Charlene B Tangsrud

Charlene Beverly Tangsrud was released from her earthly body on Friday, February 27, 2009, at Valley Eldercare Center in Grand Forks, ND, surrounded with love from her family. This ended her 21-year battle with Parkinson's disease. Charlene was born September 19, 1924, to Paul and Hilma (Vaara) Bruce in Belle Fouche, South Dakota. She was the oldest of five children. She grew up in Boyes, Montana, and graduated from high school in Broadus, Montana. She briefly continued her education in Nurse's training at Denver General Hospital before her marriage to Anker Tangsrud on February 26, 1943, in Joplin, Missouri. She and her husband moved to the family farm in Hayland Township, ND, in 1948, where she devoted herself to homemaking and raising her family. Her strength, loyalty, generosity and well-chosen words were a blessing to all who knew her. Charlene was a member of the Ladies Aid at Our Saviors Lutheran Church of rural McGregor, and also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Janie, and her husband. Charlene is survived by her seven children: Ronald (Cindy), Oregon; Elizabeth Braun, Washington; Althea Critz, Arizona; Steven (Deneen) Colorado; Beverly (Ron) Barstad, Fargo, ND; John (Renee) McGregor, ND; Bonnie (George) Overby, Reynolds, ND; along with sister Althea Nisley, Broadus, MT; and brothers Paul "Buzz" Bruce, and John Bruce both of Denver. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. A final gift that epitomized Charlene's giving nature was her request to have her body donated to medical research. A memorial service is planned for June 13th in Wildrose, ND, at 11:00 AM with lunch being served at the Senior Center after the services.