Gertrude Helen “Tolly” Swanlund, 92, was a generous and loving widow, mother, and grandmother.
On May 29, 2022 Gertrude peacefully moved on to her next adventure. She was born September 2, 1929 in Castle Rock, MN and passed away at The Family Residence in Northfield, MN.
Gertrude for years was an OB-GYN nurse, “Playing with the babies.” She was a fearless world class adventurer and traveler, enjoying stops all over the world during her 80’s with her two daughters and their friends. She was an avid photographer and flower gardener, affectionately known as “Grandma Camera,” and “Granny Claus” to her kids and grandkids.
She is survived by 3 adult children: Steve Wales, Kris Newberry, Pat Wales and granddaughter Shelby Newberry; step children: Peter Swanlund (Linda), Steve Swanlund (Pam), and David Swanlund (Laurie) and many nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list, but not forgotten.
Gertrude was preceded in death by her loving parents: Knute and Hattie Tollefson; husbands Howard Swanlund and Neil Wales, son David Wales, grandson Alex Newberry, and brothers Merle, Roger, and Paul Tollefson.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday June 25, 2022 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield, MN at 12 noon, followed by a luncheon in her honor. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to one of her three favorite charities: Smile Train, Doctors without Borders, or Guiding Eyes.
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