Gladys Denise Menard, 98, of Crookston, MN, died Sunday morning, April 7, 2013, at the Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home in Crookston. Gladys was comforted by having all five of her children at her bedside as she slept away. She was born at Eldred, MN on December 28, 1914, one of twelve children of the union of Joseph and Julia (Farley) Boucher. She grew up at Eldred and was baptized and confirmed at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Crookston. Gladys attended the Eldred Consolidated School and St. Joseph's Academy in Crookston. In 1934 she began working at the Bridgeman Creamery in Crookston, and was employed there for ten years. On May 5, 1942 Gladys was united in marriage to Gerard G. "Minnie" Menard at St. Anne's Catholic Church. Together, Gladys and Min raised five children, and made their home in Crookston all their married lives. After spending several years as a busy wife, mom, and homemaker, in 1967 Gladys began working for Gary Luckow at Scandinavian Products making lefsa. She worked there for six years and when she left 'it took two people to replace her.' Sadly, Min passed away on October 6, 1992.

Gladys was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception parish, and a charter member of the Catholic Daughters. She also held memberships in the Lady Foresters, St. Joseph's Club, and the St. Anne's Sodality. For many years Gladys was active in the auxiliaries of the American Legion, VFW, Disabled American Veterans, Eagles, and Villa St. Vincent. She was a very kind, soft-spoken lady; always there to help when needed. She attended Mass daily for many years, and lived her faith everyday of her life. Her children and their families are grateful to have been a part of her life and she will be very lovingly remembered and sadly missed.

Gladys is survived by her 5 children: Janelle Menard of Grand Forks, ND, Kathleen (David) Brule of Gentilly, MN, Gary (Susan) Menard of Crookston, Gail (Dwain) Carlson of Fertile, MN, and Bonita "Bonnie" Olson of Crookston; 15 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Her loss will be mourned by her many nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Carol "Cookie" Evenson, who saw to many of Gladys' needs during the last years of her life.

In addition to her beloved husband of 50 years, Min, Gladys was preceded in death by an infant son, Steven Joseph, who died on April 29, 1953; her parents; 4 brothers and their spouses: David (Noella), Leo (Fabiola), infant Arthur, and Harry (Mildred) Boucher; and 7 sisters and their spouses: Vitaline Holter (Jack) Murray, Valerie (Bill) Boerjan, Dora Ristau (Leo) Patenaude, infant Henrietta, Ida Arness (Max) Kasprick, Rosabelle "Pit" (Henry) Buce, and Emily Berglund. May God bless Gladys' memory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Gladys Denise Menard will be held at 2:00PM, Thursday, April 11, 2013, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with The Rev. Vincent Miller, presiding. Visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5-7:00PM, with a 7:00PM prayer service, and also at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Crookston. Online registry is available at www.stenshoelhouske.com.