- Date Of Death: March 20, 2010
- State: Minnesota
Margaret Elaine (Strunk) Saetre died peacefully at her home on Saturday March 20, 2010 at the age if 85 years and 12 days.
She was born on March 8, 1925 to Wilbur and Synneva (Grindeland) Strunk. Margaret grew up in Warren, Minnesota, attended St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1946. She married Warren Saetre in 1950 in Minneapolis. They made their home in Warren, Minnesota for twenty years before moving to Thief River Falls where they continued to reside. Margaret was passionate about her family and her community. She was dedicated to community service and was a leader in a variety of civic organizations. Margaret firmly believed that women needed to be involved in the larger world of culture and community life. She was a third generation member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, serving in many capacities including Minnesota State President from 1986-1988. Her president’s theme, “A Positive Attitude Can Make the Difference”, speaks volumes about Margaret’s character and legacy.
Margaret’s volunteer work also included positions of honor in the Eastern Star; co-founding the Thief River Falls branch of the AAUW; her service on the Northern Lights Library Board; and leadership positions with Art Adventures and Project Heritage Design. Margaret was a lifelong Lutheran, a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, and served as a proud member of the Stephen Ministry Care Team, American Lutheran Church, at her winter home of Sun City, Arizona.
Margaret loved both the outdoors and the fine arts. She was at home in the back of a boat trolling for walleyes on Lake of the Woods, and exhilarated in a front row seat at the opera. Above all, she loved her family.
Margaret was preceded in death by her father, Wilbur Strunk; her mother Synneva Knapp; her sister Genevieve Pierard; and her brother Robert Strunk.
She is survived by her loving husband of almost 60 years, Warren Saetre. Also her sons and daughters, David (Janet) Saetre, Ashland, Wisconsin; Anne (Steve) Josephson, Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Nancy (Knute) Thorsgard, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; Linda (Steve Ramirez) Saetre, Crystal, Minnesota; William Saetre and Michael Ashton of Hamburg, Germany; Steven Saetre of Ashland, Wisconsin. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Marit (Kevin), Kai, Greta, and Annelise Thorsgard; Nicholas and Rachel Saetre; Adam, Aaron and Maari Josephson.
