Alma Osten

Alma Osten, age 89, a resident of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, died on Thursday, August 7, 2008 at the Pelican Valley Nursing Home in Pelican Rapids.Alma Christine Johnson was born December 29, 1918, in Bowman, North Dakota, the daughter of Olof and Julia (Jenson) Johnson.Shortly after her birth the family moved to Pelican Rapids.She graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1937.She spent a few months of her early adult life in St. Paul working as a laundress for a wealthy family in the Twin Cities.During the threshing season of 1936, Alma met Victor Osten.On October 24, 1937, they were united in marriage at Ringsaker Church in Pelican Rapids.In 2007, Alma and Victor celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with family and friends.On July 30, 2008, Alma entered the Pelican Valley Nursing Home.Alma spent much of her life working on the Osten Family Farm in Norwegian Grove Township; milking cows, preparing meals for the threshers and surviving multiple tornados.She was a faithful member of North Immanuel Lutheran Church where she participated in WELCA and was a Sunday School teacher and organizer.She was active in the Sunshine Homemakers Club, volunteering at Helping Hands, WMSTR member, and auxiliary, and was an honorary Steam Queen.Alma was a talented seamstress.She enjoyed sewing clothes, quilting, embroidering and cross-stitching projects.She was also gifted with her baking and cooking abilities.She regularly took the time to bake traditional Norwegian and Swedish delicacies.Alma's family and friends were very important to her.She frequently corresponded with a wide circle of relatives and acquaintances.She always made sure to remember special occasions of her loved ones by sending a card and letter.Alma is survived by her husband, Victor of Pelican Rapids; her son, Lyle (Bonnie) Osten of Callaway; her daughter, Virginia (Robert) Schmidt of Zumbrota; five grandchildren, Ilene Osten, Fargo, ND, Shelly (Matt) Dillon, Lake Park, Andrew (Debbie) Osten, Audubon, Tanya (Dave) Rylee, Chaska, Nicole Halvorson, Holmen, WI; five great-grandsons, Noah and Elijah Dillon, Simon and Murphy Osten, Dylan Halvorson; one great-granddaughter, Medora Rylee; two sisters:Juneth Riste, Grand Rapids, Myrtle Kind, Moorhead; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Oliver Ruud; sister, Norma Johnson; and a granddaughter, Natalie Ann Osten Schmidt.Blessed Be The Memory of Alma Osten