Grace A. Lund

Lund, Grace A. MADISON-Grace Adeline Lund, Ph.D, age 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 23, 2017, in Madison. She was born in Thorp Township, Wis. on March 8, 1922, the daughter of Edward and Fern Lund. She was baptized in August, 1928 at the Methodist Episcopal Church, Stanley, Wis. The oldest surviving daughter of eight brothers and sisters, Grace was 15 years old when her mother passed away in 1937. Grace had a strong spiritual belief and devoted her life to her love for her Christian faith. She was a retired professor and later pursued a career as a visual artist. In 1947, Grace received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Eau Claire State Teacher's College. She completed her Master of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1951, and later accomplished her Doctor of Philosophy Degree in 1959. Grace began her extensive teaching career as an elementary school teacher in Janesville, Wis. (1947-51) and continued as a professor at Northwestern Schools in Minneapolis, Minn. (1951-55), as a research assistant and instructor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1955-58) and a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1958-79). In 1979, Grace moved to Minnesota, culminating her career in education at Northwestern College, St. Paul, Minn., a Christian university. She served as the professor in charge of program development and obtained accrediting association's approval of new programs. During her career as an educator, Grace also served as an exchange professor at the University of Puerto Rico Graduate School, completed a postdoctoral fellowship at New York University and served as the program director for the Wisconsin Statewide Program for teaching Disadvantaged Children and Youth (1970 -72). Grace retired from teaching in 1984. Following her retirement, Grace pursued her long held passion to study art. In 1997, at the age of 75, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Honors Program in Studio Art at the University of Minnesota, graduating summa cum laude. Honors she received included membership of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and selection as a Danforth Associate. Grace had a successful career as a visual artist whose work included florals and abstract paintings in watercolor and oil mediums. She developed her own unique style in color dominated abstract paintings that reflected her deep Christian faith and desire to honor God in her life and works. Her hope was that the viewer would be spiritually impacted by her abstract works of art. With a desire to be closer to family, Grace moved from St. Paul, Minn. to Madison in 2007. She touched the lives of many during her time living in Madison. Grace continued to create her abstract paintings until poor health, dementia (A/D), prevented her from doing so. Grace cherished and was proud of her large extended family and drew strength from their vitality. Grace is survived by her brother, David Lund of Oregon; five sisters, Louella Downing of Two Rivers, Gladys White of Green Bay, Lorraine Pomietlo of Eau Claire, Joan Naas of Bloomer and Susan Blanchette of Sun Prairie; step-sisters Beverly Thill of Fall Creek and Artis Tisdale of Kaukauna; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Musetta, Elorraine and Donna Lund; brothers, Jack and George Alex Lund; brothers-in-law, Ole Olson, Harold Downing, Stanley Pomietlo and Richard Naas; sister-in-law, Welma Lund; and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Celebration of Grace's Life will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 11 am. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Graveside services will be at Oakland Cemetery, Stanley, Wis., at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2017. Memorials may be given to Bethel Lutheran Church, Agrace Foundation, or the charity of your choice. Her family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the many caring people who were a part of Grace's life, Bethel Lutheran Church, and the caregivers and friends at Legacy Gardens Assisted Living Community, Capitol Lakes Health Center, and Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." ~ Psalm 126:3 NIV Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420