Gladys Cihlar

Gladys Ann Cihlar was born on December 25, 1922, the daughter of John and Margaret (Weiland) Meehl, on a farm near Oakes, ND. Gladys lived in Wahpeton, ND and married Joe Cihlar on December 6, 1950 and then moved to Alexandria. Two children were born to this union, Thomas and Duane. Some of her hobbies were knitting and crocheting.

Throughout her life Gladys always liked to work with people. She worked at JCPenny Company in Alexandria for 18 years. Gladys is mostly remembered by her countless hours of volunteering with many organizations in Douglas County. Gladys helped at the Popcorn Wagon for 14 years and volunteered over 2000 hours to Knute Nelson in 2001. She also helped at bazaars, card tournaments, fund raiser dinners, and set up tables for senior nutrition meals. In 1985 Gladys was enrolled in the Older American Hall of Fame of Douglas County. Gladys donated blood to the American Red Cross Blood Bank and also volunteered her time helping at the events. She was Lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Daughters of Isabella.

Gladys A. Cihlar died on Monday, June 5, 2017 at Edgewood Assisted Living in Sartell, MN at the age of 94 years old. She is survived by her sons, Duane (Nancy) Cihlar of Grand Marias and Thomas (Diana) Cihlar of St. Cloud; grandchildren, Emily Cihlar of Grand Marias, Jeffery (Stephanie) Cihlar of Elk River and their children Olin and Otto, and Marc (Meggens) Cihlar of Sartell and their children Ben and Brandon. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Francis, John, and Raymond and sisters Margaret and Irene.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, June 9, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria, MN. Interment was in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Casket Bearers were Larry Cihlar, Marc Cihlar, Jeff Cihlar, Emily Cihlar, Mervin Cihlar, and Bill O'Brian.