Georgie Ann "Dorty" Jeannette (Kruse) Gladwell, 88, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away peacefully at Mayo Clinic Health System-Eau Claire on Monday, March 26, 2012 after a fall on March 18, 2012. She was born on the family farm a few miles south of Springbrook, WI, on November 4, 1923, the 6th child, 5th daughter of George and Anna (Johnson) Kruse. When her father's health and sight no longer permitted him to farm, the family moved to Eau Claire in 1929. Georgie attended the Eau Claire school system from first grade through senior high, graduating Salutatorian for the class of 1941, and served as Secretary for the Alumni. She began her working career at Northwestern Motor Company in 1942, then as a Secretary for Leonard Hass and the WI State College. She later worked as Office Manager for the Eau Claire Consumers Co-op, Business Office Manager for Luther Hospital, and finally retired from her position as Accountant for Eau Claire Water and Utility. Georgie married Bob Gladwell on October 4, 1976. Soon after arriving in Eau Claire in 1929, Georgie started Sunday School at Grace Lutheran Church where she later was baptized, confirmed, and was a member of the Youth Fellowship, Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation, the Women's Organization, and Circle & Reading Club. She taught Sunday School and Sunday School Teachers as well as regularly attending Sunday worship services until her health prevented her from being actively involved. She always said how grateful and proud she was of her 80 plus years of membership. Georgie greatly enjoyed traveling, taking many trips outside of the United States with friends. Some other hobbies included photography club, bicycling, and golf. Spending time with friends and family was very important to Georgie. Having her loved ones close to share in her experiences is what made her life complete. Georgie is survived by her sister, Anna Kruse of Fall Creek; her stepson, Tim (Sue) Gladwell of Spring Brook, WI; four nieces, Colleen (Kenneth, Sr.) Heacox of Eau Claire, Virginia (Harry) Childs of Mountain City, TN, JoAnn (Fred) Gross of Brule, and Patricia Schiff of South Range; nephew, Steven Orlikoski of Brule; grandnieces, Betsy (John) Ruesch and Christine Heacox of Eau Claire; grandnephew, Bob (Deb) Briesemeister of Fall Creek, WI; her close friend, Susan Thompson, who meant so much to Georgie; as well as many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob in 1986; her parents, George & Anna Kruse; three sisters, Clara Hammer, Avis Washkuhn, and Elma Stephenson; an infant brother, Christian Louis; four brothers-in-law, Raymond Hammer, Harry Washkuhn, Alfred Orlikoski, Newell Stephenson; niece, Beverly Briesemeister; and nephew, Richard Orlikoski. Visitation for Georgie will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at Grace Lutheran Church, 202 W. Grand Ave, Eau Claire, with Pastor Rolf Nestingen officiating. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at church on Thursday. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire. In lieu of flowers, Georgie asked that donations be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 202 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703.

Service Information