Gisela Christine (Ciemala) Tervola, “Granny”, 83, went to her heavenly home on Monday, October 14, 2024 as the result of a car accident.

She was born March 27, 1941 in Augsburg, Germany to Alois and Elisabeth (Bronek) Ciemala. She attended Catholic school growing up and shared many great stories about how she and her friends would stir up trouble with the nuns. While living in Germany, one son and two daughters were born. In 1964 they moved to the United States and two more daughters.

“Granny” was loved by everyone she met and had so many wonderful friends. She was outgoing, funny, stubborn, and sincere. She loved cooking for her family and was a wonderful cook (lasagna and stroganoff were her specialties). She was also a wonderful baker and shared her spritz cookies, krumkake, and rosettes with many. Her best days were spent at concerts, gardening with her sister-in-law Ethel, celebrating holidays with family, community events, enjoying the outdoors, and sunshine in the summer. She was always on the go.

Granny was welcomed into the gates of Heaven by so many she dearly loved, her parents; a son; and her grandson, Brian Hanson who surely had his arms wide open for what we imagine was a beautiful reunion.

Gisela is survived by her daughters, Ilona Tervola of Fergus Falls, Marlys (Durant) Thoen of Fergus Falls, Patricia (Kip) Hanson of Gonvick, and Melinda Tervola of Glyndon; granddaughters, Alisha Hanson (Jason Bakke), Ava Tervola, Alex and Kayla Risberg, and Trisha Hanson (Troy Sr.); grandsons, Durant Thoen Jr. (Kianna Sandahl), David Thoen (Carin Nielsen), Derek Hanson (April), and Blake Hanson (Carissa Schultz); great-granddaughters, Emma, Erika, Brin, Bristol, Rylee, Emmalynn, Piper, Lilly, and Madison; great-grandsons, Ryan and Tony Jr.; four siblings living in Germany, Lydia, Ruth, Willie and Heinrich, and many special nieces and nephews both in the USA and in Germany.

Her favorite hymn (which was also her grandson, Brian’s favorite) was “Amazing Grace.”

Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service.

Clergy: Reverend Salim Kaderbhai

Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN at a later date.

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com