Greta Ann Kulju

Greta Ann Kulju (neé Geving), 65, of McGregor passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at her home in McGregor after a year-long battle with cancer.  Greta was born July 9, 1959 in Rochester the daughter of Kenneth and Bernis (Flatjord) Geving.  After briefly living in Des Moines, Iowa, and Duluth, Minnesota, her family settled in McGregor, Minnesota in 1967, where she lived for the rest of her life. The community of McGregor lived in her heart, and she in its. Greta worked as a bookkeeper for several years before spending a 25-year career at the McGregor Public School in roles that ranged across business management, bookkeeping, accounting, and food service—but there is no accurate title for the incredible amount of love, care, and attention she gave to the students and staff there. She was truly part of the school’s identity and would sprinkle her days there with acts of kindness in ways big and small.
Greta loved to leave her mark wherever she went, both metaphorically and literally. Those who had her in their homes will no doubt be discovering gnome figurines, small piles of rocks, or “Greta was here” notes for years to come. She was the ultimate ice breaker, unafraid to approach anyone with questions about their life, where they were from, or if they were of Norwegian ancestry, like she was. She was deeply proud of being able to claim 100 percent Norwegian heritage. Her second proudest claim was being of “big Iowa farm stock,” where her mother, Bernis, was from; Greta frequently traveled to Iowa and stayed connected to her family there throughout her life.  Greta had many and varied hobbies and interests, with almost no end to what she found fascinating. She was a passionate collector of—including, but by no means limited to—candles, rocks, Red Wing crocks, jars, VW cars, and Birkenstocks. Some of her more notable hobbies were the Norwegian art of Hardanger embroidery, ambitious quilting projects, beekeeping, making and amassing Christmas memorabilia, and her friendships.  She was involved in multiple community organizations, committees, boards, groups, and championed the whole town of McGregor in one way or another, either as a patron, a supporter, or a participant. If you ever tried to walk down Maddy Street with her on Wild Rice Days, you know what we mean.  She adored her beloved husband, Eric, her two children, Jacob and Jenny, and her six grandchildren who referred to her as “The Real Grandma” or “Bakka GG.” Her greatest wish was to be involved in their lives.  She was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth Geving and Bernis (Flatjord) Geving.  She is survived by her husband Eric Kulju, son and daughter-in-law: Jacob Kulju and Kerstin Hansen; daughter and son-in-law: Jennifer and Eric Prozinski; grandchildren: Tristan Prozinski, Zane Prozinski, Adeline Prozinski, Harvey Kulju, Caliope Prozinski, and Signe Kulju; sisters: Rana Geving, Ronda Geving Simmons and brother-in-law Scott Simmons; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and best friends too numerous to count.
 
Family, friends, and others whose lives Greta touched are invited to a celebration of her life: 11am – Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church, (The Log Church) at Big Sandy Lake-McGregor.  Pastor Lorelie Robinson will be the officiant.  Visitation will be 5pm to 7pm Friday, May 16 at the church and will continue 1 hour prior to the service.  Burial will be in Salo Cemetery.  Arrangements are with McGregor Funeral Home in McGregor.  Go to www.srtfuneral.com to leave a message of condolence

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