Gladys Schleicher

Gladys Schleicher, age 85, of McIntosh, MN, passed away on Wednesday (July 25th) at First Care Hospital in Fosston. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday (July 30th) at Immanuel Lutheran Church in McIntosh with the Rev. Dean Bell officiating. Interment will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, McIntosh. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Sunday (July 29th) at the McIntosh Community Center. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home, serving McIntosh.Gladys Evelyn Simonson was born to parents Paul and Hilda (Halvorson) Simonson May 27, 1922, at the Simonson home in Lessor Township. She was baptized by Rev. Njus at West Church (formerly St. Luke's Church) and confirmed by Rev. Westermo at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. She attended country school (Husby School #120) all eight grades. Gladys attended high school (Mac High) and graduated in 1940-the largest graduating class of 50 members, 25 boys and 25 girls. She attended Bemidji State Teachers' College and graduated in 1942. After teaching one year, Gladys married Lloyd Schleicher, son of Art and Elsie (Roth) Schleicher (also of Lessor Township) on July 10, 1943, by Rev. Fellwock of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She taught 5th and 6th grade in McIntosh in 1944-1945 and did substitute teaching in the McIntosh school for several years. Galdys and Lloyd were blessed with four lovely daughters. Gladys was a member of the 4-H club (also a 4-H leader); taught Sunday School; was a member of the church choir; directed children's and adult choirs at Immanuel; was an active member and president of the Ladies Aid; president of the Lessor Homemakers' Club.The Honor Dairyman's Award was given to Lloyd and Gladys Schleicher in 1958. They were also the Host Family for the first AFS student in McIntosh. Lorna Ferrer of the Philippines was with them for a year in 1972-1973. Gladys was an Avon representative for ten years until going back to teaching in 1969. She taught at Brooks and Bejou, and retired in 1986 after teaching in Mahnomen for sixteen years. She loved children and was a dedicated teacher.Since retirement, Gladys and Lloyd have been spending the winters in Mesa, Arizona. Her hobbies have been embroidering, dancing, scrapbooks, and music. Gladys enjoyed playing the accordion, the drums, (in H.S. and college), the piano, and the last few years, the keyboard. She and Lloyd (on the violin) have been entertaining at many nursing homes, Senior meal sites, birthday parties, anniversary parties, etc. in and around the McIntosh area and in Mesa, Arizona. They celebrated their 64th anniversary in July of 2007 and have been so thankful for their many years together.Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, twin grandsons, brothers, Berger, Ray, Herman, Lawrence, Curtis, Alfred and Melvin and sisters Selma Olson, Pearl Anderson, and Myrtle Edwards, and one brother who died in infancy.Surviving are her husband, Lloyd, and daughters: Carole (Don) Eckstrom of Otsego, MN, Paulette Rose of San Diego, CA; Angela (Kal) Martin of Albuquerque, NM; Randi (Butch) Milne of Largo, FL; Grandchildren: Wendy and Bob Eckstrom; Erica and Emily Rose; Paul and Kyle Martin; step-grandchildren, Christopher and Dawn Milne. Also surviving are a brother, Hilmer; and a sister, Agnes Gaetz. Many nieces and nephews and cousins also survive.Honorary Pallbearers will be Gladys' grandchildren-Wendy Eckstrom, Erica Rose, Bob Eckstrom, Emily Rose, Paul Martin and Kyle Martin.Active Pallbearers will be Wayne Gustafson, Harvey Johnson, Roger Buchholz, Clayton Bartz, Bruce Grundyson, and Jim Lee.