Gladys Julstrom

Gladys Rose (Stohlgren) Julstrom

Gladys died peacefully at her home at Edgewater Retirement Community in West Des Moines on October 24, 2024, at age 100.

Gladys Stohlgren was born February 17, 1924, at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, the daughter of Martin and Blanche (Peterson) Stohlgren of Des Moines. She was predeceased by her parents, sister, Mildred Dugas, and 3 brothers: Harold, Donald, and Walter Stohlgren. She married Donald Ernest Julstrom on April 27, 1946, in Des Moines after his return from serving in the Sea Bees in World War II. Their five sons survive her: Paul (LuAnn), David, Peter (Jeanne), and twins James (Elaine) and Mark (Man Hua); 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sister-in-law Gertrude Stohlgren, 2 nieces, 5 nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.

Gladys graduated from East High School in 1941 and attended Augustana College and Drake University, where she studied piano and vocal music under Dr. Francis Pyle. She had a lifelong love of music and was a frequent soloist at church and for weddings and other special occasions. Other lifelong interests included gardening, tennis, bicycling, contract bridge, sewing, knitting, and attending concerts and plays. She was particularly fond of the Des Moines Metro Opera and the Des Moines Symphony.

Following Don’s death, Gladys moved to Urbandale and joined the Urbandale United Church of Christ, where she sang with the choir.

A memorial service for friends and family will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens at 121 NW 60th Ave in Des Moines preceded by a visitation at 10:00 a.m.

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