Gladys Bernice Boyum

Gladys Boyum, 100, formerly of Battle Lake, died Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Johanna Shores Gables Care Center, Arden Hills, Minnesota.

Gladys Bernice Aaberg was born on June 19, 1923, at their farm home in Oscar Township, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, the daughter of Charles and Clara (Juven) Aaberg.  She was baptized on July 29, 1923 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Rothsay, and also confirmed there on May 29, 1938.  Sunday School, Luther League and 4-H were all part of her growing-up years.

Gladys attended rural School District 127 through eighth grade, and in 1942 graduated from Rothsay High School as valedictorian of her class.  After high school she enrolled in Civil Service correspondence courses, and then went on to attend Interstate Business College in Fargo, North Dakota.  For about three years she was the office secretary at the county Extension Office, Fergus Falls.

June 29, 1946, she married Norman Boyum at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, and they settled on their farm two miles southwest of Battle Lake.  They continued to live here until their three children – Norlin, Darryl, and Mary were all in college. The years were filled with many activities including 4-H leadership, Homemaker’s Club, teaching Sunday School, VBS, Release Time, and participating in Circle and Ladies Aid, besides being a stay-at-home Mom.

In 1973 she and her husband purchased and moved into their home in Battle Lake.  Gladys was the Financial and Parish Secretary at First Lutheran Church for several years.  Later she spent much time being there for her parents when they needed her during their declining years.  Gladys enjoyed gardening, flowers, genealogy, making greeting cards, and especially her family.

Gladys found genealogy to be very interesting and compiled much family history during her later years.

Norman passed away in March 2008.  In June 2009, Gladys moved to an apartment at the Good Samaritan Home in Battle Lake.   She enjoyed living there and was so thankful that her strong faith in her Loving Lord and Savior sustained her all her many years.

A Memorial Service will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 4, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial preferred to First Lutheran Church, 505 Holdt St W, Battle Lake, MN 56515 or donor's choice.

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake