G. Sylvia Hertsgaard

G. Sylvia Hertsgaard, 88, of Litchfield, MN died May 1, 2010 at Emmanuel Home in Litchfield, MN. The daughter of Ole and Elsie (Syverson) Gronseth, Sylvia was born January 3, 1922 in Britton, SD. She grew up in rural Britton, graduating from Britton High School in 1939. She attended Concordia College, Moorhead MN, graduating with majors in Home Economics and English in 1943. After graduating from Concordia she taught Junior High Home Economics from September 1943-January 1945. Sylvia married Craig M. Hertsgaard, her college sweetheart, on January 30, 1945 in Britton, SD. Their wedding took place upon his return from submarine service in the Pacific. They moved to New London, CT where Craig was stationed on the submarine the USS Sailfish. Following World War II they moved to Cavalier, ND where Craig went into business with his father. In 1963 they opened the Ben Franklin Store in Faribault, MN, which they operated until 1984 when they retired. During retirement they enjoyed wintering in Bella Vista, AR. In 2003 they moved to Litchfield, MN. Sylvia developed health problems and in December 2003 moved into Emmanuel Home in Litchfield, MN. The loving care she received extended her life and her family cherished every extra day. Sylvia was a devoted wife and mother as well as an active member of her community and church. Her activities and volunteer service included Rainbow Girls, The American Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star, PEO, the American Association of University Women, Jobs Daughters, The Experience in International Living, Concordia College, teaching sewing courses for Faribault Community Education and serving on her church council. She loved to sew, entertain, golf and was an avid bridge player. She was currently a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, MN and was previously a charter member of both Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Faribault, MN and United Lutheran Church in Cavalier. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Craig; children Sandra (Robert) Gromatka, of Bella Vista, AR, Mary (Ted) Loftness of Litchfield, MN, Ruth (Glenn) Zeise of Redwood Falls, MN, and Kristine (Richard) Hertsgaard Kincaid of Kenyon MN; grandchildren Gretchen Gromatka, Siri Loftness, Maren Loftness, Craig (Janette) Zeise, Elizabeth Zeise, Benjamin Zeise, Kelsey Hertsgaard Kincaid, Kyla Hertsgaard Kincaid; and great-granddaughter Lillian Wilkins; brother Ambrose Gronseth and sister Eunice Foster, both of Britton, SD. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law Mirl Foster and sister-in-law Eleanor Gronseth. Services will be held Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 504 N. Gilman Ave, Litchfield, MN with a reception following the service. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Interment will be at Kindred Cemetery, Kindred, ND. Memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church; Emmanuel Home, 600 Davis Ave, Litchfield MN 55355; or Concordia College, 901 8th Street So, Moorhead MN. The family wishes to thank the staff of Emmanuel Home, clergy members, Litchfield Area Hospice, and her many dear friends who welcomed her to Litchfield so warmly these last seven years. Arrangements by Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home, Litchfield, MN.