Audrey Mae Atchison

Dateline; Spring Grove, Mn Audrey Mae (Gulbranson) Liudahl-Atchison, 97 years old, of Spring Grove, passed away peacefully in her sleep, on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Gundersen Tweeten Care Center in Spring Grove. Audrey was born on December 29, 1926 in La Crosse, WI to Knute and Alma (Sandmoen) Gulbranson. She attended school in Spring Grove and graduated in June of 1944. That fall, Audrey decided to further her education at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. In 1948, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. After earning her degree, she taught for one year in New Richmond, MN but then made the brave decision to move back to her hometown and be a teacher for Spring Grove High School. She taught in the areas of Social Studies, History, and Economic Geography and remained there until she retired in 1983. However, her love for helping others brought her back the same year, assisting with the Title I program, until she retired from that in 1993. Through all of her years of teaching, Audrey always knew the importance of professionalism and how aware she was of what others thought of her. To some this was shown through her appearance and fashion but deep down it was the respect she held in high regard and hoped she influenced others to reciprocate the same. The reason for her return to Spring Grove was to marry the love of her life, Milton (Mick) Liudahl. The two of them married on June 11, 1949. Together they farmed the family farm. They shared a special bond and created many wonderful memories together. They were active in the community and also spent a lot of time with their friends and family. They were married for 40 years before complications from a farming accident took Mick away from Audrey. After Mick’s passing, through mutual friends, Audrey was introduced to Robert (Bob) Atchison. As a former teacher, Bob shared a love for education and also was interested in travel and bridge club, so the two of them fit together well. Audrey and Bob married on February 28th, 1993. Shortly after, they built a new house together and moved to town. Audrey had two main passions in life. The first being her faith. Audrey was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove. For many years, Audrey demonstrated her commitment to the church through her devoted attendance and being a member in both the choir and the circle. Her second passion was education. Audrey enjoyed spending time with others and helping others to be the best version of themselves. Her eyes would just twinkle when she would hear a positive story of a former student and their successes. One thing was certain in her method of teaching, she meant business, but she did it for the betterment of all students, for she knew in her heart that everyone, if they applied themselves, would succeed. Given her love of education, especially in the areas of history and geography, Audrey’s favorite hobby was to travel. She took great pride in the fact she had the opportunity to see first-hand what she had gotten to teach to so many. Her travel experiences included: All of the United States of America, including Alaska and the four main islands of Hawaii; All of Southern Canada, including Newfoundland; All of the Caribbean Islands and Mexico; and many countries across the Atlantic Ocean to include England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Russia, Germany, France, Estonia, Belgium, Italy, Greece, Malta, Hungary, Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands. Audrey’s love for teaching was evident, as when she would return, she would continue to share what she learned on her adventures and encourage others to go and do the same if they were given the opportunity. She believed that no one was ever too old to cease learning. Audrey is survived by her husband Bob of 31 years; his children Barbara (Charles) Kress, Karen (Paul) Bulgerin, Robert (Ellen) Atchison, and Sandra Pieper; and many of her extended family members, friends, and prior students. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Mick, many brother and sister in-laws, and several friends. Memorial services will be held for Audrey on Wednesday, September 4th, at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove. Burial of cremains will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 4-7 P.M. and one hour prior to services at the church. Roble Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.

Audrey Mae Atchison

December 26, 1926 - August 24, 2024