Gail Christine Thode, 68, of Hutchinson passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, at Glencoe Regional Hospital surrounded by her family and friends as her brother and nephew sang and played guitar.
 Gail was born on July 2, 1957, in Aberdeen, S.D., to Robert and Luella Gutormson. She grew up in a large family with nine siblings where she learned to share, love and laugh. On January 31, 1976, Gail married her true love, Timothy John Thode. Together, they started a family built on love, commitment and hard work.
 Gail found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. She loved all kinds of music and could often be found cheering proudly at Hutchinson Tiger sporting events, especially when her children and grandchildren were on the field, court, rink or stage. “Grandma Days” were among her greatest treasures, as she delighted in creating memories with her grandchildren. She shared her love through cooking and baking, filling her home with comfort, warmth, and laughter. She enjoyed Ya Ya luncheons with her sisters and days at the lake with her close friends. For Gail, a perfect evening was gathered around a campfire with family and friends – music playing, stories shared, and love all around. She leaves behind a legacy of love not only with her own children and grandchildren, but in the countless kids who came into her home. Gail welcomed anyone who needed a meal, a talk, a hug, a place to stay or simply a place to belong. She was a mom to all who needed her.
 Throughout her life, Gail used her gift of compassion in her career. First, as a childcare provider and later as a caregiver to those with special needs. Gail then spent the next 24 years working at Prairie Senior Cottages, where she made certain to provide numerous daily moments of joy for her beloved residents. She loved each resident as if they were her own family.
 She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose greatest joy came from her children and grandchildren. Gail is survived by her husband, Timothy; their children, Mandy Thode (Joel Sturges)(Che Regnier), Timothy (Courtney) Thode II, and Matthew (Sara) Thode; and her beloved grandchildren: Ainsley (fiancé Aaron), Brooklyn, Nathan, Emelia, Ruby, Jones, Ava, Hawkins, and Cammy.
 She is also survived by her father-in-law Florian Thode; siblings Lani Worley, Leann (George) Niebler, Joan (Bob) Paulson, Tom Gutormson, Terri Hopp, Rob (Linda) Gutormson, Cindy (Scott) Decker, Pam (Steve) Adams, Sheila Ulrich, Randy Thode; 32 nieces and nephews as well as many extended family members and friends who will forever remember her kindness, generosity, and warm spirit.
 Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Luella; siblings Greg Gutormson, Renae Sitz, and Jackie Gutormson; mother-in-law Vernice Thode; brothers-in-law Gary Brown, Cory Thode, Ken Hopp, Shawne Worley; sisters-in-law Kathy Gutormson, Sandy Oemcke and granddaughter Zella Thode.
 In keeping with her giving nature, Gail chose to donate her body to University of Minnesota Medical School Bequest Program. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. There is a Celebration of Life planned on September 20, 2025, at Art’s Place in Hutchinson from 5 – 8 p.m. Please join us to celebrate Gail and the wonderful life she lived.
 It goes without saying that she was truly a beautiful soul who will be missed beyond words. We didn’t have enough time. Love you, Dear Girl.