When Two Harbors’ resident Gladys Bredow reflects on her century on earth, she sees a life rooted in family, hard work, and a deep appreciation for simple, honest living. Raised in Dorchester, Wisconsin, she grew up on a dairy farm, helping tend 21 milking cows and working alongside her father. “I had to work hard, but I enjoyed it,” she recalled.
With her mother working as a nurse, Gladys stepped in to help with “all the things a mother does,” she said, in addition to her regular chores on the farm.
That strong work ethic carried Gladys through decades of raising six children alongside her husband, Donald, a butcher and dock worker among other trades. They moved from Wisconsin to Silver Creek AKA Legion Hill, to Stone Lake, then Brimson. Though she eventually settled in Two Harbors, she admits her heart still belongs to Wisconsin, where much of her family remains.
On May 8, Gladys celebrated a remarkable milestone—her 100th birthday. The day began with a surprise visit from three of her nieces, who made the trip from Medford, Wisconsin. “They only stayed for a few hours, but it was so special,” she said.
A few weeks later, her daughters, granddaughters, and their families surprised her with a visit, coming from as far as Mississippi to see her.
With 13 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and more on the way, and a lifetime of memories, Gladys remains sharp and engaged. Though she no longer tends her garden as she once did, she fondly recalls growing vegetables and preparing home-cooked meals. Even now, she still does a bit of canning—most recently putting up sweet corn just a couple of weeks ago.
Gladys’s resilience extends far beyond farm work and motherhood— she holds the distinction of being the oldest woman in the country to undergo a bypass heart procedure. In recent years, she’s had stents placed and a pacemaker installed, yet she continues to face life with strength and good spirits, undeterred by her health challenges.
When reflecting on how the world has changed, Gladys doesn’t mince words. “Young people don’t keep jobs—they don’t stick with anything,” she said, voicing her worry about changing values. She also shared deep concern about the growing drug epidemic, which she finds especially troubling.
She acknowledges the many conveniences of modern life—indoor plumbing, electricity, and telephones— essentials now, but luxuries she once lived without and believes are often taken for granted today.
Her advice to younger generations is straightforward: “Work hard, get a job early, and stick with it.” When asked about her secret to longevity, she said, “Work hard when you’re younger. Do your own baking and cooking. Don’t eat stuff from the box. Cook your own stuff!”
With the Pew Research Center reporting that a mere .03% of the current population in the United States has reached age 100, I suggest we take Gladys’ advice. That stuff in the box isn’t very good, anyway! Happy Birthday Gladys! Wishing you many more!
