Chrystal Mae Gawarecki

Chrystal Mae was born March 16, 1945 in Marshall to Joseph and Arlene (Larson) Peterson. She grew up on the same farm her grandfather homesteaded. After graduating from Minneota High School, Chrystal continued her education in Minneapolis; pursuing a degree in nursing. She returned to Minneota and was united in marriage to Dennis Gawarecki on January 16, 1965 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minneota. The couple raised their family on the same farm she grew up on; teaching them to always value family. She cared for many patients through her 46 year career at Avera Hospital in Marshall and was on the LPN Board of Directors Nurses’ Union. Chrystal spent many hours reading her favorite novels and helping out at horse events. She was an active member of the Silver Spur Saddle Club and St. Paul’s Lutheran church where she taught Sunday school. Chrystal’s favorite past time was spending time reading to her grandchildren, who knew her best as “Ama.” Chrystal Mae Gawarecki died on Wednesday, December 20, 2012 at Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls, SD. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Dennis of Minneota; children, Chadwick (Janelle) of Arco, Caren (Curtis) Buysse of Minneota; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; nieces, Pam (Doug) Docken of Blaine, Kym (Paul) Rudberg of Lino Lakes, Brenda (Dale) Koening of Clear Lake, WI, Mandy (Brandon) Koster of Shakopee; brother-in-law, Lon Gawarecki of Taunton; sister-in-law Shirley Gawerecki of Taunton. She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Delores Shaffer; brother-in-laws, Vince Gawerecki and Robert Schafer.