Obituary for Gladys E. Tegtmeier

She was born December 21, 1924, in Union City Township, rural New Albin, Iowa, to Paul and Mary (Pohlman) Heitman. Gladys was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Wheatland and she also attended rural school on Wheatland Ridge, rural New Albin, Iowa.

Gladys moved to Illinois where she worked as a Nanny and part-time in a jewelry store. It was during this time she met the love of her life, Walter Tegtmeier, who was from Itasca, IL. They were married May 14, 1946. They lived on his family farm until 1950. Thereafter, they built their first home in Itasca, IL. After Wally’s retirement, they moved to Brownsville, Minn., where they lived until 1990. Gladys and Walter them moved to Caledonia where they were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church. On April 3, 1999, Walter preceded Gladys in death. In 2017, Gladys moved to the Wiegrefe Apartments in Eitzen. In December of 2024, Gladys celebrated her 100th birthday with a large open house party at Immanuel Lutheran Church. On July 4th of 2025, Gladys was honored as the Parade Marshall at the Eitzen 4th of July Celebration.

Gladys and Wally enjoyed many travels to California, Florida, Canada, Alaska, Europe, and Mexico. They also were avid golfers and bowlers. Gladys volunteered at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Eitzen 4th of July Celebration, and the Houston County Fair in Caledonia.

Survivors include nieces and nephews, Alan (Lori) Heitman, Darlene (David) Eggum, Jack (Barb) Heitman, David (Janette) Heitman, Gerald Brumm (Linda Burrows), Mariann Rafferty, Rita (Wayne) Subert, Paul (Mary) Docka, Janet Docka, Deborah Bressette, Darleen Tegtmeier, Thomas (Linda) Tegtmeier, Terry (Barb) Tegtmeier, Todd Tegtmeier, and Diane Daley.

In addition to her husband, Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Elmer; sister, Dolores; brother-in-law, Donald Brumm; and sister-in-law, Gladys Heitman. She also was preceded in death by Wally’s brothers, Otto, Fritz, Lou, and Edward Tegtmeier; and sisters, Rose Clark, Alma Becker, Clara Docka, and Edna Hapke, and their spouses.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 20, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Caledonia. Rev. Steven E. Meyer will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. A visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service Monday at the church.

Gladys was a kind woman with a gentle spirit and a beautiful smile. Even though she and Wally never had children of their own, her family members were very important to her and she loved all of them very much. Her family also loved her dearly and will miss her greatly. However, it gives them all comfort that she is finally reunited with her beloved husband, Wally, and her Lord and Savior.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes, Caledonia, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at this site.