Loren T. Gelle, age 83, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at home with his wife at his side.

Loren Theodore Gelle was born in 1940, the son of Theodore and Bernice (Rambow) Gelle in Maple Grove, Minnesota.  He grew up on the family farm in Maple Grove and graduated from Osseo High School.  Loren continued his education earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota in 1963 and later earned his master's degree from the University of Missouri in 1971.

Loren was united in marriage to Bonnie June Edna Vergin in 1964 and made their home in New Hope, Minnesota.  Loren taught Social Studies from 1966 – 1979 in the Robbinsdale Area Schools.  In 1973, Loren and Bonnie purchased lakeshore and a rustic cabin on Little Splithand Lake.  In 1979, they made their home at Little Splithand Lake where Loren began working for Itasca County Soil & Water Conservation District.  He later joined the Itasca County Environmental Service, retiring in 1999.

Loren can be remembered as an avid outdoorsman who thoroughly enjoyed his woodland property in Splithand and Wildwood Townships and the hunting property near the Chippewa National Forest north of Deer River, Minnesota. His favorite pastimes included fishing, hunting, maple syruping, trail maintenance, gardening and cutting firewood.  This meant he needed to purchase a tractor, or two or three plus assorted equipment.  A full woodshed, or two, or three thrilled him!

Loren will be deeply missed by his wife of 60 years, Bonnie; his daughter, Cari Gelle of Roseville, MN; son, Gabe Gelle of Loretto, MN; grandchildren, Taylor LaBresh of St. Paul, MN and Camille Falkowski of White Bear Lake, MN; Jeanne Gelle (friend of Bonnie and Loren; other family members, and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Dale Emmans; and his best friend and cousin, Cedric Gelle.

Special thanks to the staff at St. Croix Hospice for their support and concerns these last several months.

A memorial service be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 12pm at Loren and Bonnie's lake property at 12149 Behm Rd, Grand Rapids, MN followed by a picnic gathering of family and friends from 1:00-3:00pm.

Memorials preferred to MSL (My Savior Lives) Northland, or Long Lake Conservation Center.