Priscilla Gaalaas

Priscilla "Poe" Rossman Gaalaas, of Grand Rapids, died peacefully Saturday, December 19, 2009 in her home at Pleasant Seasons.

She was born in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Laurence and Elizabeth Rossman. Poe graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1937 and Carleton College in Northfield, MN in 1941. In 1942, she married Lee Gaalaas, her high school sweetheart. During his military career, Poe and Lee lived in Portland, OR, and Santa Rosa, CA. Following WWII, they returned to make their home in Grand Rapids where they raised their family. For years, she worked with her brothers as the executive secretary for the Herald-Review and NorthPrint Company.

Poe was very active in the American Association of University Women. She was a charter member of the Grand Rapids Branch, and after 50 years of membership, she became a life member of AAUW. She served as both president and co-president for the organization. Poe was involved in the Itasca Orchestral Society having served as president and board member. She was a member of the Nordstjernen Sons of Norway Lodge and Eastern Star.

From childhood on, Poe was an active member of Community Presbyterian Church and had served as a deacon. She enjoyed playing bridge and cherished her bridge group friends.

Poe was dedicated to her family and friends. She actively supported the many activities of her children and grandchildren throughout her life.

Priscilla was preceded in death by Lee, her husband of 67 years, her parents and her brothers George (Alice), Allen (Amelda) and sister Jean Field (Orrin). Surviving family includes four children, Jean (Richard) Morse of Stillwater, Larry (Susan) of Minneapolis, Donald (LouAnne) of Red Wing, and Peder (Maren) of Grand Rapids; her brother, Robert (Marilyn) Rossman, Grand Rapids; 13 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service for Priscilla will be held Sunday, Dec 27, at 3 p.m. at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids. The Reverend Kimbrel Johnson of Community Presbyterian Church will officiate. A reception / visitation will follow the service. A Spring burial will be in Itasca-Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by Libbey Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN.