"We are so saddened to here the loss of Grace. She was always such a kind and genuine lady. Peace to her family."
In loving memory of
Grace E. Bilstad
July 21, 1926 - April 30, 2021
Grace E. Bilstad, 94, passed away Friday, April 30, 2021 at Friendship Haven, Fort Dodge.
Private funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Fulton Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at the Callender Cemetery, Callender. Public visitation will be on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Fulton Lutheran Church. Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home is serving the family.
Grace is survived by her children Diane (Don) Minier of Ringsted, RaeAnn (Jim) Lang of Urbandale, Linda (Dan) Eklund of Huxley, Sue (Steve) Dooley of Grimes and Daughter-in-law Jennifer Bilstad of Somers, 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, sister Joyce Ness of Bedford, Texas, sister Shirley Brown of Riceville, and brother Darrel Gommels of Cedar Rapids. She was preceded in death by her husband Gene Bilstad, her son Tom Bilstad, her parents, Ed and Pearl (Freisner) Gommels, brothers Glenn Gommels, Dale Gommels, Roy Gommels, Merle Gommels, sister Donna Gottschalk and grandchildren Eric and Michael Bilstad
Grace Ellen Gommels was born on July 21, 1926 on a farm near Manson and graduated Manson High School. On March 28, 1948 she was united in marriage to Gene Thomas Bilstad in Rockwell City. They farmed in the Somers and Callender area all their lives. Grace worked at the Rockwell City Bank and Somers Savings Bank (Heartland Bank) in Callender. Grace was a lifetime member of Fulton Lutheran Church.
Memorial may be left to the discretion of the family.
Tributes
"I have many warm memories of Aunt Gracie. She was so welcoming and loving when we came to visit from Colorado. My heart is sad for all of you at this time. Love Suzy Kelly"