We would like to call this a love letter to our Mom, not an obituary. She was an influence on all 3 of her daughters, extended family and friends for 88 years. Marian Gruenfelder passed away October 13, 2023 at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, CO.
She was born on November 5, 1934 in Maddock, North Dakota to Bernard and Alice Doyle and grew up on the family farm near Velva, ND. She received her RN degree from the University of North Dakota (1956) and attended graduate school at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN earning a master’s degree in nursing education (1959). While in MInneapolis she met John Gruenfelder; they married in August, 1958. Two daughters were born in Minneapolis and one daughter was born in Laramie after the move west. Marian continued working as a nurse throughout her career. She was an instructor for the University of Wyoming School of Nursing supervising nursing students at Ivinson Memorial Hospital and Bethesda Care Center. She completed her nursing career after several years working at Crossroads at Ivinson Memorial Hospital.
She truly enjoyed being a nurse because she met so many people, was able to care for and connect with them, and made many friends. She was awarded Nurse of the Year in 1990 by the Wyoming Nurses Association (WNA), District 12. In 2010 she was named a Pioneer in Nursing by the WNA. In addition, she was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing for over 50 years and a member of the American Nursing Association Council on Gerontological Nursing.
Until recent years she and friends that had graduated from nursing school together would take one, or sometimes, 2 trips a year to visit different places around the country. She also kept in touch with a pen pal from Malta whom she had started corresponding with as a teenager in 1948.
John taught history at the university and took the family to live in London through the years as he did research. During these visits Marian explored some of the nursing practices in England, one of which became a major interest, hospice care. She and several women in the local community founded a hospice organization in Laramie in 1983. Today it is known as Hospice of Laramie. She continued to serve as a volunteer and board member of Hospice for many years. Other community interests included the Laramie Garden Club, Gifts for Living, and St Mary’s CCW group.
After retirement they both enjoyed several trips to England to visit friends. A particular pleasure was to spend time with very special friends of over 50 years, Tom and Ursula Mann. We are content to know that the four of them are reunited again enjoying a pint and talking about politics, history, family and life. There were also trips to Europe riding the rails and visiting many different countries. After raising her 3 daughters she took enormous pride in her 3 grandsons.
Her eyes would light up talking about their accomplishments and activities and she loved their visits; nothing made her happier.
She is preceded in death by her husband John, her parents, and her niece Kelly Steckler. She is survived by her 3 daughters and their husbands, Barbara and Chuck Muller, Jean and Jeff Petty, Judy and Justin Sanders, her 3 grandsons, Ian Muller, Connor and Ralph Petty, her sister Helen Steckler, brother James Doyle and wife, Isabel, nephews Scott Steckler (Kathy Weninger), Todd and Mayra Steckler, and great niece Angela Steckler and great nephew Jacob Steckler. Special cousins Jerry Brickner, Kathleen Burley, Karen Ann (Bob) Gilliam also survive her.
Services will be held at St. Paul’s Newman Center in Laramie on Friday, October 20th at 10 am with burial in Greenhill Cemetery. A reception is to follow at the Newman Center. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Laramie, 1754 Centennial Dr., Laramie, WY.
I’ve just learned of both Marian and John’s deaths. I knew them way back in the 70s when they were in London and I was a medical student, living just around the corner from ‘our’ pub in Primrose Hill -‘The Queen’. Many were the evenings we spent there, drinking beer, talking politics, sorting out the world and laughing. There was lots of laughing. They were such good company and so understanding of a rather naïve young man. They had no airs and graces and were easy to mix with. I believe I owe them a great deal. I suppose it is almost inevitable that would have passed away by now but, nevertheless, it makes me feel sad.
So sorry to get the news of marions passing. My husband, Colwyn, now deceased and I were Became friends with your parents while in MInnesota. We always treasured them.
Barbara and Family, Deepest Condolences to you. May your folks rest at peace together and may your mother NEVER have a bad hair day. Sending loads of strength, Carissa Sloan
I am saddened to learn of Marian’s death. I have known her as one of the six Laramie women who, in 1983, saw the need for a hospice service in Laramie and took on the hard work of establishing it. I served many years with Marion on Laramie’s Hospice board, from 1988 until 2003. Her dedication and institutional knowledge were invaluable as we evolved from an all-volunteer organization through Medicare certification and government funding. I know she will be missed by all who knew her well.
What a beautiful lady. I remember Marian and John from years ago at St Laurence. She made such an impact on many. No doubt her family carries on her legacy of love and kindness. May she Rest in Peace
Marion was a gracious intelligent nurse I had the privilege of knowing and working with for years. Her eyes always sparkled when she talked about her daughters. She was a mentor to many nurses!
I knew your mom for a long time by setting up her travel arrangement when she and your Dad traveled. We also talked a bunch during the Laramie Garden club meeting, at the Laramie plant sales and when I saw her when she attended church at the Newman Center. She will be missed.
Jean and family, my condolences on the loss of your Mother.
Ms. Muller, Ms. Petty and Ms. Sanders: I was a young faculty wife when I first met your mother fifty years ago, and last saw her at St. Paul's Newman Center only a few weeks ago. She was from the beginning to the end of my knowing her truly a class act: elegant, dignified, poised, intelligent, funny and kind. I am happy that over the last few years, when we have run into each other, I was able to tell her that she had always been my hero -- the kind of woman I aspired to be. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, and my sorrow that I won't be able to enjoy our occasional encounters. Maribeth Galvan
Dear Barb, Jean, and Judy, Your mother was amazing. She was smart and beautiful; she had a beautiful speaking voice, calm and melodic, and we always enjoyed spending time with your family. Watching you grow up, hearing about time in the UK with your parents, and adventures with your kitty on 9th street were part of Laramie life. We have many fond memories of her, and hope that your memories will help heal the hole her absence will leave in your lives. Please know she impacted hundreds of lives.
We loved your mom. She was a great and gracious lady who , like my wife could calm the rough waters that sometimes churned around their husbands. May you find solace in your grief. Kay and Eric Kohler.
Such a beautiful soul. Prayers for her family. ♥️🙏
I was honored to have spent valuable time with Marian. She welcomed me into Sigma Theta Tau and set a remarkable example in her caring and wisdom during her nursing career. Sincerely, Laura Gaddis
Marion, an incredible woman! Smart, funny and never afraid to share her opinion. I’m connected to Marion, through her sister Helen. We only saw each other at an occasional family event. Last time I saw her was in McAllen, TX for our great niece’s quincinera! We stayed at a hotel and had a blast getting carted around from 1 party to another. We got tired, but kept going, as we were the only 2 great aunts and were treated like royalty. We also shared a special secret about each other…..a great human being to the end. My sympathies to Barbara, Jean and Judy….
Your mom was a beautiful lady inside and out!!