Glendora Harriet Ficken, 93, of Fertile, MN, died on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, at Riverview Health, Crookston, MN. Glendora was the first born child of Elma and Herman (Erickson) Erikson, in rural Fertile, MN, on December 31, 1921. She attended a Nelson Country School, District 70, not far from their home. After her 8th grade graduation, she went to Northwest School of Ag (the AC) in Crookston, MN, through 1940.

In 1940, she looked for jobs in St. Paul, MN and Seattle WA. She worked as a waitress at a Walgreens, in St. Paul. She became a Nanny for a Navy Commander and did her part in support of World War II by working at Boeing Aircraft in Seattle.

Glendora married Art Gundell in January 1946, in Seattle; they had 3 children: Arthur, Judy and Robert. After her husband, passed away in 1950, she returned to Fertile to raise her three children. She worked in Fertile at the Boarding House, the poultry packing plant, and seasonally picked potatoes near Ada.

On June 30, 1955, Glendora married Frederick Ficken at the First Evanger Lutheran Church in Fertile. They made their home 14 miles southwest of Elwood, Nebraska. Here they raised dairy and beef cattle, hogs, chickens and geese. Glendora was known for her garden products, wonderful cinnamon rolls, and goose down feather pillows. She loved to sew clothes for her kids. In August of 1958, she gave birth to her 4th child, Julie. Around 1962 her mother, Elma, decided to stop making rugs and gave Glendora her rug weaving machine. She became well known for her rug making. Glendora was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in rural Elwood and worked with the Ladies Aid and Altar Guild.

With the hardships of farming in Nebraska, Fred and Glendora decided to move to rural Fertile in 1967, and purchased a farm just northeast of Fertile. They joined St John's (Green Meadow) Lutheran Church in rural Ada, MN, where she again served with the Ladies Aid and Altar Guild. Glendora worked at Lee's Nursery, picking potatoes near Ada, and the Fair Meadow Nursing Home. She had a great passion for animals, big or small, healthy or sick, she loved them all.

Our mother had a way of always putting other people's needs first, always glad to give a helping hand with chores on the farm, 4-H, FFA, dog training, taking care of her parents, neighbors, friends and grandchildren. Her humble and serving attitude came from her relationship with the Lord that led her through times of meager means and times of plenty. Whatever she had was shared to be a blessing to others. A fine lady of the Lord.

Glendora is survived by Art (Eileen) Gundell, Union Dale, PA; Robert (Bev) Gundell, Eustis, NE; and Julie Rensland, Minot, ND; nine grandchildren and 11great-grandchildren; a sister Betty Floan, Fertile, MN; several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Elma and Herman Erikson, husband, Arthur Gundell, daughter, Judy Reinke, husband, Frederick Ficken of 51 years, sons-in-law, Gary Reinke and Keith Rensland, and brother, Jimmy Erikson.

Funeral Services will be 11:00AM, Monday, November 9, 2015 at St John's Lutheran Church, rural Ada, MN.

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM, Sunday, November 8, 2015, with a prayer service at 6:30 PM at the Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home, Fertile, MN.

Burial at St John's Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ada.

Memorials can be given to St. John's Lutheran Church.