Glendora Galde

Glendora “Stubba” Galde, 87, passed away on December 22, 2024, at Bridges of Ankeny, Iowa.

Born on November 24, 1937, in Kloten, North Dakota, to Tollef and Geneva (Paulson) Hanson, Glendora was the youngest of four children. Raised in rural Kloten, she experienced both hardship and joy as her mother worked tirelessly to support the family after her father's passing when Glendora was only three years old. Her mother instilled in her a strong work ethic that remained with her throughout her life.

Glendora's life was deeply intertwined with that of Robert “Bob” Galde, whom she married in August of 1956. Their love began when they were children, with Bob, being a close friend of Glendora’s brother. He stayed in their home in town during the tough North Dakota winters. Their bond grew over the years, and they shared a love that spanned their entire lifetimes. Glendora and Bob relocated to Des Moines in 1966, where they raised three children and forged lasting friendships.

Glendora attended Mayville State Teachers College and obtained her Teaching Certificate. She taught all grades in a one-room schoolhouse until Bryan was born. After moving to Des Moines, she found her true calling at Freeman Decorating, where she worked for over 30 years in Exhibitor Services. Her job took her across the Midwest, where she contributed to major events like the Iowa State Fair and Farm Progress Shows.

Glendora was deeply proud of her Norwegian heritage, a connection that she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Some of the ways she preserved her family traditions was through baking things like Lefse, Krumkakke, and Flatbread.

She is survived by her children, Bryan (Lynn) Galde, Shelly (Chris) Orwick, and Cindy (Todd) Hick; grandchildren, Justin (Jess) Overturf, Star (Tyler) Umbdenstock, Sasha, Sara, and Skylar Galde, Keenan Newell, EJ (Taylor) Newell, and Tristan and Briley Hick; great-grandchildren, Trinity, Jaden, Hunter, Noah, William, Eli, Cooper, Cambrie, and Braxton; brother, Tollef (Carol) Hanson; and a host of extended family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Tracey Hanson; sister, Yvonne Byers; and her husband of 67 years, Bob Galde.

Glendora will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, and the love she so freely shared with all who knew her. She opened her heart and home to many, always ready to lend a hand to those in need. Her warmth and the lasting impact she made on her family and friends will never be forgotten.

Glendora will be laid to rest with her husband Bob in June at Valley Grove Cemetery in Kloten, ND.

The family will greet friends on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. A luncheon will immediately follow at the Eagle’s Lodge, 6567 Bloomfield Road, Des Moines. For those unable to attend in person, the family invites you to join them virtually through the link in her obituary on Hamilton’s website at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonFuneralHome.com

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