Clarice Astrup

clarice astrup
Clarice LaVerne Astrup, 91, of Fargo, ND, was called home to heaven on June 26, 2017, at Bethany Retirement Living. Clarice Rutherford was born on the family farm near Nash, ND on May 20, 1926 to John and Johanna (Dahl) Rutherford. She was the youngest of 11 siblings. She attended school in a one-room schoolhouse for eight years and completed her education in Grafton, ND. She then graduated from the New York Hairdressing Academy in 1946. She loved to travel and lived in Colorado, Arizona and California before meeting a charming farmer, Donovan Astrup, at the Crystal Ballroom in Fargo. They were married three months later on March 31, 1957, at First Lutheran Church in Fargo and moved to his home in Grenora, ND where they farmed for five years. In 1962, they bought a farm north of Buffalo, ND and raised their two daughters, Karen and Joni there. Clarice loved spending time with her family, and being a farmer’s wife. She always enjoyed a drive to see the crops and talk with her neighbors. In 1974, after Donovan tragically died, she and Karen and Joni moved to Drayton, ND to be near family. She made her final home in Fargo in 1978 and made many lasting friendships there. Clarice worked for 10 years in food service at NDSU and was proud of her 30 years of volunteer work at Sanford Hospital, delivering flowers. She loved her Lord and was a devoted mother, grandmother and faithful friend. She had a soft spot for children and dogs. She is survived by her daughters, Karen Urlacher (Glenn), Moorhead, and Joni Astrup, Elk River, three grandchildren, Kristen (Paul) Reinowski, Moorhead, Sarah Urlacher, Denver, CO and Kevin Urlacher, Moorhead, one great granddaughter, Lydia Reinowski and another baby due in October. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Corrine Astrup, Austin, MN and Arline Astrup, Fargo, and many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donovan, parents and all of her siblings, Delbert Rutherford, Leona Rutherford, Joe Rutherford, Nick Rutherford, Alfreda Voorhees, Harriet Rutherford, Mabel Holler, Kenny Rutherford, Gladys Brosseau, and Jim Rutherford. The family would like to thank the staff at Edgewood Vista, Bethany Retirement Living and Hospice for their loving care. Funeral: 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at St Paul’s Free Lutheran Church, Fargo with visitation one hour prior. Serving as pallbearers are Mike Astrup, Steve Johnson, Todd Pierce, Gary Rutherford, Flip Rysted, and Glenn Urlacher. Clarice loved the color blue. Guests are invited to wear blue in her honor, if they wish.

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  1. Karen and Joni – Sending our love and wishing we could be with you as you celebrate the life of your precious mother. Much love – Jeff, Crystal and Nathan Welch – Huntington, WV

  2. Clarice was a special aunt and left us with many great memories. We know she will be missed by all that had the privilege to know her. Our prayers are with all of the family during this difficult time.

  3. Sorry for your loss. Your mom was a very special person. She was so kind and soft spoken. Love and prayers to both of you Karen and Joni. Our love Robert and Judith Von Bank

  4. Karen & Joni; Won’t be able to be with you on Sat. but wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  5. Karen and Joni, and all who loved Clarice,
    What a precious heritage your mother, has left you! I know I’ve said it a thousand times, but she looked like my Dad’s twin! When I visited her in September, her memory had dimmed a little, but there on top of her cupboard was a picture of her and Aunt Gladys kissing Dad on each cheek. When I pointed to that, she understood our connection, and that sweet smile of hers and her soft voice were so loving towards me. It was clear to me that she had a personal relationship with the Lord, and it makes me happy to think of her seeing Him face to face. I can only imagine her smile when that happened! Jim and I are sending our love, and we will be praying for you and your family as you going through this transition and “change of address” for your beloved Mom.

  6. The Punton Family sends its deepest and dearest condolences, may there be safe passage to the other side.

  7. I will always remember Aunt Clarice with fondness, the sweetness of her smile and disposition, her subtle humor and soft chuckles. May knowing she is beaming in Heaven bring much comfort and hope to your family.

  8. Dear Cousins Karen and Joni and all your loved ones. I too am sorry to miss the visitation and service for Aunt Clarice tomorrow because of my long distance away in Washington. I just watched the video tribute and it’s a wonderful reminder of all the love that surrounded her early in life and later as well. Loved seeing the pictures of dad and her together when they were just youngsters! And, what a treat it was to have you and her at our home in Arizona just a few years ago for a Rutherford reunion! I will always remember her fun laugh and humble and timid demeanor and the many, many wonderful family get together’s in Grafton, Buffalo and Fargo. I don’t know why but this song of Dad and Clarice’s era comes to me “When the roll is called up yonder.” She has been called and I hope she now is enjoying a reunion with Don and all her siblings! Prayers for peace and healing and a wonderful celebration of her life tomorrow. 💙❤️

  9. Karen, Joni and families, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have so many fond memories of biking back and forth between our houses. Clarice was a special “second Mom” to me. She will be missed, but she is finally reunited with your Dad, Don after all these years. Blessings to all of you! Wish I could have been there today.

  10. Joni, Karen and families, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so glad that you know Jesus , that though you grieve it is not without hope. Clarice was a precious “sister in the
    Lord.” I remember so well when Donovan brought her to Grenora. We were so happy for them. Cousin Donovan was special to us too. I wish I could have been with you today but that was not possible. My brother Leo lives in Fort Worth, Texas and sister Inga and Bob have
    lived in Puyallup, Washington. Some months ago they moved to a Care Center in the area
    where Bob gets needed care. Inga is in an independent apartment there. May the Lord comfort you as He can do. The Lord Bless You all, Lillie Astrup Tryggestad

  11. Joni and Karen,
    So sorry to find out about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. The video was so touching and it was so clear you had wonderful memories, which you will have the rest of your lives to cherish. If you need anything, just let me know. I wish I was there to give you a big hug Joni
    Love,
    Barney and Donna Bradshaw

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