Gladys J. Sheldon

 Gladys J. Sheldon, 87, of Clear Lake passed away Saturday, April 20, 2024.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave. North, Clear Lake, with Mark Doebel officiating. She will be laid to rest at Olena Mound Cemetery, north of Buffalo Center, and a time of fellowship in Buffalo Center will follow the burial.

Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, at the funeral home.

Gladys Jean was born Dec. 13, 1936, in Buffalo Center, the daughter of Theodore Jr. and Elizabeth (Roth) Albers. One of eight children, Gladys grew up in the Great Depression, setting down roots for her frugal and strong-willed personality. She graduated from Buffalo Center High School and continued her education at AIB. 

On Nov. 26, 1966 she married, Leon “Lee” Sheldon. They raised their three children, Betty, LaBeth and Kevin in the Clear Lake area before Leon’s death in 1997. Gladys was a determined woman; for 15 years she worked at Winnebago Industries painting and doing body work. She cared for her son, Kevin, for many years until his passing in 2003. But, her most well known work was done as a crossing guard in Clear Lake, ensuring kids and families made it to their destinations safely.

Gladys approached life with kindness, stubbornness and the knowledge that ‘everything will work out for the best. Just stay positive’. Being a grandma was one of her greatest joys in life. She enjoyed following their sports and activities, whether in person or on the radio and was known to always have treats and sweets ready for the kids. Gladys enjoyed time gardening, known most for her beautiful marigolds and other flowers.

She was a longtime member of the Baptist First Reformed Church of Buffalo Center and later the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City.

Surviving are her daughters, Betty Sheldon, of Clear Lake, and LaBeth Sasse, of Thornton, Iowa; grandchildren, Devlynn, A.J. and Keagan Sasse; brothers, Gerald “Jerry” Albers, Donald (Marilyn) Albers, and Dennis (Joanna) Albers; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Lee; son, Kevin; son-in-law, Joel Sasse; brothers, Edwin and Merril; sisters, Arelene Field and Dorothy Kessler; and many extended family members.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, is in charge of arrangements.