Gladys Agnes Scepaniak, 85, Holdingford

October 8, 1929 - February 24, 2015

Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Gladys A. Scepaniak, age 85, of Holdingford, will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 2, 2015 at Church of All Saints – St. Hedwig in Holdingford. Father Russell Scepaniak will officiate and his brother priests concelebrating and burial will take place in the parish cemetery. Gladys passed away Tuesday evening surrounded by her children at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home. There will be a visitation from 4:00-8:00 PM on Sunday, March 1, 2015 and again after 10:00 AM all at the church. Parish prayers will be at 4:30 PM and the Rosary Sodality will pray the rosary at 7:00 PM Sunday evening. Arrangements are being made with Miller-Carlin Funeral Home, Holdingford.

Gladys was born on Oct. 8, 1929 in St. Cloud to Peter and Agnes (Legatt) Justin. She was raised in St. Stephen alongside 10 siblings. After high school, she worked as a telephone operator in California where she purchased an Indian motorcycle. Gladys returned to MN and continued working as an operator in St. Cloud and Minaco-Lens. On Nov. 24, 1954, she married George Scepaniak in St. Stephen and together they raised six children. Gladys was very involved in her children’s lives, was a fan of their Husker sports life, and a Cub Scouts den mother. Gladys also worked as a Nurses Aide at Mother of Mercy. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She loved trips to the casino with her sisters and waited eagerly for their phone calls. Gladys loved the outdoors, bird-watching, feeding squirrels, sitting on the deck, and soaking up the sun. Treasured memories include the walks she took along Wobegon Trail with Larry, her devoted son who was by her side for years as her caregiver. She was passionate in her participation in her parish where she spent over 20 years teaching religion and 40+ years singing in the choir. Gladys was an active member of St. Hedwig’s, Rosary Sodality, Mission Group, and Altar Society.

Gladys is survived by her children Deb (Glenn) Diedrich, Avon; Sam Scepaniak, Holdingford; Mary (Kevin) Kohorst, Albany; Lawrence Scepaniak, Holdingford; Father Russell Scepaniak, Windom; Ellen (Jerry) Opatz, St. Michael; sister Audrey Justin; brother Jerry Justin; 8 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and many other family and friends.

She is preceded by her parents Peter and Agnes Justin; her loving husband George in 1986; and siblings Roska Peternell, Mathias Justin, Richard Justin, Hilda Hackley, Marie Fiedler, Florence Fiedler, Vernie Sharret, and Herbie Justin.

The family would like to thank Mother of Mercy Nursing Home Staff, especially nurses Laura, Karen, Stacy, and Paula, the nursing assistants, and hospice staff for their wonderful care, and to her special niece Theresa Sowada who also aided in Gladys’ care.