1926
Florence
2016
Florence Hasbargen
August 1, 1926 — November 1, 2016
Early Morning, All Saints Day, November 1st, 2016, Florence Thilda Hasbargen passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord. Leaving this world to the loving embrace of her beloved husband, Louis Hasbargen, seven days after what would have been their 74th Wedding Anniversary. A true love story that outlasts the ages.
Born August 1st, 1926 in Pelican Rapids to Melvin & Clare Peterson, Florence was baptized and confirmed at Ringsaker Church. She attended school in Pelican Rapids later graduating in Fergus Falls.
On the fourth of July, 1942 Florence met Louis Hasbargen. Their love sparked amidst the fireworks, ever growing for one another. They wed October 25th, 1942. It snowed, their love kept them warm. They spent their first winter together in a one room space east of Hubbard, MN. The following year, 1943, they bought their own family farm which would grow to 700 acres, north of Everdale. The family also grew. She had eleven children. There they thrived for 25 years. She sewed almost all the family's clothes and worked tirelessly feeding the ever-growing family and farm hands. She made sure her children, whom she loved, were well-rounded, schooling them in tactile, day to day life and creative endeavors. Usually, someone was playing a tune on the piano. She was 4-H Sewing Leader of Wilkin County.
In 1964 they moved to Fergus Falls. While raising 10 children, she and Louis regularly brought home children from the State Hospital for holiday meals. Through the years they fostered 23 children, most of whom were special needs. Florence loved children, sharing their spark of wonder and joy at the world around.
After serving as President of First Lutheran Church Lady's Aid she graduated the Teacher's Bethel Course. This gave her a well versed, powerful perspective and an inspirational voice on all things Biblical and beyond. She taught Sunday School and was also First Lutheran and Fox Home Church Treasurer. She had a quick wit and enjoyed a challenging conversation.
As a delegate from Ottertail County, Florence was President of ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens) lobbying at the Minnesota Legislature in 1975, she helped form the foundation for some of the best programs, homes and opportunities offered to special needs children and adults nationwide.
Florence was a Pioneer Home cook and member of the Contract Bridge League. She and Louis played Duplicate Bridge with many long-time friends. She was a member of the Fergus Falls Elks Club. Florence participated in and loved the festival at Phelps Mill, going with her sisters and sometimes a lucky grand kid. She did soft sculpture; handmade dolls and doll clothes. She also sold Tupperware. She was a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Course and an Accredited Priscilla Hauser National Toll Teacher. Later, with her gift of speech and artistic talent, she taught painting to many grateful students. She was an accomplished professional artist. She crocheted, baked, knitted, was craft extraordinaire and doll maker. Her grandchildren were very blessed. Florence always had an open door for family, friends and anyone in need.
In 1979 Louis got Florence the "big green house" on the south side of Jewett Lake, where the next generation came to play and learn how wonderful Grandparents can be. They enjoyed sunsets that rival Hawaii, family and friends around the dinner table that led to Yahtzee and Trivial Pursuit, grandkids swimming lake-happy and ice cream evenings with garden fresh strawberries and homemade cookies.
She fulfilled her wish to live in Florida, where she enjoyed the weather and family time. After a few years, she and Louis returned north to Fergus Falls to reside at Park Gardens. In 2010 Louis passed away, Florence moved to Pioneer Care, missing Louis but enjoying visits and holidays with family and friends. A child could always bring a smile to her face and she could do the same for them. Her love and light will be greatly missed. As family, we are truly blessed to be part of her legacy.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband Louis Hasbargen; four sisters, Lila, Ethyl, Edna and Amy; two brothers, Clifford and Leo; two sons, Thomas and Richard, two grandsons Lawrence Rupp and James Louis Graham; and two sons-in-law, Douglas Raguse and Craig Rupp.
Florence is survived by two sons, Keith Hasbargen of Mayville, ND, and Jeffrey Hasbargen of Detroit Lakes; seven daughters Bonita (Gary) Neuman of Eustis, FL, Dianne Raguse of Nashua, Pamela Rupp of Elbow Lake, Renee Hasbargen of Fergus Falls, Marilyn (Tommy) Graham of Crowley, Texas, Colleen (Eric) Jones of Lake Mary, FL, and Claudia Bosquez of Oviedo, FL; a daughter-in-law, Diane (Mick) Hasbargen of Osseo; 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; and many great-great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Pioneer Care Chapel on Saturday, November 19th at 11:00am with lunch to follow. Chaplin David Strom will officiate. Arrangements are with the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home.
Florence's Memorial Folder
Born August 1st, 1926 in Pelican Rapids to Melvin & Clare Peterson, Florence was baptized and confirmed at Ringsaker Church. She attended school in Pelican Rapids later graduating in Fergus Falls.
On the fourth of July, 1942 Florence met Louis Hasbargen. Their love sparked amidst the fireworks, ever growing for one another. They wed October 25th, 1942. It snowed, their love kept them warm. They spent their first winter together in a one room space east of Hubbard, MN. The following year, 1943, they bought their own family farm which would grow to 700 acres, north of Everdale. The family also grew. She had eleven children. There they thrived for 25 years. She sewed almost all the family's clothes and worked tirelessly feeding the ever-growing family and farm hands. She made sure her children, whom she loved, were well-rounded, schooling them in tactile, day to day life and creative endeavors. Usually, someone was playing a tune on the piano. She was 4-H Sewing Leader of Wilkin County.
In 1964 they moved to Fergus Falls. While raising 10 children, she and Louis regularly brought home children from the State Hospital for holiday meals. Through the years they fostered 23 children, most of whom were special needs. Florence loved children, sharing their spark of wonder and joy at the world around.
After serving as President of First Lutheran Church Lady's Aid she graduated the Teacher's Bethel Course. This gave her a well versed, powerful perspective and an inspirational voice on all things Biblical and beyond. She taught Sunday School and was also First Lutheran and Fox Home Church Treasurer. She had a quick wit and enjoyed a challenging conversation.
As a delegate from Ottertail County, Florence was President of ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens) lobbying at the Minnesota Legislature in 1975, she helped form the foundation for some of the best programs, homes and opportunities offered to special needs children and adults nationwide.
Florence was a Pioneer Home cook and member of the Contract Bridge League. She and Louis played Duplicate Bridge with many long-time friends. She was a member of the Fergus Falls Elks Club. Florence participated in and loved the festival at Phelps Mill, going with her sisters and sometimes a lucky grand kid. She did soft sculpture; handmade dolls and doll clothes. She also sold Tupperware. She was a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Course and an Accredited Priscilla Hauser National Toll Teacher. Later, with her gift of speech and artistic talent, she taught painting to many grateful students. She was an accomplished professional artist. She crocheted, baked, knitted, was craft extraordinaire and doll maker. Her grandchildren were very blessed. Florence always had an open door for family, friends and anyone in need.
In 1979 Louis got Florence the "big green house" on the south side of Jewett Lake, where the next generation came to play and learn how wonderful Grandparents can be. They enjoyed sunsets that rival Hawaii, family and friends around the dinner table that led to Yahtzee and Trivial Pursuit, grandkids swimming lake-happy and ice cream evenings with garden fresh strawberries and homemade cookies.
She fulfilled her wish to live in Florida, where she enjoyed the weather and family time. After a few years, she and Louis returned north to Fergus Falls to reside at Park Gardens. In 2010 Louis passed away, Florence moved to Pioneer Care, missing Louis but enjoying visits and holidays with family and friends. A child could always bring a smile to her face and she could do the same for them. Her love and light will be greatly missed. As family, we are truly blessed to be part of her legacy.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband Louis Hasbargen; four sisters, Lila, Ethyl, Edna and Amy; two brothers, Clifford and Leo; two sons, Thomas and Richard, two grandsons Lawrence Rupp and James Louis Graham; and two sons-in-law, Douglas Raguse and Craig Rupp.
Florence is survived by two sons, Keith Hasbargen of Mayville, ND, and Jeffrey Hasbargen of Detroit Lakes; seven daughters Bonita (Gary) Neuman of Eustis, FL, Dianne Raguse of Nashua, Pamela Rupp of Elbow Lake, Renee Hasbargen of Fergus Falls, Marilyn (Tommy) Graham of Crowley, Texas, Colleen (Eric) Jones of Lake Mary, FL, and Claudia Bosquez of Oviedo, FL; a daughter-in-law, Diane (Mick) Hasbargen of Osseo; 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; and many great-great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Pioneer Care Chapel on Saturday, November 19th at 11:00am with lunch to follow. Chaplin David Strom will officiate. Arrangements are with the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home.
Florence's Memorial Folder
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