Gail Watnemo

Gail Watnemo, age 69, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, while in hospice care at First Care Living Center in Fosston, Minnesota. She was born on July 24, 1956, in Conrad, Montana, to loving parents Reuben and Carmen Johnson.

She graduated from Fosston High School in 1974. Five years later, she married the love of her life, Dale Watnemo. They were married on July 24, 1976, in Erskine, Minnesota, and later grew their family with the births of two beloved daughters, Tania and Nicky. In 1979, they moved to Crookston, making the community their home for many years.

Gail was a stay-at-home mom, which continued as her children got older due to her epilepsy diagnosis. In 1995, she had a transformative brain surgery that then allowed her to gain her driver’s license and regain the freedom to work outside her home. With a passion for learning and growth, she explored various job opportunities. Her favorite being seasonal work at the greenhouse, thriving in an environment that complemented her green thumb.

She enjoyed cooking and baking for others. And her love of gardening, growing both flowers and veggies, could be seen in the health of her plants, both indoors and outdoors. More recently, Gail found joy in aqua exercise at the Crookston pool, where she met a lot of friends.

Gail was known for her vibrant and social personality. She had a special knack for creating a welcoming home filled with laughter and companionship. Many cherished moments were spent over cups of coffee with friends and neighbors.

As an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, she found community, friendship, and purposeful connection and fellowship with other members of the congregation.

She is survived by her daughter, Nicky (Pete) Casberg; grandchildren, Avery and Leighton Casberg; mother, Carmen Whitten; siblings, Jody (Darrel) Heide, Stacie (Scott) Lavoi, Angie Halverson, Kyle (Brenda) Johnson, Lanny (Kathy) Johnson; her loving companion, DuWayne Englestead, and other beloved family and friends. Gail is preceded in death by her husband, Dale Watnemo; daughter, Tania Watnemo; father, Reuben Johnson; and brother, Scott Johnson.

A memorial service celebrating Gail's life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, Minnesota. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service.