Gladys Eileen Freund, 91, of Cando, ND, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND, surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cando, ND at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Daniel Musgrave celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary and 7:30 p.m. vigil service on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cando. Burial will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Cando in the spring.

Gladys was born on September 15, 1934, at home in Leeds, ND, to Iver and Marie (Paulson) Elverud.  She grew up on the family farm, attending country school in Ervin until her older siblings got to High School, then she attended Leeds Public School.  Gladys graduated from Leeds High School in 1952 as Salutatorian.  She then attended Minot State on a one-year Rural Scholarship before teaching at Metcalf Country School.

That Thanksgiving, while teaching, Gladys met the "Love of her Life" George at a dance she attended with her brother Harry; an Army buddy of George's.  By spring, Gladys and George were engaged and married that summer, July 8, 1954, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cando. Together they raised 11 children on the family farm 5 miles north of Cando, where she was a career farm wife and mother.

Gladys did much community volunteering over the years.  She was an American Cancer Society volunteer and officer; a Blood Drive Coordinator; a past Hospital Auxiliary President; past County President for Council on Aging; past American Legion Auxiliary President as well as membership chairman for many years.  Gladys sat on Election boards and the Dakota Prairie Community Action Agency Board. She was very active in the Sacred Heart Church attending Christian Mothers and Alter Society. Gladys was a life member in both American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary.

A pastime Gladys enjoyed was bowling in League for over 50 years.  She loved bowling with her family and friends in three different leagues.  Playing cards with family and friends also brought her much joy.  Gladys was an exceptional baker, as many have experienced.  She took great pleasure in treating those around with her many baked goods, especially her famous doughnuts.  One thing for sure, there was never a shortage of "treats", which was always a highlight for the grandchildren when visiting Grandma!

Gladys put her whole heart into raising her family; loving each child, grandchild and great-grandchild unconditionally.  They were all her pride and joy.  She loved being called "Grandma" and spending many hours going to all their sporting events, musical events and sharing the big moments in their lives.

Gladys is survived by her children; Dennis Freund, Cando, Janis Sorge, Cando, David Freund, Cando, Robert Freund, Bonners Ferry, ID, Joann (Michael) Rinas, Cando, Beverly (Ricky) Robinson, Leeds, Brent Freund, Cando, Barbara (Bill) Fuller, Esko, MN, Gary Freund, Cando, Gail Hill, Bismarck; 19 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Harry and Lyle Elverud; sister Inez Laugtug; beloved husband George and son Raymond.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to:

Wayne Freund Vocal Scholarship – c/o North Star School PO Box 489, Cando, ND 58324

American Legion Auxiliary – PO Box 853, Cando, ND  58324

Towner County Medical Center Auxiliary – PO Box 322, Cando, ND 58324