Audrey Helen Evon Hochgraber

Surrounded by loving family, Audrey Helen Evon Hochgraber passed away October 30th at Essentia Health at the age of 91.

Audrey was born July 25, 1926 in Wild Rose, ND to Orren and Ella (Kroke) Anderson. The family farmed during the difficult 1930’s, eventually relocating to Kloten in 1935. Education was a lifelong passion for Audrey and she pursued a teaching degree at Mayville State University to help others achieve their dreams. For two years she taught at a rural school near Michigan, ND.

Audrey married Orville Hochgraber in 1946, residing on a farm in Galesburg, ND where Audrey helped with farm work, became involved in the community, especially at Elm River Lutheran Church, and taught school at Clifford-Galesburg for approximately 20 years. They traveled frequently with Orville’s Polar Communications board position. The farm raised crops, animals, much love, many adventures and two sons, Kent and Keith. Orville passed away in 1981 and Audrey continued residing there until 1983, when she moved to Fargo.

Fargo opened up new opportunities, including serving as house mother at NDSU’s Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, working at Hancock Fabrics to feed her sewing/crafting/quilting habit, volunteering at such places as Dakota Hospital/MeritCare, Sons of Norway and Hope Lutheran and catching up with past friends and meeting new on the golf course.

Audrey diligently attended every possible grandchild’s event, always serving as the voice of encouragement and support, regardless of the outcome. She was known to embrace her 100% Norwegian heritage, rolling untold amounts of lefse, flatbread and other treats and recently passing that tradition on to her great grandchildren.

The ultimate matriarch, Audrey’s grandchildren fondly remember her ability to mend and sew clothing, the detail and thought behind her Christmas gift giving and her warm insistence on feeding her guests. She enjoyed laughing, hosting friends and sharing conversation, constantly bringing people together with her kindness.

Audrey followed her parents, Orren and Ella, her husband, Orville, a sister, Ardis (Halvorson), and three brothers, Orville, Donald and Eldo on their journey to Heaven. Those responsible for carrying on her memory include sons, Kent (Marge) Hochgraber, Fargo, ND, Keith (Pat) Hochgraber, Detroit Lakes, MN, 6 grandchildren, Jill, Jessica, Erika Hochgraber, Joshua (Amy) Hochgraber, Benjamin (Cara) Hochgraber and Katie (Jeremy) Lamm, as well as 4 very adored great grandchildren, Audrey, Creighton and Nora Hochgraber and JJ Lamm.

A prayer service will be held at Boulger Funeral Home 7:00 PM on Friday, November 10 in Fargo with visitation starting at 5:00 P.M. Audrey’s funeral service will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 11, at Hope Lutheran North Campus in Fargo, with a family burial at Elm River Cemetery in Galesburg to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the charity of your choice.