Lucille Caroline Sjulstad

Lucille Caroline Sjulstad, age 91, of Mankato, MN, died peacefully Friday, April 26, 2024, at Mapleton Community Home. 

Lucille was born September 25, 1932 in St. Paul to Martin and Elsie (Bruggeman) Volkert. She graduated from Randolph High School. She was united in marriage to John Sjulstad in August 1953 when he returned home from military leave. Throughout their life, Lu and John lived in Northfield, Alexandria, Waseca, Mankato, Blue Earth, and Austin. They made many close friends over the years with their community involvements. They also traveled all over the United States and Europe.  

Lu’s work life included telephone operator, homemaker, and retail clerk for several stores. John and Lu started their own insurance and real estate business, Kato Insurance and Century 21 Realty, where she worked as a secretary and receptionist. 

In her spare time, Lucille spent many hours playing bridge, golfing, bowling, playing cards, reading, socializing with friends, and spending time with family, especially their summer days at lake resorts up north. She also enjoyed her time spent with friends and neighbors at Willowbrook, her home for the last 13 years. 

She is survived by her children, Cynthia (David) Leffert of Cooper City, FL, Greg (Patti) Sjulstad of North Mankato, Barb (Mark) Oberle of Mankato, Lori (Mike) Vandertie of Austin, Doug (Karen) Sjulstad of Mankato, and David (Koni) Sjulstad of Eagan; 14 grandchildren, Ryan, Lisa, Jeffrey, Adam, Thomas, Thad, Leann, Nathan, Trent, Dan, Eric, Krista, Ben, and Brittney; 7 great-grandchildren, Scott, Sara, Reagan, Paisley, Paxton, Waverly, and Theia; foreign exchange student from Argentina, Susana Bordi; and many nieces and nephews. 

Lucille is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; 3 brothers and 1 sister; 5 brothers-in-law and 6 sisters-in-law, along with their spouses. 

A service celebrating Lucille’s life will be held at 11:30am, Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato with visitation starting at 10am. A private burial service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis will take place at a later date. Please share a memory of Lucille with her family, view her video tribute, and watch her service livestreamed at www.mankatomortuary.com

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