Gladys (Helling) Loft

Gladys (Helling) Loft, age 89 of North Mankato, entered into eternity Saturday, June 2, 2007 at the Benedictine Health Care Center in St. Peter.

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at Grace Lutheran Church in Mankato with Rev. Joel Erickson officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Hills Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the church on Tuesday. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given to an organization of the donor's choice.

Gladys was born on January 4, 1918 to Oscar and Gina (Ulen) Thordson in Lake Hanska Township, Brown County, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at Lake Hanska Lutheran Church. She attended rural grade school and Hanska High School. On October 5, 1935 she married Clarence Helling at St. James Lutheran parsonage. After Clarence's death Gladys married Irwin Loft on November 25, 1955 in Delaven.

Gladys had resided in North Mankato for the past 44 years. She was a housewife, homemaker and had worked at various jobs. She especially enjoyed flower gardening, reading and nature. She was an avid sports fan especially of the Twins, Vikings and Timberwolves. She enjoyed her visits with her dog friends, "General", "Gracie" and "Tweetie" as well as chocolate candy and other sweets. Her family and close friends will miss her positive honest encouragement, her wisdom, and also her sense of humor. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and the Grace Lutheran Ladies Circle.

Gladys is survived by her four children, Barbara Nelson Hanson and her husband Toby of North Mankato, C. Bruce Helling and his wife Lorraine of Mesquite, NV, Oscar Helling and wife Gayle of Madison Lake and Port Charlotte, FL, Chuck Helling and his wife Jill of Lake Washington, MN; six grandchildren, Troy and Todd Helling, Tracy Helling, Ingrid (Tom) Brummett, Travis (Melanie) Helling, Tim Helling; six great-grandchildren, Tiffany and Tyler Helling, Travis J. and Hailey Helling, Devyn and Jack Brummett; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Brian in infancy; two husbands; two sisters; four brothers; two granddaughters, Kimberly Helling, and Christi Nelson.