Obituary: Gladys Hoyt

Gladys Hoyt

McHenry, N.D.

Gladys Hoyt, 92, of McHenry, N.D., passed away peacefully Jan. 7, 2025 at The Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, New Rockford, N.D.

Her visitation was held Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 from 1-2 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m., all at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, McHenry, N.D. Pastor Russ Christiansen officiated. Music was "Don't Cry For Me" by Libby Alan, "In the Garden" by Alan Jackson, and"Go Rest High On That Mountain" by Vince Gill, and "The Old Red Cross," congregational hymn.

Her burial was at the Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, McHenry, N.D.

Casket bearers were Arlyn Hoyt, Leslie Hoyt, Kris Skadberg, Matthew Pound, Brandon Balvitsch, Dakota Hoyt and Montana Hoyt. Honorary bearers were all of Gladys' grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gladys Elaine Grafsgaard was born to Henry and Bertha (Odland) Grafsgaard on July 18, 1932 in the McHenry area. She attended grades 1-8 at the Paradise #4 country school. She completed her high school education at McHenry High School, graduating in 1949.

After high school, Gladys attended Valley City State College where she earned her teaching certificate. She taught in small country schools for a couple of years. She married Duwayne Hoyt on Jan. 6, 1951. They began their life together and experienced many adventures beginning with traveling on the road while Duwayne hauled gravel. Gladys became a mother and homemaker. In 1955, they began their lifelong dream of purchasing land and farming in the McHenry area.

Gladys was a very loving and talented mother. She always put her husband and children's needs first. She was a wonderful cook, gardener, nurse and seamstress. She was a faithful member of her church, holding several positions on the church council and ladies' aid. She supported her children's activities in Sunday school, band and sports activities. She was a member of the McHenry Ambulance for 25-plus years. She helped with the farming business, hauled grain and helped assemble grain bins. She managed the finances of the household and business. She enjoyed playing pinochle, bingo, old time music and spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed casinos and traveling to Las Vegas during the cold winter months.

Gladys is survived by her six children: Rita (Mike) Balvitsch, Barbara Pound, Arlyn Hoyt (Sue Bakko), Melody (Doug) Skadberg, Leslie (Paulette) Hoyt and Cindy Risk (Randy Fugl); a sister, Alice Stromsodt; sisters-in-law Jeanne Hoyt and Sheila Hoyt; brothers-in-law Edgar (Janice) Hoyt and Arnold Haugland. She had 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She also had several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her siblings: Harris (Lily) Grafsgaard, Ernest (Birdie) Grafsgaard, Stanley Grafsgaard and Burton (Jean) Grafsgaard; and a brother-in-law, Sherman Stromsodt.

The family requests memorials be given to Our Savior's Lutheran Church or Bethlehem Cemetery, McHenry, N.D.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.