Rona Gstalder

Rona Rae Gstalder, 73 of Albert Lea, MN passed away on Wednesday, June 29th, 2022, at Mercy One North Iowa Hospital in Mason City, IA.

Born on October 16th, 1948, in Albert Lea, MN was daughter to the late Delbert Gstalder and Marian (Johnson) Gstalder and sister to the late Robert Gstalder.

Rona grew up in Glenville where she was a baptized and confirmed member of First Lutheran Church.  She played the organ for church services, weddings and sang in the church choir.

She attended Glenville High School where she played the trumpet in the school’s marching band and sang in the school choir.

After graduating from Glenville High School in 1966 she attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa for her first 2 years of college. She completed her college career at Mankato State University with a double major in English and French. She later went back to graduate school at Hamline University to receive a degree in gifted and talented education.

Rona started off her teaching career at Montgomery-Lonsdale High School in 1974 where she taught English and became a speech and debate coach.

After a few years of teaching, she joined the business world where she ran and operated her own companies.  After many years of business, she decided to go back to teaching, which was her passion.

Rona resumed her teaching career in 1996 teaching at Apple Valley High School where she spent a majority of her career. She enjoyed judging debate and working with gifted and talented students.

Rona was an avid reader and enjoyed many classical works. Her pastimes included the opera, symphony, museums, art galleries, writing and cooking. Her first love was playing the piano. Rona was a very gifted pianist and enjoyed playing composers such as Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Schubert, Handel and many others.

She was also known for her generous heart and love of adventure. All life’s challenges were met with strength, intense independence and fortitude especially during her long debilitating illness.

Left to cherish Rona’s memory is her daughter Natalie Gstalder Lappi (Justin Fultz), granddaughter, Shea Marian Fultz and many extended family members and friends. She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM on Friday, August 12, 2022 at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services in Albert Lea. The family will receive friends at a visitation one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10128 or First Lutheran Church, Peace and Power, 301 W Clark St., Albert Lea, MN 56007.