Gail Lovaas

"Nevertheless, she persisted." This saying, known to supporters of Elizabeth Warren, was lived daily by Gail. She was diagnosed with Lupus as a young adult, and in the course of her life endured a splenectomy, two kidney transplants (from her mother and her brother), a heart attack, a heart-and-kidney transplant, CMV, two emergency surgeries at Mayo Clinic, one of which was performed in the middle of the night, during a snowstorm, and many, many hospitalizations, one of which lasted two months.

Reading this, you may think Gail was unlucky. However, she taught us that the misfortune of falling is less important than finding the courage to get back up. She did so time after time. Through all this, she not only persisted, she did it smiling, and reading, and always doing the best she could.

Gail (age 67) is preceded in death by parents, Herb and Lois Steinmueller; brother, Paul Steinmueller; sister, Nancy Ulrich; brother-in-law, Terry Lovaas. She is survived by her husband, Timm Lovaas; kids, John (Echo) Reiland, Wendy Lovaas, Eric Lovaas, Alyson Jentz, Paul Lovaas; brothers, Jim (Cheri) Steinmueller, Joel (Cathy) Steinmueller, Mark (Sue) Steinmueller; brother-in-law, Sam Ulrich; sister-in-law, Faye Steinmueller; sister-in-law, Mickey Lovaas. She is the favorite aunt of many nieces and nephews, and beloved "G-ma" to three wonderful grandsons. She was a dedicated reader, attending a book club with her friends for over 40 years. She enjoyed travel and sunshine.

Gail graduated from White Bear High School in 1971, and Moorhead State University. She worked previously at General Foods, the Deluxe Corporation, and Reall Manufacturing. She was also a previous board member of the Second Chance for Life Foundation. So many thanks to all her health care providers, to Mayo Clinic, St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester MN, St. John's Hospital, and the Gift of Life House in Rochester. A special thank you to Dr. David Warden from Associated Nephrology. The staff and nurses at Fairview Home Hospice Care made Gail's last few months easier.

End-stage kidney failure was a frightening prospect to Gail, but much less frightening, she would inform you, than the possibility of having to listen to Trump for four more years.

Due to COVID19 we will not host a funeral at this time. We are a hugging family, and we will have a celebration of Gail's life when it's again safe to hug.

Gail’s life was extended and enhanced by the generous donation of vital organs. She was able to witness many of life’s wonderful events; graduations, marriages, and births. Many thanks to the families that made the brave decision about donating.

Memorials preferred and will be divided between Gail's favorite organizations.