Gretchen Ann Schade Tjossem’s journey came to a close on Monday, April 21, 2025. A lifelong admirer of sunsets—treasuring their beauty alongside her family, friends, and dogs—Gretchen found peace as the sun made its gentle retreat. Her four devoted children, Ann, Scott, Eric, and Kurt, were by her side as her light gently faded.
Born on August 6, 1938, in Worthington, Minnesota to Fredrick “Fritz” and Amy Schade, Gretchen, together with her brother Bill, grew up in a home filled with love. Her childhood shaped the warmth and grounding that would define her life. While attending Worthington High School, fate placed her next to Bob Tjossem in algebra class, sparking a partnership of love, laughter, and resilience that lasted over six decades. Gretchen often quipped that had Bob’s last name not started with “T,” her life might have taken a different path entirely and she could have ended up married to Harold Tyler instead.
After graduating high school, Gretchen briefly attended Mills College in California before returning to Minnesota to pursue a degree in Medical Technology at Macalester College—a choice motivated by her longing for home and devotion to her beloved Bob. Shortly after earning her degree, she and Bob were married on August 20, 1959, embarking on a life filled with love, adventure, and family.
Their early years took them from an army base in Killeen, Texas, to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. They eventually settled in Crookston, Minnesota where Gretchen and Bob planted deep roots, raising their four children—Ann, Scott, Eric, and Kurt—with love, laughter and togetherness. Gretchen’s creativity flourished here; she contributed to the arts community as a soprano in the Presbyterian church choir, a ringer in the bell choir, a spirited Rockette in the Crookston Follies, and even a cameo in Brigadoon on the community theater stage.
A skilled and enthusiastic card player, Gretchen shone brightest in her role as a leader of the local Bridge Club. Her mastery of Duplicate Bridge was legendary, and her competitive streak added flair to family games of Smear, a cherished Tjossem tradition.
Professionally, Gretchen reentered the workforce once her children were more independent, becoming a lab technician in the Biology Facility at the University of Minnesota Crookston—a role she held for several years with steadfast dedication.
While Gretchen’s accomplishments were many, her heart was rooted in three timeless joys: cheering for Minnesota sports teams, relishing summers at the lake cabin on Pike Bay surrounded by loved ones, and nurturing lifelong friendships with her beloved Birthday Club—a group of close confidants who shared years of joy, camaraderie, and unconditional support.
In 1991, with their children grown, Gretchen and Bob retired, seeking greener pastures first in their dream log cabin in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where they basked in sunsets, family visits, and the loyal companionship of dogs. Later, yearning for proximity to their loved ones, the couple returned to Minnesota, living first in Red Wing and subsequently in Eden Prairie.
Throughout her life, Gretchen was not one to take center stage or command the spotlight, but instead was the one behind the scenes making sure everything would all come together. She made life easier and better for others.
Gretchen—Mom—as you leave us, we carry your memory with love, symbolized by your signature three-squeeze tribute – We. Love. You. You have enriched our lives beyond measure, and we will forever hold you close.
Gretchen was preceded in death by her husband of over sixty wonderful years, Robert Wayne Tjossem; and by brother, William M Schade.
Gretchen is survived by children Ann (Bob) Martinka, Scott (Shari) Tjossem, Eric (Elizabeth Lampert) Tjossem, and Kurt (Paula) Tjossem; by grandchildren, Levi (Hannah Fox) Martinka, Joy Martinka, and Aaron (Nicole) Martinka; Rob (Audrey) Tjossem, Allison Tjossem, Matt (Zandie) Tjossem, Mitch (Atsumy) Tjossem, Nicole Stevens, and Caitlyn (Aquino Williams) Stevens; Madden Tjossem and Greta Tjossem; Luca Tjossem and Keifer Tjossem; great-grandchildren, Jozie Morlan, Owen Morlan, Naomi Mord, and Piper Tjossem; great great-grandson, Bennett Jasso; sister in law, Sandra Schade; nephew and niece Brian (Jodi) Schade and Suzanne (Andrew) Wilkes; and many, many friends.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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