Gyda Otelie Gullekson, 83, Fertile, MN passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND, due to complications from COVID-19. Gyda was surrounded by only 4 of her children (due to covid restrictions) as she was welcomed into the arms of God.

Gyda Otelie Lee was born October 27, 1937 the 7 ^th child of 8 children to Peder and Sophie (Mjovig) Lee on a farm north of McIntosh MN. Gyda was baptized, confirmed and married at Trinity Lutheran Church in McIntosh.

Gyda lived in Lessor Township until moving to town (McIntosh) at 17. Gyda married Lynn Le Roy Gullekson on June 19, 1955. To this union was born 7 children and a stillborn girl. After moving to different places, Lynn and Gyda with 7 children, settled at the Gullekson home place. Lynn and Gyda raised their family on this little farm along with cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens and a big garden. Gyda spent many hours cooking, baking, canning, cleaning and helping outdoors.

When Lynn was diagnosed with lung cancer in Oct. of 1984, they stopped farming and did some traveling, spending parts of two winters in Arizona. When Lynn, the love of her life, passed away in May 1986, Gyda went to work at Anderson Fabrics in Crookston, MN until 1990. Gyda moved to McIntosh for 10 years only to return to Fertile in 2001, where she has remained the rest of her life. Over those years, Gyda indulged her hobbies of sewing, quilting and cross-stitching, making so very many crafts for family and friends. Gyda's joy was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she loved baking everyone's favorite's, especially homemade chocolate cakes with old fashioned boiled frosting, and spice cake with caramel frosting. Gyda's family was always asking for their favorites including her amazing potato salad and old fashioned donuts she made mountains of. All these, she shared with her family and extended family on special occasions and gatherings.

In later years, Gyda indulged in her dream of hosting foreign exchange students. She shared her home and love with two she called daughters. Ashiqin, from Malaysia, and Stine, from Norway. Within the family, Gyda got to share her love with more than 20 other exchange students who called her Grandma and were hosted by two of her daughters. Gyda served her church in many capacities as Deacon, Sunday school teacher, Altar Guild, Lector, President of W.E.L.C.A and Treasurer of W.E.L.C.A.

Gyda is preceded in death by her brothers, Luverne, Bernt, Ernest, Harvey and Marvin Lee. brother-in-law, Ronald Eck; father, Peder; stillborn girl, Sara; son-in-law, Kenneth Gilbertson; mother, Sophie Lee; her only sister, Dagny Eck; son, Toby; and beloved husband Lynn.

Left to mourn her death are Sylvia (Larry) Rasmussen of New Port Richey, FL , Susan (Sam) Coz, of Blaine, MN, Teresa Gullekson of Fertile, MN, Guy (Michelle) Gullekson of Fertile, MN, Lisa (David) Enget of Fertile, MN, Loren Gullekson of Rush City, MN; 12 grandchildren, Adam, Sara, Kristi, Janet, Tristan, Tanner, Crystal, Katlynn, Brady, Gavin, Brianna and Tatianna; 6 step grands, Keith, Jacob, Brandon, Farren, Mimi and Miko; great-grands, David, Sabrina, Sephen, Gabriel, Emmalynn, Landon, Olivia,  Kinsley, and Olivia; brother, Sheldon Lee of Fosston, MN, brother & sister in-law Ray and Gelene Gullekson; sister in-law, Elsie Gullekson of Fertile, MN; special friend and cousin Marvin Rolf; special friend and nephew, Gerald Eck and numerous nieces and nephews; and Gyda's special daughters, Ashiqin Ariffin, from Malaysia, and Stine Johannessen, of Norway.

Funeral: A private family only service will take place on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home in Fertile, MN, following all of the Minnesota and CDC COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. All must wear a mask to attend. In your absence, we encourage friends and neighbors to send a single flower or balloon that will be placed in a pew at Gyda's service on Saturday in her memory. Please call Sun Flowers Floral at 218-784-2280, Crookston Floral at 218-281-3549 or Montague's Flower Shop at 218-281-4419.

Interment : Concordia South Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN.

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