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Shirley Gronlund Obituary
Shirley J. Gronlund, “Flick”, of Valparaiso, formerly of Hobart and Chicago, passed away September 11, 2013 at St. Mary’s Medical Center at the age of 83. She was born December 31, 1929 in Chicago, IL to the late Bjorn and Fern Hoff. Shirley is survived by Byron, her beloved husband of 64 years; daughters: Susie (Glenn) Mikaloff, Gail (Mike) Ritter, and Carol (John) Retz; 13 grandchildren: Kristin Bodkin, Karin Breitenstein, Elissa Hejduk, Jason Mikaloff, Kyle Mikaloff, Kevin Mikaloff, Kris Patterson, Ryan Ritter, Jason Ritter, Adam Ritter, Randi Cox, Josh Retz, and Lauren Retz; 12 great grandchildren: Natalie, Nesta, Coasten, Cali, Joshua, Alex, Ava, Sylvia, Katherine, Ethan, Deagan, and Landon. Preceded in death by her parents. Shirley was an active member of Sons of Norway Trollhaugen Lodge. She was a teacher at Liberty Elementary School in Hobart; a member of Augustana Lutheran Church; a lifelong church choir alto; and president of South Shore High School Class of 1948 (Chicago). Shirley was a leader in everything she did. She was known for her beautiful smile and positive outlook on life. She will certainly be missed. Funeral services for Shirley will be held Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church, 207 Kelly Street, Hobart. Visitation will be Saturday, September 14, 2013 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Augustana Lutheran Church Foundation. Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel assisted with arrangements. For information please call (219) 942-2109 or go online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Gronlund
Donna Arington
September 21, 2013
Gronlund Family,
My heart is heavy for your loss. Having grown up with Gail, I spent a good deal of time riding bikes to your house during our grade school years. My memories of Shirley are only pleasant ones - her delightful smile and cheerful demeanor. God bless you all as you heal from your loss.
September 19, 2013
Dear Carol & Family,
So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Your family was so nice. I miss seeing & connecting with HHS friends. I lost my dad in Dec., so I know this is not any easy time. God bless all of you & remember all the good times with your mom.
Your classmate,
Jennie (Julian) Mayer. Henderson, NV
Renee (Smith) Pollock
September 19, 2013
So sorry for the tragic loss your family has encountered. I remember your mother well as always a smiling face at Augustana Lutheran and always willing to help in every way she could. Hugs to my former classmate , Sue for the loss of your mother.
Harlyn & Linda Hellem
September 17, 2013
Dear Byron and Family,
We feel we have been blessed in knowing Shirley and you, Byron, since 1986 from Sons of Norway. We would have been with you Sunday, but were in Southern Illinois visiting family. God bless you and your family in your time of loss.
Sincerely,
How you can show support
Kathy Nassios
September 17, 2013
Dear Carol and Family,
I loved your mom. She was one of my favorite teachers. My sister Cheryl says the same thing. My mom was her room mother for several years and my parents pass along their condolences. So very sorry for the loss of a lovely woman. Your classmate, Kathy (Koselke)
joann fasel
September 16, 2013
joann fasel.mcquade she was a wonderful person to so many good memory's of her as a teacher she will be missed your family are in our thoughts may god help you through this ruff time
George & Ann Farmer
September 16, 2013
Kristen, sounds like your grandmother was a very special lady. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
September 15, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss. We will remember your family in our prayers. Tommy and Brenda Padgett
September 15, 2013
We will keep you and your family in our prayers. Linda and Larry Tilby
September 15, 2013
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of all of you and keeping you in our prayers.
Anne Pickering and family
September 15, 2013
With deepest sympathy from the Paul & Margaret Peterson family.
Marge Adams
September 14, 2013
I'm so sorry, Kristin. Love & prayers to you and your family.
Mary Ann Djankovich (Eleff)
September 14, 2013
The Djankovich family sends their deepesr sympathy to the entire Gronland family. May she rest in peace.
Mary Ann Eleff Djankovich
Pat Ruberry
September 14, 2013
I am so very sorry to hear about Shirley. So sudden and so sad especially for Byron add her daughters. You are all in my prayers. Your mom made the best tapioca Pudding ever. What a gracious lady!!!!
Alteslane Family
Patricia Alteslane
September 14, 2013
My family is very sorry for your loss. You are in our hearts and prayers!
We love you all!!!
JG
September 14, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Please find peace and comfort in knowing God cares for you and will help you in your time of need. 1 Pet. 5:7.
Kathy Trarbach
September 13, 2013
Dear Susie, Gail, Carol, and Your Families.
So sorry to hear about your mom and the tragic way she died. I have fond memories of how nice she was to Bill and me when we camped out in your backyard, Susie! Your mom was always cheerful and enthusiastic and a joy to be around.
Condolences to your family,
Bill and Kathy
Jody Lake
September 13, 2013
Sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Gronlund. I believe she coined the phrases "that's your red wagon" and "something's rotten in Denmark". Not too many teachers bring goat cheese to class for the kids to try either. She was a great teacher and had a great sense of humor.
Kristie Amaya
September 13, 2013
My heart goes out to this family, this is a very tragic experience to deal with. I didn't have the pleasure to know Shirley but she and her family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace.
Jean Luedtke
September 13, 2013
My deepest sympathy to your family. What a devestating day it was for many people who knew you. Your contagious smile and kind words will always be remembered. So many people and children especially, were guided in life by having you in their lives. My daughter (Danielle) was always coming home from school with stories of your travels, especially to Russia. My husband (Terry) always talked highly of you, as you were also one of his teachers. I had the pleasure of working with you on committees with Liberty School & from the years at Augustana. You have a wonderful family brought up by a loving mother.
Till we meet again.
Charlie & Joyce (Crizer) Daniels
September 13, 2013
We'll always remember Shirley for her great smile and happy, friendly personality. Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Christi Janiga-Skaggs
September 12, 2013
Mrs. Gronlund was a great person. I had her in the 5th grade. It was her last year she taught before retirement. She was a really nice lady. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Dave Casbon
September 12, 2013
What a wonderful teacher!
MR.&MRS. JOSEPH HAMMER
September 12, 2013
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.SHE MUST HAVE BEEN A GREAT LADY. I'M SURE SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY MANY. MY YOUR FAMILY BE WRAPPED IN PRAYERS. GOD BLESS,
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