Gladys Biltonen

Gladys passed away peacefully last weekend in her Mounds View, Minnesota home. Gladys was born in Hibbing, MN to Ivan and Gertrude Johnson. Growing up in the tight-knit Hibbing community, Gladys acquired many lifelong childhood friends. After graduating from Hibbing High School, Gladys left home to follow her sister Bernice at Gustavus College. This was a big step as she had no idea how she would pay for her schooling. After college graduation Gladys would start her lifelong passion for educating others as a teacher in Ely, MN. It was there that she met her husband of 31 years, Frank Biltonen. They were united in marriage in 1958.
She was a devoted wife and mother to her two children, Tom and Beth. Over the years the family moved to numerous states and Gladys, always busy, worked in numerous teaching positions as well as in banking and fabric sales, which again led to acquiring numerous lifelong friends. Her husband Frank passed away in 1989. After Frank's death Gladys devoted a large part of her life to helping others. Always a teacher, Gladys was an extremely busy person and worked for numerous causes and charities including the Salvation Army, adult literacy and citizenship education. She was an active member of the Cross of Glory Lutheran Church, where she again acquired many lifelong friends. Gladys greatly enjoyed traveling with her husband and later friends to many exciting places. She was active in numerous social and card groups. Gladys also enjoyed sewing and quilting. Her "special place" was the family cabin of 50 years on Maple Lake where she enjoyed time with all of her family and friends. She loved hosting her friends and family at the cabin; especially her 4 grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank; parents, Ivan and Gertrude; sister, Bernice Olson. She is survived by her daughter, Beth; son, Tom (Angela) and four grandchildren, Emily, Josh, Natalie and Jessica. Gladys accomplished so much and touched many lives; she will be greatly missed.
A visitation will be held from 5 PM – 8 PM on Friday, February 19, 2016 at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Highway 65 NE, Fridley, MN. Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 20, 2016 with a visitation one hour prior at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church, 5472 Adams Street, Mounds View, MN. Reception to follow at the church.
Donations in Gladys's honor can be made to the Harbor Light Center, 2445 Prior Avenue North, Roseville, MN.