Gladys M. Rickert

Obituary

Gladys Martha Rickert was born on April 23, 1924, in Penn Township, rural Brownton, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Otto and Elsie (Frauendienst) Wendlandt. Gladys was baptized as an infant on May 11, 1924, and later confirmed her faith on March 21, 1937, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton, Minnesota.

On October 21, 1942, Gladys was united in marriage to Lawrence Rickert. This marriage was blessed with one daughter, Vanna. Gladys and Lawrence resided in Penn Township, rural Brownton. They shared 31 years of marriage until the passing of Lawrence on November 17, 1973.

Gladys was a loving wife, mother, homemaker and helped Lawrence in the farming operation in whatever manner she could. She was a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton, Minnesota.

Gladys was active in Ladies Aid, Senior Citizens and several card clubs. She enjoyed gardening, canning, baking: Desserts were her specialty. Gladys loved traveling, and was able to travel to California, Missouri, Illinois, Hawaii, Germany, and Brazil. She cherished her family and enjoyed spending time with her great-grandchildren, grandchildren, daughter, son-in-law, and friends, whenever she had the opportunity.

Gladys passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson at the age of 101, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, faith, and love.

Blessed be her memory.

Gladys is survived by her:
Daughter, Vanna Alsleben and her husband, Robert of Waconia, MN;
Grandson, Stephen Alsleben and his wife, Cindy of Panama City Beach, FL;
Granddaughter, Kristina Alsleben of St. Paul, MN;
Great-grandchildren, Dr. Megan (Taylor) Willows, Captain Joshua (Dr. Erica) Alsleben;
God-child, Delroy (Kathy) Bierstadt;
Sister-in-law, Lucille Rickert;
Many other relatives and friends.

Gladys is preceded in death by her Parents, Otto and Elsie Wendlant; Husband, Lawrence Rickert; Sister, Esther (Alfred) Kurtzweg, and many beloved in-laws in the Rickert family.