Myrtle Gauslow

Myrtle Gauslow, 89, Fargo , ND , formally of Colfax , ND , died Monday, October 13, 2008 at the Waterford at Harwood Groves, Fargo .

Myrtle Viola Gunness was born April 6, 1919 at the Gunness farm near Abercrombie , ND , the seventh of eleven children of Ole and Mathea (Bergehagen) Gunness. She attended elementary and high school in Abercrombie , ND . Following graduation she attended Valley City Teachers College in Valley City , ND acquiring a Second Grade Professional Life Teaching certificate.

Myrtle taught at various schools in Richland and Cass counties, beginning at Abercrombie Rural School #5 in 1938 and continuing through 1954 at Wahpeton Grade School . During this time Myrtle attended local baseball games following her brothers love of the game. One particular star player, Andrew Gauslow, who played center field for the Aber Chiefs, took an interest in her and the rest as they say is history. On November 16, 1954, Andrew and Myrtle were married at the Richland Lutheran Church , rural Walcott , ND .

Myrtle and Andy farmed and lived on the Gauslow family farm after their marriage. Myrtle returned to teaching along with her sister Helen Childs at the various Richland District 44 schools and frequently did substitute teaching. Myrtle enjoyed volunteering at Richland Lutheran Church and the Richland County Annual Cancer Drive. Her other interests included baking, entertaining at her home, attending family reunions, Homemakers Club, gardening, reading, working on photo albums, and attending local school functions and sporting events with Andy. She was well known for generously giving treats from her kitchen to friends and relatives. Many remember her wonderful buns and “Grandma Myrtle Bars”.

Andrew and Myrtle moved from the Gauslow Farm to Colfax , ND in 1978. In December 2003, the couple moved to the Waterford at Harwood Groves in Fargo , ND . Andrew passed away in May of 2005.

A special ‘thank you’ to the wonderful staff at the Waterford and angels of the Hospice of the Red River Valley for their loving care and support on Myrtle’s final journey.

Myrtle is survived by one son, Dave (Renee) Gauslow, Walcott, ND, 2 grandchildren Scott (Jessica) Gauslow, Colfax, ND, and Kari (Aaron) Kleingartner, West Fargo, ND, her sisters Helen Childs, Fargo, ND, Norma Grenier, Wahpeton, ND, one brother, Arnie (Betty) Gunness, Alexandria, MN, sisters-in-law, Abbie Moe, Dilworth, MN, Lorraine Langseth, Wahpeton, ND, Christine Gauslow, Moorhead, MN, Ione Gunness, Fargo, ND and many nieces and nephews.

Myrtle was proceeded in death by her husband Andrew, three brothers; Melvin, Clarence and John Gunness, sisters; Olga Vangsness, Esther Nelson, Ann Stow and Alice Gunness.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 pm Friday, October 17, at Richland Lutheran Church , rural Walcott with Rev. Roger Reinhart officiating.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 16, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a 7:00 pm Prayer Service at the Willow Creek Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, ND; also visitation one hour prior to time of service on Friday at the church.

Internment will be held at Richland Lutheran Cemetery , rural Walcott.