Gladys E. Shawback, 86, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Saturday morning, Jan. 21, 2017, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in Austin surrounded by her family.

Gladys was born Oct. 29, 1930, in Hayfield, Minnesota, to Ben and Rena (Wiley) Kruger. She was baptized and confirmed at First Presbyterian Church in Hayfield. Gladys attended school in Hayfield, and on March 2, 1951, was united in marriage to Leallen “Lea” Shawback. Together they raised three children; James, Linda and Sue. The family made their home in Austin where Gladys worked in the cafeteria at Ellis Middle School for 17 years. She loved her family, was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and treasured their family gatherings. Gladys enjoyed coffee with her neighbors, watching her husband bowl, square dancing, and bowling trips. She was a longtime member of Crane Community Chapel. Her faith was very important to her. Gladys and Lea were devoted volunteers to Crane Chapel and their faith family. Lea passed away Jan. 2, 2009, and Gladys moved to Our House in 2010, then to St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in 2015.

Survivors include her children, James (Mary) Shawback of Green Valley, Arizona, Linda (Mike) Miller and Sue Shawback, all of Austin; eight grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; brother Kenneth (Bonnie) Kruger of Silver Bay, Minnesota; sister-in-law Linda (Bob) Dowd of Galesburg, Illinios; brothers-in-law Art (LaVonne) Shawback of Austin, Henry (Bonnie) Shawback, Jr. and Leslie (Cathy) Shawback all of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; Ray (Phyllis) Shawback of Manvel, Texas; many nieces and nephews; and extended relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by husband Lea of 58 years; her parents; an infant son; brother and sister-in-law, Russell and LaVaine Kruger; sister and brother-in-law, Amy and Pete Holtan; and brother, Chuck Kruger; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at Crane Community Chapel with Pastor Dale Christiansen, officiating. Interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Thursday at church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.