Eileen Alice Gaddes

Eileen Gaddes, age 89, of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota (formerly of Hastings, Minnesota), passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, at Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Eileen was born on December 10, 1936, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Irene and Herman Hansen. She was the oldest of four children.

After Eileen's father passed away, her mother remarried, and the family moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota, where Eileen completed her junior and senior years of high school. She married and began raising her children—Bob, Karen, and Jerry—in Albert Lea before moving to Hastings, Minnesota, in 1968 with her then-husband.

In 1974, Eileen married Russ Gaddes and began a life together marked by devoted love and partnership. Over the years, they enjoyed many adventures together, from annual trips to Hawaii in their early days to winter stays along the Florida panhandle in their retired years, along with autumn visits to their beloved North Shore.

Eileen had a special gift for bringing light into any room. She loved meeting new people, hearing their stories, and making everyone feel welcome. Happiness was important to Eileen—not only her own, but also that of everyone around her. She had a remarkable ability to spread joy, lift spirits, and help others feel valued and included. It was one of her greatest gifts, and countless family members, friends, and acquaintances were touched by her warmth and kindness.

Eileen loved hosting – from family holidays to casual get-togethers – adding her special touches along the way. She especially loved entertaining and decorating for the Christmas season.

Eileen loved playing cards, whether with her bridge groups, family, or friends. She was always ready to fit in a game whenever she could. She brought a gentle competitive spirit to the table and delighted in a well-played hand. When cards weren’t a possibility, she enjoyed a round of Spicy Farkle, cheering on others while hoping for a lucky roll of the dice. She also loved assembling 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles, often exchanging puzzles with her brothers in Nashville and Coconut Creek, as well as with fellow puzzle enthusiasts closer to home.

Eileen enjoyed lunch outings, especially when they included visits to her favorite shops to browse and hunt for a bargain. She also cherished time spent with the Sunday morning breakfast group at Perkins, where friendships were nurtured and stories were shared.

Wherever life took her, Eileen formed deep and lasting friendships. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, kindness, generosity, laughter, and spirited nature, and the deep love she shared with family and friends.

May her memory be a blessing and a source of comfort to all who knew and loved her.

Eileen was an active member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and volunteered with Regina Hospital Auxiliary.

Throughout her career, Eileen worked for Spector Alloys, Control Data, and Cargill before retiring at the age of 70.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Rose; her brother, Jim; and her sister-in-law, Maggie.

She is survived by her loving husband, Russ; her children, Bob Hanson, Karen Lubich, and Jerry (Cheri) Hanson; her grandchildren, Rachel Lubich, Elizabeth Hanson, and Daniel (Liz Harris) Hanson; her great-grandchildren, Mikal, Jovan, Mia, Wrenley, and Marlow; her great-great-granddaughter, Ze; her brother, Ron (Barbara); her stepson, Pat (Kim) Gaddes and his family; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Hastings. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Hastings Family Service, or Our Lady of Peace Hospice & Home Health Care.