Gladys Merle (Christeson) Byro (1900-1988)

BYRO, CHRISTESON, CORDAHL, DOROW, ROGNESS, TOLLEFSRUDE

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:51

September 25, 1900 --- December 27, 1988

Gladys Merle Christeson was born to Erik O. and Rose Tollefsrude Christeson on September 25, 1900, at Rusk, Iowa. Gladys was baptized November 8, 1900. She attended Trinity Lutheran Church until her family moved to Varina in 1906. In 1913 the family moved to Eagle Grove and since that time her home has been in this area.

She attended the Eagle Grove schools graduating in 1919. Following her graduation she attended Bible School in Minneapolis for one year in preparation for a possible call to the foreign mission field. She taught in the elementary rural schools near Rusk, Vincent, Duncombe, and the Pine View School north of Eagle Grove.

On December 27, 1923, she was united in marriage to Orin T. Byro at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove. They spent their married life farming near Eagle Grove and Goldfield. In 1971 they retired from farming and moved into Eagle Grove. Orin died in 1973.

During the years she was active in the youth and women's organizations of her church. She was active in the fellowship group, quilters, and Bible study groups in the church. She served on the church library board and was involved in the church library reading group. She served terms as library resource secretary in the Fort Dodge Conference of the ALC Women.

Gladys Byro was active in 4-H and a leader in 4-H and FFA projects. She was active in the Farm Bureau Women's group. She was a member of the KYN Club, Evergreen Association, D.O.C. Study Club, the Equality Club, Forum and Book Worms. She was active in support of the Wright County ARC. She served on the board of directors for the Senior Citizens Center. She was chosen as Wright County Outstanding Senior Citizen in 1981. She was a member of the Waldorf College Heritage Club since 1981. She enthusiastically supported learning and study, and attended night classes at Iowa Central Community College.

Gladys Merle Byro died from cancer on Tuesday, December 27, 1988, at the age of 88 years, three months, and two days at her home in Eagle Grove, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her husband; an infant daughter; her parents, two sisters, and a brother.

She is survived by her four children; Dorcas Dorow, Osage; Paul, Kaleva, Mich.; Miriam Rogness, Forest City, and Kenneth, Boulder, Colo.; 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; one brother, Evron Christeson, Omaha, Neb.; and one aunt, Blanche Cordahl, Rotary Ann Home, Eagle Grove.

Funeral services were held Friday, December 30, 1988, at 2 p.m. at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove, Iowa. The Rev. H. W. Schiller officiated and burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove.

Kastler-Babcock Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
January 4, 1989