Glori Sundberg, 57
Glori Dawn Sundberg of Mahtomedi, more recently of Cambridge and formerly of New Prague, valiantly battled Early Onset of Alzheimer's Disease. She passed peacefully due to complications of this disease, October 26, 2013, at Prairie Senior Cottages and Memory Center in Isanti, MN. She was 57.
Glori was born to Donn and Ruth Becklin in Minneapolis on June 11, 1956. As a 1974 graduate of Cambridge High School, she participated in cheerleading, vocal music, band, theatre and as a baton twirling drum major. Glori's shining moment in high school was being cast as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. She continued singing in various church opportunities including weddings and funerals. Glori went on to attend the University of Minnesota where she attained a BS in Marketing Management. She also secured an MA in Education from Cardinal Stritch and in 2005, Glori worked diligently to complete her Educational Doctoral Degree from Hamline University.
In May of 1979, Glori married Craig Sundberg, and 10 years later, Glori and Craig welcomed Leif Per- Alden into their lives. The family lived in New Prague and Mahtomedi, and Glori had several careers over the span of her short life. As a gifted designer, she created her company Glori Design, a distinctive interior design company. Glori had a gift for teaching and was able to share this talent in several locations including Bethel University, where she faithfully served in the Education department and later as Director of the Organizational Leadership program. Glori loved her students and they, in turn loved and adored her. She stepped down from her duties at Bethel in 2007 due to her health related concerns.
Glori had experienced memory related issues and some cognitive impairment in her late 40s and was diagnosed with Early Onset of Alzheimer's Disease when she was 53. Through it all, Glori kept her dignity and bubbling, infectious personality intact. Glori had a strong and devout faith. Her God continued to use Glori to reflect His love to those she came in contact with. Glori loved attending her church, Eagle Brook, and was responsible for encouraging many to visit and become part of the fellowship she found while attending. She was the focus of the 2011 Easter message which focused on living through dying. She attended church right up to the point where she could physically no longer attend. In September of 2012 Glori moved into Isanti Prairie Senior Cottage and Memory Center. She had frequent visitors who often left as being the ones blessed, encouraged and nurtured. Glori had a corps of angel caregivers who surrounded her at her new home. As a family, we will be eternally indebted to their mission and vision of serving those afflicted with dementia.
Glori's favorite pastimes included exercise and running with various friends and her beloved canine companions Chipper and Doc. She had made a point of running in consecutive Race for the Cure events up to the point where she could no longer run. She would thoughtfully select a different person to run for, in their memory, each time. She was a true lover of all animals and took great care and interest in all creatures great and small.
Glori is survived by husband Craig and son, Leif (24); mother Ruth Becklin, sister Vicki (Larry) Ostrom of Cambridge, brother Craig (Janet) Becklin of North Branch; 14 nieces and nephews, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Glori was preceded in death by her father Donn Becklin.
A visitation will be held Monday, November 4th, at Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home in Cambridge from 4:00-7:00 pm. A Memorial Celebration Service will be at the White Bear Lake campus of Eagle Brook Church, Tuesday, November 5th, at 6:00 pm. A second visitation prior to the service will be held from 4–6 pm at the church. Online condolences at carlsonlillemoen.com. Arrangements are with the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge.
