Lottie Ann Sistad, 88
Lottie Ann Sistad, (Laudy), 88, of Thief River Falls, Minn., formerly of Grygla, Minn., passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her dear family, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, at Thief River Care Center, Thief River Falls. Stewart received a very special Valentine’s gift in heaven this year.
On Lottie’s 89th birthday, a private family service for Lottie’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Burial will be at St. Olaf Cemetery, Grygla.
Public Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Please wear your mask and practice social distancing.
Lottie Ann Leskiw was born Feb. 27, 1932, in Caribou Township, Kittson County, near Lancaster, Minn., to Daniel and Marie (Halasis) Leskiw. She was baptized at home into the Christian faith and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church, Feb. 27, 1960, by Pastor Arthur Dale at Grygla. Lottie attended school in Lancaster, and worked in the nursing home in Hallock and at Ed & Serena’s Cafe.
Early in her teenage years, Lottie moved to Yakima, Wash., along with her sister, Helen, where she tended to her family. Lottie then moved to Grygla in 1948 and she worked along with her sister, Helen, and Helen’s husband, Carl, in their restaurant, Peterson’s Café and Bar. It was at this time she met her future husband, Stewart Sistad.
On March 12, 1951, Lottie and Stewart were married at a church in Hallock, Minn. The couple made their home in Grygla and then traveled a lot with Stewart’s construction work. To this union three daughters were born, Bonnie, Connie and Susan. After the children were born, they made their home in Grygla and also farmed in Benville Township, Beltrami County, Minn.
In addition to working at Peterson’s Café, Lottie also was a cook at the Grygla School for many years. Lottie also worked at Diamond Jim’s & Diamonds in Grygla, the turkey plant in Thief River Falls, operated Lottie’s Café in Grygla, and worked at Marvin Windows in Warroad, Minn. She then went back to the Grygla School where Lottie worked in the kitchen.
Lottie enjoyed reading, baking, (she made the best buns in the world), singing, visiting with her many family and friends, and mowing her lawn. She loved to shop and go to rummage sales where she could find treasures to share with her family. She was known for her “fast hotdishes” and putting together a spread of food for company in 15 minutes.
Her greatest joy was raising and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her faith and love of God was very important to her. Her entire life, Lottie could recite the Lord’s Prayer in Ukranian, which she learned from her mother as a child.
She is a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla where she was active in various women’s groups. Lottie was also a lifetime member of VFW Auxiliary and American Legion Post 162 Auxiliary where she served as chaplain for many years. She was a charter member of the Grygla Lions Club and a past member of the Grygla Fourtown Sportsman’s Club.
Survivors include: her daughters, Connie (Rick) Beito, Middle River, Minn., Susan (Rick) Olson, Grygla; son-in-law, Bob Cwikla; grandchildren, Ryan (Darcie) Cwikla, Adam Cwikla, Crystal (Mike) Cleven, Kari Beito, Barry (Tara) Olson, Stephanie (Jake) Schenkey; great-grandchildren, Andrew (Brittany) Loewe, Samantha (Josh Thode) Loewe, John Cleven, Cooper Cleven, Ava Isaak, Hunter Olson, Eli Olson, Jordyn Schenkey, Rylie Schenkey, Levi Schenkey; great-great-grandchildren, Ariya, Aurora, Aston, Aikley, Arysen, Ambrose Loewe; family friend, Mike Isaak; sisters-in-law, Alma Foss and Bernice Sistad; several godchildren; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by: her husband, Stewart; daughter, Bonnie; infant great-grandson, Isaiah Schenkey; parents; and siblings, Catharine, Steve, Anne, Josephine, Dorothy (Jackie), Stanley, Frances, Paul, Helen, Nick, Elsa, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Lottie defined the word caregiver. Her generosity, kindness and care for others will be deeply missed by all who have been blessed to know her. You are very lucky if you have a “Lottie” in your life.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
