Gladys Loretta Parson went peacefully to her heavenly home on Wednesday February 26, 2020 with her loving family by her side at Carefree Living in Cook, MN.

Gladys was born on December 27, 1935 in Owens Township, to her parents Iver and Edith (Magnusson) Gustafson.

Gladys met the love of her life, Ted Parson, when she was a senior in high school., while he was home on leave. They were united in marriage on September 12, 1953 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook, MN. They lived in Virginia, MN for about 10 years before moving to Coon Rapids, MN to raise their family. They were blessed with 3 children: John and Deb, who were born in Virginia, and Chris who was born in Minneapolis.  After their children graduated from school, Gladys and Ted returned to Cook,MN to be closer to family and the north woods that they loved.

Besides raising her family, Gladys had various jobs throughout her life:  Canelakes, McDonald's, Winchell's Donuts, Mary Kay, Tupperware, and laundry service in a nursing home.  In 1991, she received her nursing assistant license and worked caring for the homebound elderly.

She loved listening to music and singing, especially at the Wednesday church services at Carefree.  She loved watching her grandkids' play sports and activities, and spending time with her adorable great grandkids. She enjoyed corresponding with friends, visiting with neighbors, and discussing current events.

Gladys is preceded in death by her parents: Edith and Iver; her husband Ted; brothers: John Gustafson, Carl Gustafson, Edward Gustafson, Elmer Gustafson, and Robert Gustafson; sister Lorraine Soderberg.

She is survived by her children: John (Christine) Parson of Hibbing , MN; Deb (Lori) Gordon of Gheen, MN; and Chris (Denise) Parson of Gheen, MN; brother Irvin (Sue) Gustafson of Cook, MN; grandchildren: Tyanna (Shawn Ford) Delmedico of St. Paul, MN; Carl (Raeann) Parson of Hibbing, MN; Wes (Lindsay) Parson of Dodge Center, MN; Graham (Jessica) Parson of Duluth, MN; Brendan Parson of Gheen, MN; Kylie Parson of Gheen, MN;  great grandchildren: Brooklyn, Ryker, and Aspyn, with another expected one; and several nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held followed by  public graveside service at the Cook Community Cemetery, at 1:45 PM.