In Remembrance

Gudrun Hoivik, 96, died on March 25, 2024 in Duluth. Gudrun was born October 3, 1927 to Rasmus and Bergit Sangolt in Bergen, Norway. In 1950 she immigrated to Duluth to join her fiancé, Egil Hoivik, and was married on December 31, 1950.

In 1952 they moved to Minneapolis for Egil’s education. In addition to supporting Egil in his studies, Gudrun worked at the University of Minnesota Hospital where she made lifelong friends. When their sons were born, Gudrun became a stay-at-home mom. They moved to Duluth in 1965 and settled into their home in the Woodland neighborhood. She and Egil had many friends and relatives and they loved to entertain them during the 55 years they lived in Woodland. In 1972 they purchased a cabin on Pequaywan Lake where they spent many enjoyable summer days.

When her sons were older, Gudrun enrolled at UMD and received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, graduating magna cum laude in 1971. She served as a substitute teacher for ISD 709 and worked as a recreation leader at the Rainbow Senior Center from1978 to 1989 when she retired. She also provided translation services for people who were interested in learning more about their Norwegian heritage. She was a long time member of First Lutheran Church and was active in its women’s organizations. She belonged to the local branch of the Norse Federation, the Nortun Lodge of Sons of Norway and the American Association of University Women. Following their retirements, she and Egil traveled extensively, including cruises, bus trips and trips to Norway to spend time with family.

Gudrun was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Egil; her parents; her sister Margunn Carton and brother Magne Sangolt and niece Jannicke Sangolt. She is survived by her sons John (Leanne Ventrella) and Rolf, both of Duluth; her sister Solveig Sangolt of Bergen, Norway; her granddaughters Lynne Hoivik, Amanda (Brandon) Bilbrey and great-grandchildren, Livia Sanchez and Nolan Bilbrey, all in Texas; her sister-in-law Karen Fonn and her husband Jostein and nieces and nephews in Norway.

Her family would like to thank Ecumen Hospice for the loving care they provided to Gudrun, especially Amy, Logan and Amber and the staff at Aftenro for their attentive care.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. memorial service on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at First Lutheran Church, 1100 E. Superior Street, Duluth. Private inurnment at a later date. Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church or CHUM.