Denise Dawn Kjetland

denise kjetland

December 31, 1957 ~ April 8, 2023

Born in: Garrison, North Dakota
Resided in: Chesapeake, Virginia

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Denise Dawn Kjetland, 65, of Chesapeake, VA passed away at home on April 8th, 2023 after a year long battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was born December 31st, 1957 in Garrison, North Dakota, and was the daughter of the late Emanuel Flath and Lorraine (Metz) Flath.

Denise grew up on a farm in Coleharbor, North Dakota with her parents and sister. She was very outgoing from birth, and never met a stranger. Upon graduating Underwood High School in 1976, Denise attended Concordia University in Moorhead, Minnesota for two years. She then transferred to Moorhead State University and graduated from there in 1980 with a degree in Social Work.

After college, she moved to Watertown, South Dakota to work for Teen Challenge. While working there she met the love of her life, Bret Kjetland. They married on September 25th, 1982 and had 3 children; Megan, Brooke and Caleb. In 1994, Denise and her husband moved their family from Watertown to Fargo, North Dakota.

Denise was “Nana” to many, as she ran in-home daycares for many years in both Watertown and Fargo. She and her husband moved to Chesapeake, Virginia in 2012 to be closer to their grandchildren. She was very involved in her grandchildren’s lives, and she continued to have a daycare business in Virginia until her breast cancer diagnosis in 2022.

She is survived by her husband Bret of 40 years; her children, Megan(Frank) Arritt, Brooke(Michael) Trauffer, and Caleb(Jennifer) Kjetland; her sister, Lavon Garceau; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces. She also is survived by 9 young grandchildren, who were the apple of her eye; Luke, Abigayle, and Blake Trauffer, Hope, Frank Jr., Joy and David Arritt, and Nora and Jude Kjetland. They will forever miss and love their Nana.

The family would like to thank all of their family and friends who have been supportive during Denise’s illness. All of the cards, gifts and visitors will never be forgotten. They also would like to thank Traditions Health Hospice for their exceptional care. A public memorial service will take place in Fargo, North Dakota on June 3rd, 2023 at Boulger Funeral Home. The memorial service will begin at 10am with a visitation at 9am and a reception to follow.

Services

Memorial: June 3, 2023 10:00 am

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
Fargo, North Dakota 58103

7012376441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

Visitation: June 3, 2023 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
Fargo, North Dakota 58103

7012376441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

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Guestbook

  1. Our sympathy and prayers to Denise’s family. Her light will always shine in our hearts and lives.

  2. Our sincere condolences and prayers for family and friends as they grieve together, share stories and remembrances, and celebrate Denise’s life. She left a great legacy of faith that will continue to accompany you long into the future.

  3. I know Denise from daycare. She took care of my granddaughter. She was a beautiful person with a great soul . I had the honor of meeting her and her beautiful smile .
    She will be missed dearly. Rest in peace Denise

  4. We are so sorry for your lose Megan & Frank. We will be praying for you from Texas during this difficult time.

  5. Denise was a lovely person. She was our daycare in Watertown. Our kids loved their time with the Kjetland family. We pray for their comfort and peace at this time.
    Lynn and Chuck Langner

  6. Denise would babysit our twin boys while I helped Bill at the church and then she also graciously accepted the position with the Women’s Teen Challenge at Watertown. She was always giving of herself wherever needed. Bret, you and your family are in my prayers that the Holy Spirit will bring comfort as only He can during this time

  7. My beautiful friend who has made an impact on so many lives, you will be dearly missed!!! Until we meet again, Denise, please continue to watch over your loved ones from Heaven!!!

  8. We are so absolutely sorry to hear of Denise passing. She was such a great lady. Our prayers are with all of you.

  9. Was so sorry to hear of Denise’s passing. Hadn’t seen her for awhile but fondest memories are when we were kids and how much fun we always had at family get togethers! Denise was a strong lady of faith and she is resting quietly in the arms of our Lord.
    Your tribute to her was beautiful!

  10. Just learned of Denise’s passing. She was a dear friend through high school and as I read she touched many people through the years! Prayers for her family and loved ones.


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