Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Gretchen Ewald Obituary
Gretchen Lou Ewald, a devoted and loving mother, gramma, granny, aunt, sister, and compassionate friend, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2024, at the age of 77 in Forest Lake, Minnesota.
Born on January 29, 1947, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, Gretchen was a resident of the Saint Paul area before moving to Forest Lake in 2023 to live with her daughter, Julie.
Gretchen was the daughter of Donald and Mildred Morris and was happily married to William "Bill" Ewald until his passing in 2009. Together, they raised a beautiful family and founded a real estate business before Gretchen ventured into the world of Job Development Services, where she touched countless lives by helping individuals find the perfect career fit. Her commitment to her work was unwavering, reflective of her kind and giving nature.
Gretchen’s positive attitude in life would always brighten the day of everyone she encountered. She adored spending time with her family and entertaining them with her home cooking that was especially cherished during holiday meals. She found great joy in reading, often immersing herself in the world of historical romance novels. Gretchen's gentle spirit and caring heart endeared her to all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; son, Douglas; and her beloved four-legged companion often referred to as her “favorite child”, Rocky; siblings, Bobette Horbach, Clinton Morris, Allan Morris, and Philip Morris.
She is survived by her children, Julie Janos, David (Sharon) Ewald, Judy (Tom) Robinette, Dan (Sonya) Ewald, Jerry (Binh) Jensen; 16 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; sister, Barbara (Steven) Slack; many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Gretchen's legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to live on through them.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. concluding with a rosary on Friday, March 15, 2024 at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota 55025.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. (visitation continues one hour prior to Mass) on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at The Church of Saint Peter, 1250 South Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota 55025
Interment (following Mass) at Union Cemetery, 2505 Minnehaha Avenue East, Maplewood, Minnesota 55119
Luncheon to follow at Hazel Park Recreation Center (two minutes from cemetery) at 945 Hazel Street North, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55119
Rest in peace, Gretchen Ewald.
View All Photos
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Gretchen
Memories and Condolences
for Gretchen Ewald
Tell your own story about Gretchen
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Gretchen Ewald's name
How to support Gretchen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gretchen Ewald's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more