Margaret J. Bratvold

Margaret Bratvold, 92, a longtime resident of Ashby, died Sunday, September 23, 2018, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls.
Margaret Janet Ellingson was born on April 7, 1926 near Foxhome, MN, the daughter of John and Mabel (Shelstad) Ellingson. She attended country school in rural Doran and graduated from Campbell High School. Margaret attended teachers training in Fergus Falls and taught at several Otter Tail County country schools.
On August 25, 1949, Margaret married Kenneth J. Bratvold at Kvam Lutheran Church.
Margaret and Kenneth lived in St. Olaf Township, rural Ashby, where they farmed and raised their four children. In 1960, Margaret returned to teaching and received her bachelor’s degree in teaching from Moorhead State University. She later worked at Rosenblatts in Fergus Falls and the Ashby Federal Credit Union.
Margaret enjoyed gardening, flowers, quilting, and raising chickens. She was a member of the Lake Region Pioneer Threshermen Auxiliary, homemakers’ group, and Kvam Free Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School, was Sunday School Superintendent, church secretary, and was involved in sewing circle and ladies aide. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her four children, Karen (Larry) Paulson of Ashby, Carolyn (Loren) Leman of Anchorage, Alaska, Mark (Barb) Bratvold of Ashby, and Joel (Ann) Bratvold of Ashby; seven grandchildren, Beth Jarandson, Bryan (Megan) Paulson, Joseph (Erica) Leman, Rachel (Joel) Brandt, Jonathon (Katie) Bratvold, Olivia (Lewis) Osterman, and Ethan Bratvold; 15 great-grandchildren; a sister, Esther Sleen of Pelican Rapids; brother-in-law, Eldon Brenden of Rothsay; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Kenneth in 2003; a granddaughter, Nicole Leman; a sister, Marilyn Brenden; a brother-in-law, Ardean Sleen; and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Phipps.
Visitation: Thursday, September 27, 5-7pm at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Ashby, and one hour prior to services at the church.
Memorial Service: Friday, September 28, 2pm, at Kvam Free Lutheran Church, rural Dalton
Clergy: Reverend Mark Johnson
Interment: Kvam Free Lutheran Cemetery
Online Guestbook: GlendeNilson.com