Gail Hjelle, 63 of Thief River Falls, MN formerly of Greenbush, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at Karlstad Senior Living following a lengthy battle with dementia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Greenbush, MN with Father George Noel presiding. Burial will follow at Blessed Sacrament Cemetery in Greenbush.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:00 PM prayer service on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Thursday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Gail Marie Stauffenecker was born August 19, 1958 in Greenbush, MN the daughter of LeRoy and Hazel (Nelson) Stauffenecker. She was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Greenbush. She attended school in Greenbush graduating with the class of 1976. Following high school, Gail moved to Thief River Falls where she attended the AVTI in the Medical Secretary Program.

On August 22, 1981, Gail was united in marriage to Layton Hjelle at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. To this union four children were born, Melissa, Mitchel, Murray and Mikala. Together they operated a beef cattle and small grain farm near Newfolden. Layton passed away in 1989. In 1990 the family relocated to Thief River Falls. In 1991, Gail and Steven Olson became the proud parents of Merrit who was lovingly welcomed by his four siblings.

Gail was a dedicated employee at Northwest Eye Center in Thief River Falls for over 25 years as a Medical Secretary. She also worked at Glenmore Recovery, V.I.P., Northern Lights, Prairie Community Services and Independence Plus. She loved helping people and was very proud of her work.

Gail met Bob Loken while both were employed at Glenmore Recovery in 2007. Their relationship blossomed and the two became inseparable. They made their home in Thief River Falls. Through the years they enjoyed their grandchildren, dancing, camping, socializing, and hosting luau's at their home on Oak Avenue. After being diagnosed in 2014 with Early Onset Dementia, Bob faithfully stayed at her side. With the help of Bob and her loving family, Gail was able to travel, attend concerts and remain independent as possible until March 2021 when she entered care at Karlstad Senior Living. Throughout all of life's difficult challenges, Gail always kept her faith.

Music brought joy and comfort to Gail throughout her life. She enjoyed singing, listening, and dancing to her favorite country songs. Gail made life fun by making time to laugh with others. Contagious laughter was Gail's favorite way to express her love for family and friends.

Gail always made sure to show you how much her friendship meant to her by reciprocating with handwritten cards, gifts or flowers. Grandma Gail had a special bond with each individual grandchild and dearly loved and adored them.

Survivors include the love of her life Bob Loken of Thief River Falls; loving children, Melissa (Eric) Wang of Thief River Falls, Mitchel Hjelle of Willmar, MN, Murray (Stephanie) Hjelle of Thief River Falls, Mikala (Tyler) Jevne of Warren, MN and Merrit (Trisha) Olson of Thief River Falls; loving grandchildren, Calliope,  Connor, Carson, Weston, Wyatt, Wayde, Elle, Morgan, and Maddie; sister, Linda (Mike) Blumer; brother, Lonnie (Cheryl) Stauffenecker; best friend since 2 ^nd grade, Kathy (Tim) Timm; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Layton; parents; and several relatives and friends.