Margaret Orvedahl
December 19, 1925 ~ August 17, 2017
Margaret Orvedahl died on August 17, 2017 at Sanford Palliative Care in Fargo, ND. She was born December 19, 1925 in Spring Creek Township, Becker County, Minnesota to Henry and Catherine (Burkel) Petersen. Margaret was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Detroit Lakes, MN. She graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1944, joined the nursing corp and graduated from St. Luke’s Hospital Nursing School in 1947 with her RN license. She worked at St. Luke’s Hospital, later Meritcare, mostly in the Recovery room and later the nursery until retiring in 1981.
Margaret married Harold Orvedahl on September 27, 1947 at Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. To this union, they had one son, Bruce (1948) and Marsha (1952). She also became a step mother to David Orvedahl and Diane (Orvedahl) Smith. Later, Margaret and Harold unofficially “adopted” foreign exchange student Hannah (Chang) Moon. Margaret was very involved with St. Mark Lutheran Church, Fargo, especially their senior quilting group. She was also an instrumental factor in the building of the Fargo Senior Living High Rise as a member of the Fargo Housing Authority.
Margaret is survived by son Bruce Orvedahl, Moorhead; daughter Marsha Homuth, Fargo, step-daughter Diane Smith, Yermo, CA; one sister, Loretta (Jim) Walz, Detroit Lakes; step-daughter-in-law Linda (David) Orvedahl; granddaughter Rebecca Kvenvolden (Andy), Federal Way, WA; grandson Brian Homuth, Fargo; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded by parents Henry and Catherine Petersen, husband Harold Orvedahl, stepson David Orvedahl, brother William Petersen and sister Ione Petersen.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00PM on Wednesday, August 23, with visitation beginning at 2:00PM, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, currently located at 355 6th Avenue South (Prairie St. John’s Convent Chapel). Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.
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Grandma was a wonderful person. The world is a much rougher place without her in it. I remember when I went to camp, she’d sent me letters. When i needed marriage advice, she was there. When we needed ANYTHING, she was there. I can’t come for the funeral but was blessed to have spent several days with her before she passed. I hope that she is appreciated and valued because she deserves it. I’m glad she’s no longer suffering, but i’m so sad to have lost her. Condolences to all the rest of you that loved her too.
I have wonderful memories of visiting Grandma (Margaret) and Grandpa Orvedahl in Fargo as a child. Margaret was always very kind to my brother and me. She will be missed.
Margaret was my friend Martha’s mom…she was always friendly and kind to me. She was one of the nurses for my first born ..who ended up in the then new ICN unit at St Luke’s Margaret would greet us with an encouraging word at every visit. It’s been many years since I last saw her at St Mark’s but she remembered…and I shall carry good memories of her with me. Prayers and sympathies to the family…
Margaret and I worked together in the Nicu. I remember when she started and what a challenge it was for her to take care of the tiny little babies after working in the adult world. She loved each one of them as if they were her own grandbabies! One of her favorite sayings was “mother of pearl” when things were not going right. It was a pleasure to work with her and to know her! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rest In Peace, Mrs. O.