Inez (Pellman) Gripentrog

Inez (Pellman) Gripentrog passed away November 7, 2022, surrounded by love while the song “Unclouded Day” by Don Henley played softly in the background.

Inez was born at home to John and Rose Pellman on June 27, 1937. The youngest of nine, she grew up on the farm outside of Mantador, ND. She attended schools in Mantador and Hankinson, ND, graduating from St. Francis Academy in Hankinson in 1955. She then attended business school at NDSSS in Wahpeton, where she met Duane Gripentrog. They were married June 7, 1958 and had 6 children. In 1967 the family moved to Shelby. Inez worked with the Title I Program for a time. In 1973 she took a position at Toole County State Bank, where she worked until 1999, when she retired to care for her husband.

Inez was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Duane Gripentrog; son, Danny Gripentrog; 2 sons-in-law, Kevin Ryan and Cecil Lazenby; her parents; her brothers, Chuck, Leo, and Harry; her sisters, Joan, Catherine, Pat, and Florence; and several nieces and nephews.

She is survived by five of her children, Doreen (Avison) McKelvey, Diane Lazenby, Jeannie Gripentrog (Jeff), Roger Gripentrog, and Linda Ryan (Brad); 9 grandchildren, Tanya (Walter) Forwood, Cory Lazenby, Conor Ryan (Okoree), Dylan Ryan, Tara (Evan) Hanna, Sara Trotchie (Craig), Kelsie Gripentrog (Evan), August Gripentrog, and Daniel Gripentrog; and one step great-grandson, Gavin Hanna. She is also survived by 1 sister, Dolores Davis; 2 sisters-in-law, Marietta Pellman, and Sherry Hoverman; 2 brothers-in-law and their wives, Mike (Darlene) Gripentrog and Brian (Joan) Gripentrog; and many nieces and nephews.

Our beloved mom and grandma will be remembered for her generous, humble, selfless nature. She loved her family and instilled loyalty, encouraged independent thinking, and always took great interest in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She will forever be missed by her loved ones.

To honor Inez, be your best human. Walk the bullied child home from school, support local businesses, donate to your local food bank, share the holidays with those far from family, and above all be kind to others.

A graveside service at Mountain View Cemetery will be Saturday, June 24, at 2 pm. A reception at the Gripentrog residence, 636 Gallatin Street, will follow the service.

Rest in peace where the tree of eternal bloom sheds its fragrance through the unclouded day.