Verdie Vraa

Verdie Vraa, 99, of Moorhead, MN, died Saturday, June 5, 2010, with her family at her side. Verdie Petermann was born November 20, 1910 to Emil and Helen (Reidberger) Petermann in Hawley, Minnesota. “Toots,” as she was known, was one of eleven children. She grew up in Hawley and was baptized in the country church and confirmed at Hawley Lutheran Church. For a time, she worked at St. John’s Hospital as a nurse’s aide. She married Archie Vraa June 26, 1936, and they made their home in Fargo, North Dakota, for 36 years. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church since 1940, having served on many church circles. At one time, she and Archie were the church janitors. Verdie enjoyed her work at Edgewood Golf Course and the Fargo Coliseum until she and Archie moved to Moorhead in 1975. Archie retired in 1983 and both enjoyed their retirement years together by fishing and getting together frequently with her brothers and sisters. Supported by her family and neighbors, Verdie continued to live in her home in Moorhead after Archie passed away in February 2000. A son, Richard, of Maple Grove, MN, passed away in June of the same year. Verdie is survived by one daughter, Carol (Kenneth) Oslund, LaCrescenta, CA; a son, Ken (Jan) Vraa, McGregor, MN; daughter-in-law, Barrie Kieffer, Maple Grove, MN: one sister, Melba Hagen, Moorhead, MN: sisters-in-law, Edna and Lorilee Petermann, Hawley, MN: six grandchildren, Karen, Devon, Derek, Mathew, Kevin and Robert; a step-granddaughter, Tammi; and four great-grandchildren, Tobias and Sebastian Zeller, Joshua and Alicia Josephs; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Verdie’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at River Pointe, Moorhead, and to Hospice of the Red River Valley for the care they provided. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch or the charity of your choice. Funeral Service: Thursday, June 10, 2010, at 11:00 AM, at Grace Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church. Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.