Gladys May Hertensen, daughter of John and Myrtle Augusta (Spatts) Gardner, was born on August 11, 1917, at Kennebec, South Dakota. She passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2008, at the First Shamrock Care Center in Kingfisher, Oklahoma at the age of 90.

Her early life was spent growing up in Kennebec where she attended the Kennebec Community Schools, graduating from Kennebec High School with the Class of 1935. Following high school she attended college at Brookings, South Dakota where she obtained teacher certification. She began teaching at Gus Allen School in Kennebec. In October of 1941, Gladys was united in marriage to Donald Francis Hertensen at Kennebec where they made their home.. To this union, two sons, Terry and Bob were born. The family moved to Chamberlain, South Dakota and later to Mount Vernon, South Dakota before settling in Shenandoah, Iowa. Gladys taught in the Mount Vernon Schools. Upon moving to Shenandoah, Gladys worked as a secretary in the State Farm Insurance office for over 30 years. Gladys was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah and the Shenandoah Square Dance Club. She enjoyed camping and fishing in her spare time.

Preceding Gladys in death were her parents; husband, Donald; three brothers, Woody, Olie and Clifford; and three sisters, Blanche, Hazel and Emily. Survivors include her two sons, Terry Hertensen and his wife Brenda and Bob Hertensen and his wife Carol, all of Kingfisher, Oklahoma; 15 grandchildren; one brother, John Gardner of Orange, CA; and one sister, Myrtle Rigney of Madelia, MN; other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were held on Monday, April 14, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by Rev. Kenneth Gross. Casket bearers were Larry Hertensen, Shawn Hertensen, Ronny Hertensen, Dustin Hertensen, Levi Hertensen and Jim Gilpin. A memorial in Gladys' name is being established. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements