A Memorial to Gaye


Usually when a loved one dies, the next of kin are promptly notified. Last Monday afternoon, while browsing the Internet, I stumbled upon an unexpected revelation: one of my aunts had passed away almost three months prior. For some inexplicable reason, I wasn’t informed of this news sooner. Nevertheless, I reminisced about the wonderful times I had shared with her.

Gaye Linda Hannestad (née Tweiten) was born on June 7, 1954 in Fargo, North Dakota. Her infectious energy and lively personality made me anticipate the times she babysat my sister and me when we were young. Tanya and I called them a “Gaye Gaye Day.” My aunt introduced me to some of the popular hits of the era. I remember her playing 45s of “In the Year 2525”, “I Started a Joke”, and “Spirit in the Sky.” Another endearing aspect of Gaye was her insistence that we sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus before opening our Christmas presents.


Gaye graduated from Fargo South High School in 1972 and eventually became a dental assistant. Apart from a brief stint living in Hawaii, she remained in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Gaye had two short-lived marriages. The second union resulted in the birth of her son Zachary.


In July 1994, I went back home to witness to family members. One morning I went to see Gaye. She didn’t have a phone then and so my arrival surprised her. As expected, Gaye was already saved. I also discovered that her twin sister, Gail, was on her way over. Shortly after Gail arrived, I led her in a prayer of salvation. Gaye was filled with tears of joy afterward. Later that year, on Christmas Eve, I had the privilege of guiding my six-year-old cousin, Zach, to Jesus.


Despite professing to be Christians, my relatives and I gradually spent less time together as I became more dedicated to obeying the Great Commission. Still, I continued to keep them all in my prayers. The last time I saw Gaye was in 2008. I returned to Fargo for Thanksgiving and had dinner with my dad’s side of the family. Afterward, I stopped by Grandma Tweiten’s house, where all my mother’s siblings were present. Gaye still displayed her sense of humor. When I took a picture of her and Gail, Gaye gave her sister bunny ears. 


Gaye passed away on February 5th at the age of 70. I missed her celebration service, but I find solace in knowing that she is now singing to the Lord in heaven.


“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” - Acts 16:31 


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