Cleo Marlys Gandrud

Cleo M. Gandrud, 96, died on Sunday evening, September 6, 2026, at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood, Minnesota. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Burial will be in the Benson City Cemetery. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Cleo Marlys Gandrud was born March 7, 1930, in Herman, Minnesota, one of eleven children born to Warner and Maude (Hunt) Gulbrandson. She was baptized at home in the spring of 1930 and later confirmed at Kongsvinger Lutheran Church in Donnelly. Cleo attended school in Herman and graduated from Herman High School.

On September 11, 1949, Cleo was united in marriage to Raymond Gandrud at Kongsvinger Lutheran Church. Together, they raised four children and built a loving life centered around their family.

Cleo worked as a nursing assistant and ward clerk for more than 40 years. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church. In her free time, Cleo enjoyed sewing and crocheting and took pride in creating things for her family and others. She also enjoyed going to the casino.

Cleo is survived by her children: Colleen Zenner of Lowry, Jayne (Tom) Goulet of Benson, and Al Gandrud of Benson; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 38 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Gandrud, son Warren Gandrud, son-in-law Dennis Zenner; and ten siblings: Lloyd Gulbrandson, Lyla Frarck, Orella McCalip, Mildred Miller, Grace Derby, Delner Gulbrandson, Wilbur Gulbrandson, Rudy Gulbrandson, Orrin Gulbrandson, and Audrey Sax. (Cleo was the last one living at the age of 96.)

Blessed be the memory of Cleo Marlys Gandrud.