Grindeland, Maretta Jean (Vangsness) c1927 - 2018

GRINDELAND, VANGSNESS, RYGG, POHL, CLARK, MCCARTY

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:43

Maretta Jean Vangsness Grindeland, 91, of Hallettsville, Texas – affectionately known as Mom, Grandma and Great Granny – passed into eternal life Thursday, April 19, 2018.

She was the only child of Herbert and Alma Rygg Vangsness and was born and raised in Decorah. She was a member of First Lutheran, which is where, Aug. 30, 1948, she married Gerald “Jerry” Grindeland –her soulmate of 57 years, until his death March 9, 2002. Together they were parents of Warren and Kari, with whom they shared their love and served as excellent models of their strong faith, commitment and care of family and others.

Maretta graduated from Luther College in Decorah and, after Jerry’s and her move to Texas in 1957, taught school one year in Carmine, and 19 years at Hallettsville High School before her retirement in 1977. Her former students continue to remember Maretta’s math, health and girl’s physical education classes where she provided instruction in sports such as archery, badminton and folk dance – as well as other sport activities.

In addition to her family and friends, Maretta loved serving her God and His church. Involved in both local and area Women of the Church events, Bible study, and other committees, Maretta served many years as parish education associate at St. Peter Lutheran in Hallettsville. In this educational role, she led acolyte training, first communion, confirmation and Sunday school classes – while also being very involved with and supportive of the church’s outreach ministry, Solid Rock Christian Center for Learning.

Maretta was especially known and honored for her handwork. She was meticulous about her needlepoint, knitting and especially with the art of Norwegian Hardanger embroidery – examples of which she generously shared with her church, family and friends.

Likely Maretta’s greatest legacy to her family was her love for and pride in her Norwegian heritage. She also enjoyed the service in and camaraderie of her “sisters” in Beta Sigma Phi.

Those to carry on her memory are son, Warren (Barbara) Grindeland and daughter, Kari (David) Pohl –both of Hallettsville; grandchildren: Amy (Alex) Grindeland Clark of Brooklyn, N.Y., Brandon (Brandi) Pohl of Hallettsville, Eric (Marci) Pohl of Victoria and Kirsten Grindeland of New York City, N.Y. – as well as great grandchildren: Andreas Clark, Adalyn Pohl, Sophia Clark and Emi Pohl; along with sister-in-law, Janann McCarty of Decorah.

A Celebration of Maretta’s life is planned for Saturday, April 28, at 11 a.m., at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hallettsville. Memorials may be directed to St. Peter Lutheran –Solid Rock or Heifer International.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Source: Decorah Newspapers April 24, 2018