Gwendolyn "Gwen" Elizabeth (Kraakaas) Huismann, 90, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Gwen was born on February 21, 1934, at home in Granite Falls, Minnesota to Johnnie and Phyllis (Aitchinson) Kraakaas. She was raised on the farm near Granite Falls and graduated from high school in 1952 and married Ross (Rod) Huismann on August 31, 1952.

Early in their marriage Rod worked as a telephone lineman and they traveled with a tiny trailer wherever his work took them.   After Rod started the sewer cleaning business they settled in Hutchinson MN.   Besides being mom to six children, Gwen was the secretary, bookkeeper and answering service for the business.  In 1969 Rod and Gwen moved the family to Greaney MN to get away from "the big city."  Gwen had a variety of hobbies.  She enjoyed golfing, ceramics and knitting.  They always had a big garden, and Gwen would can and freeze the excess proceeds to be eaten in the winter.

Gwen is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ross, 2 sisters: Dagny Minsaas, and Dorothy Coubal; and 1 infant sister.

Gwen is survived by her children: Karen (Terry) Skraba of Hibbing, Kathy (Kenneth) Lehman of Greaney, John (Ruth Shermer) of Greaney, Barbara (Mark) Tupy of Hibbing, Frederick "Fritz" Huismann of Greaney, and Kenny (Diane Sauter) of Gilbert. Gwen is also survived by 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Mlaker Funeral Home at 11am. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Lunch will be served immediately following the service at the VFW, Cook, MN.