Loretta M. Gramstad, 92, of Rochelle passed away on Saturday May 7, 2011 at Rochelle Rehabilitation Center in Rochelle, IL. She was born Jan. 16, 1919 in Aurora, IL the youngest child of Peter and Susan (Dockendorf) Barbel. She attended St. Nicholas grade school and graduated from East Aurora High School in 1937. Following graduation she worked for S.S. Kresge in Aurora.
She met and married Walter C. Gramstad on July 16, 1941. The couple began a career in farming and moved to Reynolds Township near Ashton, IL in 1951.
Upon retirement the couple moved to Rochelle in 1985. Loretta was an avid homemaker while her husband enjoyed golf and bowling. Walter passed away on Oct. 3, 2008. Loretta remained in her home until March of this year when she fell requiring hospitalization.

She is survived by several nieces and a nephew Dave (Kathy) Bjorseth of Aurora, IL. He served as her legal guardian and caretaker along with the late Howard Powell the past 3 years.
She was preceded in death by three sisters; Bertha Barbel, Betty Sloan and Rosella Bjorseth and one brother; Clarence Barbel.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday May 11th at Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th Street, Rochelle, IL. Visitation will be from 10 to service time on Wednesday at Unger-Horner. Burial will be at Union Cemetery in Steward, IL. A memorial has been established.