Edna Alice Brothen

Edna Brothen, 96, Fargo died February 10, 2019 at Eventide Fargo.

Edna Franz was the daughter of John and Pauline (Graf) Franz and was born December 3, 1922 in Napoleon, North Dakota. She grew up on the family farm outside of Napoleon and attended school in Napoleon. She was one of seven children that included four sisters and three brothers. She moved to Minot to live with her oldest sister, Martha, when she was 17 years old. She met Lorry Brothen while in Minot and they were married in Minot on October 1, 1949, where they made their home until retirement. Lorry passed away in Fargo on May 11, 2009.

Upon retirement she and Lorry enjoyed their annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas along with other relatives. Edna enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors, gardening and raising flowers, playing her nickel slot machines at various casinos and volunteering at Bethany Lutheran Church. They both enjoyed spending time with their two beloved granddaughters, Merritt and Mallory, and made many trips to Fargo to play and care for them.

Edna and Lorry moved to Fargo when health related issues forced them to live in an independent living community to be closer to family. They lived at Edgewood Vista together until Lorry passed away. Edna continued to live there for seven more years until her health caused her to move to Eventide Fargo where she could receive the care she needed. She enjoyed her time at both facilities and enjoyed the bingo sessions, coffee and tea parties, and socializing with friends and staff.

Edna is survived by one sister, Leona Schwartzenberger, Grand Forks; one son, Elair Brothen (Joyce), Fargo; two granddaughters, Merritt Steidl, Eden Prairie, MN, Mallory Vaupel, Minneapolis, MN and three great grandchildren.