Obituary of Elizabeth Gandrud

Elizabeth (Liz) Gandrud, 95, died peacefully at home on September 19th. Born on July 30,1929 in Fort William (Thunder Bay) Ontario she was the youngest of six children. Her parents, Nicholas and Natalia Kross, were immigrants and Liz grew up speaking Russian at home. The day she graduated high school Liz left home looking for meaningful work and adventure. She became an RN, traveled on the Queen Elizabeth to Europe, and moved to the States to train as a nurse anesthetist.

She met her future husband, Ron Gandrud, in Minneapolis. They were married in 1959 and Liz shifted her creativity and capacity for caring to her five children. Liz was an easy-going mom who treated her kids with love and respect, always having a homemade dinner on the table by 5:00. Liz and Ron’s greatest heartbreak was the loss of their son Tommy in 1970; she will be buried beside him as were her wishes.

Liz never stopped learning and trying new things. She was an avid reader and a cook who made elaborate meals look easy. Her Christmas tarts, pierogi, Swedish meatballs, lemon bread, and seafood chowder were legend. Liz always let the kids open a gift on Christmas before the dishes were done.

Liz was a long-time volunteer at Opportunity Workshop, was a talented quilter, and loved music, crossword puzzles and Jeopardy. She treasured her annual trips to the north shore to visit family in Canada.

At age 60, Liz became a US citizen and returned to nursing. She spent the next 15 years as a head nurse for the American Red Cross traveling a five-state area setting up blood drives. She loved the job and her coworkers. She brought music to the draws, shopping at the Electric Fetus into her 70’s.

In retirement Liz was an active YMCA member and made many friends there. Baba Liz, as she was known to her grandkids, was loved for her kindness, generosity, engaging sense of humor, and live and let live attitude.

Liz and Ron divorced in 1992 but continued to stay connected for family events and Sunday lunch. In their sunset years they lived across the hall from each other at Parkshore Assisted Living, sharing meals and care for Minnie, her cat.

Liz was preceded in death by her brothers Bill Kross (Nettie), John Kross (Ollie), and Steven Kross (Evelyn); sisters Anne Merko (Joe) and Nina Olson (Stuart); son Thomas Steven; as well as great grandson Leland Skarphol-Pellizzer.

She is survived by her former husband Ron Gandrud and children Chris Gandrud (Kelly), Cindy Gandrud (Alan Tuchtenhagen), Jane Pellizzer (Michael), and Cate Hanson (Eric). She is also survived by grandchildren, Blake Gandrud, Brandon Gandrud, Sophia Pellizzer (Nic Groth), Matteo Pellizzer (Merryn Skarphol-Pellizzer), John Tuchtenhagen (Victoria Nady), Daniel Tuchtenhagen, William Tuchtenhagen; as well as great granddaughters Sienna Tuchtenhagen, and Jovie Iris Skarphol-Pellizzer

A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, October 6, 2024 (10 a.m. with service at 10:30 a.m.) at Brookview Golden Valley 316 Brookview Parkway South, Golden Valley, MN 55426. A lunch will follow the service.

Memorials may be directed to the Golden Valley Animal Humane Society.