Margaret Gravdahl

Margaret Gravdahl, aged 95 years passed away peacefully at home Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015. Margaret Lenora Gates was born July 10, 1919 in Bradley, South Dakota to Harvey Dick and Ella Adeline (Lloyd) Gates. The fourth of five children she grew up on the farm, graduated from Thorpe Consolidated High School and later earned certification from Northeast Teacher’s College in Aberdeen South Dakota. She taught K-12 in rural South Dakota public schools. She worked at the Bremerton shipyards during WWII and later served the US Navy as a Pharmacist Mate First Class at the Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, CA. After the war she worked in the insurance business, co-owned the Flamingo Night Club in Watertown, SD, and was an administrative assistant at a number of federal government agencies. She brought her family to Fort Collins in 1967 to work in the new Center for Disease Control, CSU Foothills Campus. She later worked for the Poudre Valley Hospital Phone Desk. She closed her employment history as a part time office manager at the Park Lane Towers Condominiums retiring from the workforce on her 80th birthday. Margaret loved to travel and cheerfully celebrated her 73rd birthday in London during a family visit to the British Isles. She was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Gravdahl; her siblings Emma, Helen, Lawrence, and Richard; and her cherished nephews and niece Jack Link, Pat Gottsleben, Bill Harvey, Jerry Gates, and Mike Day. Two children were born to her first marriage with Michael Mirras. Ernest Mirras lives in Fort Collins, Harvey Mirras passed away in early childhood. She later married Herbert Gravdahl, her son John Gravdahl (Kathleen) and grandson Evan live in Fort Collins. Over the years she encouraged a beautiful sharing of experiences for her growing children between these diverse families. Margaret lived a full and eventful life. She was devoted to family and friendships. Her sincere smile and positive outlook continue to inspire. Straight ahead Mom! A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2015 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 1200 S Taft Hill Road in Fort Collins. Donations may be sent to Pathways Hospice in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.

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Margaret Gravdahl

July 10, 1919 - April 5, 2015