Gladys Ruth Frank, 87, Minot, formerly of Norwich, died Sunday, October 28, 2007, in a Minot hospital.

Gladys Hestekind was born November 10, 1919 in Norwich, ND the daughter of Even and Mathea (Krefting) Hestekind.  She was raised and educated in Norwich, graduating from high school in 1938.  While in high school she enjoyed playing basketball and recalled it fondly as she did her memories of growing up on the farm with her family.  Gladys raised two daughters, Charlotte and Susan, and was once married to Beryl Frank. 

Throughout her life Gladys always knew she could count on the friendship of Ardis Lee.  They enjoyed going to garage sales, out to eat and shopping at Herbergers!

She was employed at various jobs in the Minot area over the years, including painting, wallpapering and driving the bookmobile for Ward County.  Prior to retirement in 1983 she had been employed as a housekeeper at Medical Arts Clinic for six years.  It was during this time that she met Allan Pearson and over the years came to see him as her son.

Following retirement Gladys could not sit idle and became a volunteer at the Minot Commission on Aging and Lutheran Social Services as a home companion for the elderly.

Gladys was a member of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot, and would be seen at services seated next to her dear friend Goldie Braaten.
 
Though Gladys placed little value in material possessions she loved her 1983 Ford Granada.  She affectionately referred to it as "old red" and often remarked that she and the car were alike; rough looking on the outside but they just kept going and going.

Most importantly Gladys cherished the time she spent with family and friends and always looked forward to the special meals prepared by her granddaughter, Brenda Vennes.

Surviving family includes:  Special Son: Allan (Renetta) Pearson and their children, Shannon and Chris; Granddaughter:  Brenda S. (David) Vennes and their children, Emilie and Andrew Kircher, and great-great-grandson, Cade Solberg; Grandson:  Michael Rasmuson and his son, Jacob Rasmuson; Grandson:  Kevin Rasmuson and his children, Andy, Albert and Brandy Rasmuson, and great-great-grandson, Nicholas Weicth; Daughter:  Susan Shipp and her Son, Sean (Alison) Martin and their children, Ellen and Kelsey Martin; Granddaughter:  Kimberly (Patrick) Toher and their children, John and Merry Toher, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Charlotte Rasmuson, sisters, Alma Benell, and Lillian Bolstad, brother, Orland Heskin and friend, Ardis Lee.

Funeral Service:  Friday, November 2, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot.
Interment: Norwich Lutheran Church Cemetery, Norwich.
Visitation:  Friday, November 2, 2007, one hour prior to the start of the funeral service at the church.

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