Photo courtesy of DUNNIGAN-DIX FUNERAL HOME - CANDO
Sep 15, 1934 - Dec 14, 2025
Gladys was a very nice, happy lady! I surely enjoyed knowing her!
Sherea Scheveck/ Orrill
February 28, 2026 | South Sioux City, NE | Friend
Gladys was very kind and committed to the Legion, Cancer, bowling, sports and her church. This last year I've not been going to the Basketball games but do watch online. Miss not seeing Gladys in her usual spot at games. Praying for comfort for family.
Becky Raddohl
Becky Raddohl
January 10, 2026 | Cando, ND | Friend
My sympathy to all of you as you mourn the loss of your mother and gramma. Gladys was a wonderful woman - she was always smiling and fun to visit with!! Brent and family ~ may Jesus give you peace in the coming days.
Colleen (Miller) Rohrer
December 24, 2025 | Churchs Ferry, ND
My condolences to all of you. She contributed a lot to the community of Cando.
Sheri Langer
December 24, 2025 | Perth, ND | Friend
I am so sorry to hear about Gladys. Your family is in my Prayers.
Danita Paulson
December 23, 2025 | Cando, ND | Friend
My Deepest Sympathy to the Freund family on loss of your mother. I have many memories as a neighbor, Gladys was always very friendly, and I enjoyed my visits with her. When I think of your mother, I can see her marching down main street in many of the American Legion parades. Bowling and her Catholic church are other memories when you think of Gladys. May God, bring you comfort and peace during this time and in weeks ahead.
Claudette Hogenson
December 22, 2025 | Cando, ND | Neighbor
I remember working w her for the Cancer Society drives. Gladys was very community minded and a blessing.
Diane Newman McDowell
December 18, 2025 | St. Augustine FL | Friend
My sympathy on the loss of your mother/grandmother/great-grandmother. Gladys will definitely be missed by the Cando community & the parishioners at Sacred Heart. What a sweetheart she was!
Connie Bertsch
December 18, 2025 | Minot, ND | Friend
I'm sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. God give you all Peace knowing you Mother is with with the Lord.
Peggy Sorge
December 18, 2025 | Deshler, NE | Family
Gladys Eileen Freund, 91, of Cando, ND, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND, surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cando, ND at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Daniel Musgrave celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary and 7:30 p.m. vigil service on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cando. Burial will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Cando in the spring.
Gladys was born on September 15, 1934, at home in Leeds, ND, to Iver and Marie (Paulson) Elverud. She grew up on the family farm, attending country school in Ervin until her older siblings got to High School, then she attended Leeds Public School. Gladys graduated from Leeds High School in 1952 as Salutatorian. She then attended Minot State on a one-year Rural Scholarship before teaching at Metcalf Country School.
That Thanksgiving, while teaching, Gladys met the “Love of her Life” George at a dance she attended with her brother Harry; an Army buddy of George’s. By spring, Gladys and George were engaged and married that summer, July 8, 1954, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cando. Together they raised 11 children on the family farm 5 miles north of Cando, where she was a career farm wife and mother.
Gladys did much community volunteering over the years. She was an American Cancer Society volunteer and officer; a Blood Drive Coordinator; a past Hospital Auxiliary President; past County President for Council on Aging; past American Legion Auxiliary President as well as membership chairman for many years. Gladys sat on Election boards and the Dakota Prairie Community Action Agency Board. She was very active in the Sacred Heart Church attending Christian Mothers and Alter Society. Gladys was a life member in both American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary.
A pastime Gladys enjoyed was bowling in League for over 50 years. She loved bowling with her family and friends in three different leagues. Playing cards with family and friends also brought her much joy. Gladys was an exceptional baker, as many have experienced. She took great pleasure in treating those around with her many baked goods, especially her famous doughnuts. One thing for sure, there was never a shortage of “treats”, which was always a highlight for the grandchildren when visiting Grandma!
Gladys put her whole heart into raising her family; loving each child, grandchild and great-grandchild unconditionally. They were all her pride and joy. She loved being called “Grandma” and spending many hours going to all their sporting events, musical events and sharing the big moments in their lives.
Gladys is survived by her children; Dennis Freund, Cando, Janis Sorge, Cando, David Freund, Cando, Robert Freund, Bonners Ferry, ID, Joann (Michael) Rinas, Cando, Beverly (Ricky) Robinson, Leeds, Brent Freund, Cando, Barbara (Bill) Fuller, Esko, MN, Gary Freund, Cando, Gail Hill, Bismarck; 19 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Harry and Lyle Elverud; sister Inez Laugtug; beloved husband George and son Raymond.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to:
Wayne Freund Vocal Scholarship – c/o North Star School PO Box 489, Cando, ND 58324
American Legion Auxiliary – PO Box 853, Cando, ND 58324
Towner County Medical Center Auxiliary – PO Box 322, Cando, ND 58324
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