Thelma Van Landschoot Obituary

Thelma Van Landschoot, 91, died Saturday, May 3, 2008, at St. Francis in the Park Health and Rehabilitation Center. She battled Parkinson's disease for many years. Thelma Eleanor Bjorkman was born in Superior on Dec. 3, 1916 to the late Carl and Ella Bjorkman. She was a graduate of Superior East High School and Superior State Teachers' College, now UW-Superior. She taught elementary school in Argonne, Washburn and Janesville, Wisconsin before she was married. Later she taught for 16 years at the Bryant School in Superior. She married Tony Van Landschoot on June 19, 1940. He died in 1973. Thelma was a member of Holy Assumption Catholic Church, where she served on the church council and was a Eucharistic Minister. She was active in The Retired Teachers Association, ADK and Catholic Daughters. She was an avid gardener for many years and a member of the Wildflower Garden Club. She enjoyed family gatherings, playing cards and reading. Thelma is survived by three sons, Mike (Sandy), Longmont, Colorado, David (Patty), Hayward, and Tom (Patty) Superior; two daughters, Lois (Colin) Pietz, Weston, Wis. and Kay (Ron) Gustafson, Superior; 13 grandchildren, Sally, Jane, Joe, Katie, Patricia, Ann, Brian, Mark, Amy, Ian, Jennifer, Kristi and Brandon; 16 great- grandchildren, Eric, Kevin, Sophie, Emily, Claire, Nicholas, Marissa, Torin, Amber, Tyler, Harry, Annika, Allison, Emily, Katie and Addison; two sisters, Edith Comport and Alice Morrow; a sister-in-law Erma Gaynor; niece Betty Heytens; and many other nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by two brothers, Carl and Clyde; four sisters, Vera Flemming, Muriel Bjorkman, Gladys Haas and Ruth Jones; and one great-grandchild Michael Brown. VISITATION:10 a.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at Holy Assumption Catholic Church, 5601 Tower Avenue, Superior and continue until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. Ronald Olson as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc.,(1250 Hylan Boulevard, Suite 4B, Staten Island, NY 10305-1946), Holy Assumption Church or SAREA (Superior Area Retired Educators Association) Scholarship Fund. The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
This obituary was originally published in the Duluth News Tribune.