Obituaries 6 October 2026

Betty Gladen, 89, Owatonna

Betty Gladen, 89, Owatonna, obituary

Betty Lou Gladen, age 89, of Owatonna, passed away on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at Timberdale Trace, surrounded by her loving family.

Betty Lou was born on March 26, 1937, to John and Beatrice (Thon) Spencer. She attended school in Owatonna and graduated from Owatonna High School in 1955. She continued her education at St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester, where she earned her RN degree in 1958. After nursing school, Betty Lou attended the University of Minnesota, earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing and graduating in 1960.

While attending the University of Minnesota, Betty Lou met Gerald Nelson. The two were married on Aug. 20, 1960, at Associated Church in Owatonna. Together, they had two daughters, Linda and Diana.

After Gerald’s death in 1978, Betty Lou worked at Steele-Waseca Cooperative. She eventually moved to Minneapolis, where she worked for 17 years at the Valspar Corporation in the credit department. She was a volunteer at the Minnesota Zoo where she enjoyed being with all the animals.

Betty Lou later met her second husband, Knute Gladen, and the two were married on Sept. 9, 1989. They resided in Golden Valley, and later divorced. Betty Lou moved back to Owatonna in January 2007, where she spent the remainder of her retirement.

Betty Lou enjoyed volunteering at the Historical Society. She had many hobbies and interests, including crocheting, playing cards, working puzzles, and gardening. She also loved to travel and enjoyed many memorable trips around the world, including travels Kenya, Europe, Alaska, Australia, and the Galápagos Islands.

In 2021, Betty Lou moved to Bridgewater, where she resided until January 2026. She then moved to Timberdale Trace Memory Care, where she spent her final days surrounded by family and caring staff.

Betty Lou is survived by her two daughters, Linda Anderson of Owatonna, and Diana (Ronald) Whitaker of Fort Worth, Texas; her sister, Jeanne (Murray) Lufkin of Mendota Heights; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Nelson, and her parents.

Friends may greet the family from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Brick-Meger Funeral Home, 1603 Austin Road, Owatonna. A private family burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna.