near Wilton, ND, in 1951, were they farmed and raised seven children. In 1961, they moved to Wilton where they owned and administrated the Asplund Pioneer Home for 16 years. They returned to farming briefly before retiring to Colorado and South Dakota. In 2009, Gertie returned to North Dakota and resided at the Medcenter One Living Center. Gertie had a lifelong passion for art. She was a creative artist in many media—oil, watercolor, pen & ink, stained glass, mosaic, and silk painting. Gertie and her husband were honored as nominees for the SD Governor's Lifetime Achievement in the Arts award. They were also bestowed the honor of "Treasures of Hot Springs" for their contributions to the community of Hot Springs, SD. She is survived by one sister, Rosie Hayes John of Mount Vernon, WA, and brother Kenneth Mattson of Yuma, AZ; two sons, Brian Asplund Bev of Rapid City, SD, and Joel Asplund Adilia of Newcastle, CO; three daughters, Linda Bernklau Ted of Tulsa, OK, Twila Gieser Ken of Mandan, ND, and Wendla Asplund of Craig, CO. Gertie treasured her children, 19 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Gertie was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and two sons, Gerald and Thomas Asplund, and her husband, Bill Asplund. Gertie was a wonderful friend to many, making many new friends wherever she lived. She will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved her. She will be remembered for her joy and enthusiasm for life! Memorials are preferred to Sunne Lutheran Church.

Gertie Mae Asplund

May 19, 1923 - March 29, 2011