Grygla (trfnews.i234.me) — Gwen Saurdiff, 70, of Grygla, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
A celebration of life for Gwen will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025.at Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla.
Reverend Vicki Saude-Worthington will officiate.
Visitation and Burial Details
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla.
A prayer service will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Visitation will also be held one hour before the service on Monday.
Burial will follow at Valle Cemetery in rural Grygla.
Early Life
Gwen Dawn Hanson was born on August 24, 1955, in Thief River Falls.
Her parents were Clarence and Adeline (Erickson) Hanson.
She was baptized and confirmed at Nazareth Lutheran Church in rural Trail.
She attended school in Goodridge and graduated in 1973.
Gwen married David Saurdiff on May 2, 1975.
They had four children.
Work, Farm Life, and Interests
Gwen and David farmed and raised livestock near Grygla for 25 years.
Over the years, she has worked many jobs.
Those included the family farm, Marvin Windows, and The Steak Knife II.
She also worked for the U.S. Post Office, Machinewell, and the Farmers’ Union.
Family members say she stayed active and enjoyed the outdoors.
She loved flowers, gardening, and watching birds.
She enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and snowmobiling.
She also liked painting and doing puzzles.
She watched church on television.
She loved time with family and friends.
She was known for “just one more cup” of coffee.
Survivors
Gwen is survived by her former husband, David Saurdiff of Grygla.
She is also survived by their children: Benjerman Saurdiff of Two Rivers, Alaska; Jennifer (Ryan) Wichterman of Plummer; Curtiss Saurdiff of Grygla; and Renae Saurdiff of Grygla.
She is survived by siblings: RaeAnn (Roger) Pittman of Goodridge; Vicki Lott of Grygla; Grant (Judy) Hanson of Salol; Carmen (Steve) Narverud of Thief River Falls; and Aaron (Marie) Hanson of Roseau.
Grandchildren include Jazzmine Teggatz, Dylan, Dalton, Fern, and Adeline Wichterman;
Madison and Wyatt Saurdiff; Aria Saurdiff; Oliver Smeby; and Jeffrey and Isabelle Saurdiff.
Great-grandchildren include Zoey, Silas, Madden, and Kingsley Teggatz, and Violet Harris.
The family also lists extended family members.
Preceded in Death
Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Adeline Hanson.
She was also preceded in death by her brother, Neil Hanson.
Grandparents listed include Knute and Gladys Hanson, and John and Emma Erickson.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
