She was born in Fremont on April 13, 1932 to Norton A. and Martha E. (Janowski) Pruyn. She was the third of four sisters. She graduated from Fremont High School in 1950. Gretchen had an amazing group of friends from her graduating class that had kept in touch all through the years. She was very blessed by their friendships. She married her best friend, Jere Johannesen on March 13, 1953. Except for the short time she spent with him while he was stationed in San Francisco, she lived her entire life in Fremont.
To this union were born three children, Tess (Bob) Welstead, Brad (Chris) Johannesen, and Scott (Sherri) Johannesen. From their acreage just outside of Fremont, they enjoyed watching their children grow up. Their special time each year was a family vacation at a resort at Rush Lake in Minnesota. Gretchen never missed a year in 50 years. She also owned and operated Watermelon Seed Maternity Shop for over 10 years until deciding to retire. Gretchen's pride and joy were her nine grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. She would often say, "Not an ugly one in the bunch." She thoroughly enjoyed any time she spent with any of them.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jere, her parents, three sisters and great grandsons, Gabriel and Nathanael Adams.
She is survived by her three children as well as her grandchildren, Katie (Mike) Adams, Jason (Bethany) Welstead, Steve (Michelle) Johannesen, Angie (Ryan) Vogel, Craig (Hollie) Hittner, Karen (Eric) Chapman, Holly (Jesse) Stout, Korri (Jantzen) Veskerna and Kole (Nicole) Hendrickson. Great grandchildren are Zach Adams, Ellie Adams, Josh Lisko, Layla Welstead, Jacob Johannesen, Ethan Johannesen, Kayleigh Vogel, Lucas Vogel, Camdyn Hittner, Caedyn Hittner, Dylan Marchand, Xander Marchand, Alexa Chapman, Noah Chapman, Easton Chapman, and Jerzey Veskerna.
Celebration of Life services will be Thursday, July 22, at 10:30 am at Salem Lutheran Church, 401 East Military, Fremont. Lunch will be served following the service. Memorials suggested to Salem Lutheran Church.
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
To watch a recording of the service please use the following link:
https://youtu.be/E-ViqH_Flg0
Condolences(4)
Jon & Karin Welstead
, WI Tuesday, July 20, 2021 To all the Johannesen and Welstead familes, our sincerest condolences. We will always have wonderful memories of Thanksgivings, Christmases, Births and Birthdays, and Fourth of July's with Gretchen and Jere. May loving thoughts of family embrace you in this time of loss and bring you comfort. Gretchen was a loving Mother and Grandmother to us all. Thank you for sharing her with us.Love to all: Jon, Karin, Karlan Welstead, Nick and Krysney Christopher.
Gregg Kupfer
Omaha, NE Tuesday, July 20, 2021 Gretchen was a very unique person. Brad, I still have nothing but great memories of all our homerooms together over the years. My mother and Gretchen had a very special bond. Enjoy all the recollections you will undoubtedly have for many years to come. Remain strong in the faith we learned together at Salem. Glad to know I have another angel on my shoulders. Much love and respect-Gregg KupferScott & Kathy Dixon
Salina, KS Tuesday, July 20, 2021 Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.enjoyed your mom in Minnesota always a wonderful person. Lots of memoriesBruce Steinbach
AMES, NE Monday, July 19, 2021 So sorry for your loss. May god be with you in this time of sorrow