Lucille Gartzke, 53, passed away at home in Thief River Falls, Minn., with her family by her side Friday, March 9, 2012.
Funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, with the Rev. Ben Carlsen officiating.
Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 12, with a 6:30 prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls.
Visitation was also one hour prior to the service at the church Tuesday, March 13.
Lucille Ann Gartzke was born Sept. 24, 1958, in International Falls, Minn., to Harold and Henrietta Marjorie (Bengen) Gartzke.
Lou graduated from Falls High School in 1977.
In 1976, Lou met Benjamin Sanden in her hometown. The couple was blessed with two children, Scott and Kristina. Together they made their home in International Falls and in July of 2004, moved to Thief River Falls.
Lou was a proud mother and was fortunate to work at home while taking care of her children.
In November of 2007 Lou became employed by Walmart in Thief River Falls as their customer service manager. She was very proud of her work and really enjoyed the camaraderie of her fellow co-workers.
Lou really enjoyed playing Farmville on Facebook, making trips to the casino, and watching the Lifetime Movie Network.
Her pride and joy was her grandbabies, Kaitlyn Ann, Ava Grace, Caden and Trevor John. Lou and her grandbabies enjoyed making cookies together, watching all the new movies they could, and attending parades.
She will be remembered by all who loved her as a caring, giving lady who thought a lot about the wellbeing of others.
Lou was always there to lend a helping hand.
She will be dearly missed by her husband, Benjamin of Thief River Falls, Minn.; children, Scott Sanden of Fargo, N.D., and Kristina (Jason) Thompson of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Ann, Ava Grace, Caden and Trevor John; sisters and brothers, Carol (Donald) Brantel of Sommerset, Wis., June (Wayne) O’Laughlin of International Falls, Minn., LeRoy (Linda) Gartzke of International Falls, Minn., Glenn Gartzke of International Falls, Minn., Betty (Jerry) Kaminski of International Falls, Minn., Donna Gartzke of International Falls, Minn., Donald Gartzke of International Falls, Minn., and Susan (Joe) Thellin of Hibbing, Minn.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
Lou was preceded in death by her parents.
Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, was in charge of arrangements.
