Gretchen Angela Watne, age 53, left this world on Saturday January 27, 2024, and is now enjoying perfect rest with her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, whom she had trusted alone as the One who fully paid for her sins and rose again.

Gretchen was born on November 27th, 1970, to Frank and Sharon (Torba) Hanson. She grew up in Pike Lake and graduated from Proctor high school. On May 17th, 2000. She was united in marriage to Lewis (Tory) Watne and together raised their daughter Harlie in Grand Rapids, MN.

Gretchen was a generous and kind person who cared deeply for the people placed in her life and repeatedly took time to minister to them. She was passionate about her faith in Christ and loved sharing it with others. Her goal was to see the Lord honored in whatever she participated in.

She served her community as an aquatics instructor at the Y. She also served as a peer support specialist, working at the Keisler House, and was thankful for the opportunity to be able to help those she could. She used her artistic talents to brighten people's lives.

She was a passionate and dedicated Sunday School teacher. Her greatest love was her family. She was a devoted wife and mother, and her utmost joy was her grandchildren, for whom her love was unmatched.

Gretchen is preceded in death by her mother, Sharon; and brothers, Adam and Matt. She is survived by her father, Frank (Karen), brother, Frank III (Linda); She is also survived by her loving husband, Lewis; her daughter Harlie (Sanders) Smith and 4 grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Itasca Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MN with a memorial service to follow at 12:00 PM.