Julia Mae Gullingsrud, age 96, of Gary, MN, died Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Benedictine Care Community in Ada, MN. 
Julia Mae was born in Ada, MN, the only daughter of Elias Nels and Isabelle (Ellingson) Stenson. She grew up on the farm near Gary, where she attended school and graduated from high school. She was baptized and later confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. Petri Lutheran Church. On June 20, 1946, Julia Mae was united in marriage to Selmer Gullingsrud, also at St. Petri. The newlyweds purchased the farm from Selmer’s parents in 1947 where they would spend the next 63 years and raise their own family. After Selmer’s death in September of 2010, Julia Mae remained on the farm until the following year when she moved to the Normandy in Twin Valley, MN. Life at the Normandy was delightful and full of fellowship and good times for Julia Mae. She later moved to Mission Court Assisted Living in Ada and then transitioned to the nursing home where she has made her home for the past few years.
Julia Mae can be described as a hardworking, woman of faith with many great attributes. In addition to tending to her children, she could often be found working side by side with Selmer in the barn or the field. She didn’t shy away from hard work and her hands were never idle. Julia Mae was a wonderful seamstress, baker, and organist. She sewed and quilted many a project for friends and family, held the position of the church organist for over 70 years, and was always ready with the fresh homemade goodies of cookies, breads or lefse to go with the cup of coffee and conversation. Julia Mae loved her family and treasured get-togethers and always welcomed people over for a visit and a cup of coffee. She enjoyed playing cards, tending to her flower gardens, and keeping her lawn looking nicely manicured. Julia Mae was a long-time member of St. Petri Lutheran Church and was also an active member of the Gary American Legion Auxiliary since 1974. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Julia Mae is survived by one daughter, Sonja (Dennis) Rooks of Fargo, ND; three sons: Norman (Lori) of Gary, Larry of Coleraine, MN, and Dean (Kimberly) of West Fargo, ND; 11 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Selmer; a granddaughter, Megan, and three brothers.
Blessed be the memory of Julia Mae Gullingsrud.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at Gary Lutheran Church in Gary. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held in St. Petri Lutheran Cemetery, Gary.
