ANGA “Ann” GRAVDAHL
December 23, 1923 ~ June 1, 2011

Anga “Ann” Gravdahl, age 87 of Park Rapids, MN, passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Heritage Cottages in Park Rapids, MN.
Ann was born on December 23, 1923 in Ada, MN to Gilbert and Laura (Strand) Gilbertson. She attended Ada High School graduating with the class of 1941. Ann went on to attend the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis. Soon after completing her schooling, Ann traveled to Utah where she was involved in the efforts to support the troops during WWII. Upon returning to Ada she was reacquainted with Marvin Gravdahl who had also attended Ada High School. On November 23, 1946 Ann and Marvin were united in marriage in Ada. Their union was blessed with four children: Mike, Steve, Linda, and Laura. The young couple made their first homes in Ada where three of their children were born. In 1956, Ann and Marvin (Gravy) moved their family to Park Rapids, MN. Marvin traveled extensively for his job and the central location of Park Rapids helped lessen that travel time. After the move to Park Rapids, the family was made complete with the addition of their fourth child, Laura. Ann took great pride in providing a warm and loving home for her growing family. She also found employment with Ringer Manufacturing where she worked as a seamstress and inspector for many years. She was a faithful member of Calvary Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school and belonged to the women’s circles. Ann was also a past member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Auxiliary and the Eagles Auxiliary. She enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Park Rapids Floral team for many years. She often helped with the United Blood Service blood drives held at the American Legion. In 1984, Ann endured the loss of her husband, Marvin. In the early 1990’s, Ann was diagnosed with cancer and was not expected to live long. Thinking her time was short, the family held the first “Opening Fishing-Mothers Day-Fish Fry.” The event became a family tradition and is now in its 20th year. The Fourth of July celebration held at the house is also a special occasion, with front row seats for the fireworks right on the river. Most of all, Ann cherished time spent with her family and friends.
Ann will be lovingly remembered by her four children: Mike (Marilyn) Gravdahl of Park Rapids, MN, Steve (Dawn) Gravdahl of St. Francis, MN, Linda (Jerry) Hoversten of Maple Grove, MN and Laura (Jim) Schauer of Park Rapids, MN; 13 grandchildren: Jon (Chris) Gravdahl, Josh Gravdahl, Nate (fiancée, Jessica Girtz) Fazekas, Bryce Fazekas, Katie (Mike) Herdan, Sheila (Kyle) Stromstad, Heidi Hoversten, Emily (Rob) Yule, Jessica Gravdahl, Joe Schauer, Rebecca Ion, Laura Welander and Anne Schauer; 5 great grandchildren: Kylee and Dillon Stromstad, Amelia Gravdahl, Jonnie Schauer and Caylin Welander; one brother, George Gilbertson and two sisters-in-law, Margaret Gilbertson and Evie Gilbertson all of Ada, MN; along with many other relatives and friends
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin; 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, June 6, 2011 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, MN with Reverend Stephen Norby officiating.  Reverend Norby will sing “On Eagle’s Wings”. Congregational hymns will be “Jesus Loves Me”, “Amazing Grace” and “Beautiful Savior”. Casketbearers will be Ann’s grandchildren: Jon Gravdahl, Josh Gravdahl, Nate Fazekas, Bryce Fazekas, Katie Herdan, and Sheila Stromstad. Honorary casketbearers will be her grandchildren: Heidi Hoversten, Emily Yule, Jessica Gravdahl, Joe Schauer, Rebecca Ion, Laura Welander, and Anne Schauer. Interment will be made next to her husband, Marvin in Bethel Cemetery near Park Rapids. A luncheon will be held at the church for all to attend.