A resident of Golden Valley, MN, Gloria Toutges, age 76, passed away at her daughter Roberta’s home in Shakopee, MN, after a short and courageous fight against lung cancer, on Wednesday, October 4, 2017.

Gloria’s life will be honored on Tuesday, October 10 at 4 pm, with a time of gathering two hours prior to the service, both at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN. Pastor Tim Stratton will preside. Her pallbearers will be James Toutges, Jesse Toutges, Randy Danielson, Galen Polt, Riley Gustafson and Gavin Gustafson. Gloria will be laid to rest with her husband at Mountain Lawn Cemetery, Lead, South Dakota.

The proud parents of Louis and Iva (Jacobson) Niles, welcome Gloria Jean into their arms on September 6, 1941, in Watertown, South Dakota. Growing up in the rural area of Sisseton, SD on the family farm, she and her siblings, spent countless hours tending to the daily chores. There were cows to be milked, chickens, pigs and sheep to be fed and tiring hours spent in the fields. When time allowed, Gloria was a true country girl riding her horse. Gloria attended school in Peever, SD, where she graduated in 1959, as Valedictorian.

While attending high school and through mutual friends, Gloria’s life was enriched meeting a young man named James Toutges. They dated for a short time and since he was a military man, Gloria and James wasted no time to get married. On October 9, 1959, in Rock Rapids, Iowa, they exchanged wedding vows and quickly found themselves off to Germany. Here, Gloria and James welcome a daughter Renee. In 1961, they came back to the States and welcomed, Rita, James, Roberta and Jesse. Their adventures took them all over the Western United States, with finally settling down in Deadwood, SD. It was here on June 9, 1972, Gloria’s life changed forever. James passed away suddenly in the infamous Rapid City flood, which was the most detrimental flood in South Dakota history. This drastic change in her life, left Gloria to raise five young children on her own. But with the help of her sister and an amazing faith community, Gloria and her children found great compassion and support in Golden Valley, MN.

Gloria pressed on in life. She was always working and providing for her family, to assure there was food on the table and clothes on their backs. Gloria began working for Prudential Insurance Company processing booklet insurance for over 20 years. Upon retiring, she worked part time at Cub Foods for many years, and later as a home health care provider.

Family was always the most important to Gloria. When time allowed, she found enjoyment sewing, crocheting and tending to her cats and chickens. But, it was in her large vegetable garden Gloria found the greatest peace and enjoyment, with a great sense of accomplishment canning the fruits of her labor. Gloria too was an exceptional baker. In her spare time, Gloria enjoyed traveling with family and friends, with many visits to Hawaii and adventures abroad.

Gloria was strong, determined and had this generous giving heart, who always put other’s needs before hers. Gloria often referred to herself as “dynamite in a small package!” But it was Gloria’s love expressed towards her family that will be missed the most.

Forever missed and forever loved are children, Renee Toutges, James (Christina) Toutges, Roberta (Galen Polt) Toutges, Jesse (Jody) Toutges; grandchildren, Randy Danielson, Hunter James Toutges; step-grandchildren, Lania Gustafson, Riley Gustafson, Gavin Gustafson; sisters, Ginney (Dale) Lotzer, Lois Anderson; brothers, Darwin (Marilyn) Niles, Wilton (Joy) Niles, Wayne (Sandy) Niles, Carmen (Gloria) Niles; sister-in-law, Sharon Niles; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

There to welcome Gloria home in heaven is her beloved husband, James Toutges; daughter, Rita Danielson; parents; 6 brothers and 1 sister.

Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Shakopee Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Toutges family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com

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