Gladys Brostrom

Gladys Rose Brostrom, a devoted mother, talented artist, and lover of the outdoors, passed away peacefully on August 10th, 2025, at the age of 97.

Born on June 11, 1928, in Madison, WI to Alex E. Nelson and Gladys (LaClair) Nelson, she grew up in What Cheer, Iowa, where she graduated from high school. She went on to attend Central College in Pella, Iowa, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in June 1950.

After graduation, Gladys settled in Homewood, Illinois, where she raised three children with her then-husband. In 1970 the family moved to Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and from there she would go on to live in various places around Minneapolis, MN and central Wisconsin, before finally settling in Iola, WI to be near family.

Her working life reflected her love of books and her sharp mind. She first worked at the bookstore in Dayton's Department Store in Minneapolis-a job she cherished as an avid reader. She later joined the Pillsbury Company, where she routed flour trains and tracked boxcars until her retirement in 1989.

Gladys lived a modest, simple life and found joy in nature, fishing, and the outdoors. She also had a deep appreciation for the arts-she was an accomplished pianist, often accompanying her sister Verna, a gifted vocalist, and she enjoyed drawing and creating ceramics. Saturday afternoons often found her listening to opera on NPR, surrounded by her books.

She had many fond memories of growing up in a large family during the Great Depression and WWII years, especially stories about her older siblings serving in the military and the USO. Her life was marked by generosity, humility, and a quiet strength. She was always willing to help, offering steady support to family and friends alike.

Gladys is survived by her daughter, Donna Mummery and son, Herbert (Patricia) Brostrom, along with 8 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Wayne Brostrom; her parents Alex and Gladys; sisters Virginia, Barbara, Verna, Donna, and Mary; and Brothers Alden and Bruce.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate her life will be held on Sunday August 24th, 2025 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Red Sands shelter house at Lake Wazeecha in Wis. Rapids, WI.

Her life was one of warmth, dedication, and grace-values that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.