Delores Bratvold

**You may view the service by using this link: https://youtu.be/5D2tuTrPaXw

Delores Frances McKeever was born to Lee and Lena McKeever on July 22, 1925. Growing up in Thompson, ND and Larimore, ND, she enjoyed helping her dad on the farm She and her sister and two brothers had many adventures working and playing together. Her family nickname was “Buntie” which in German means colorful. Her grandchildren, as well as some close relatives still call her by her nickname. Delores married Orien Bratvold on June 24, 1947. Coincidentally, both Delores’ parents and Orien’s parents also had their wedding anniversaries on June 24.

Delores and Orien had two children, Gary and Sandra. They made their home in Grand Forks, and later moved across the river to East Grand Forks. Delores was head cook at Nelson’s Café for several years. She became a supervisor for United Day Nursery which had over 200 children from age 2-5. The children were in the Main Nursery, small classrooms, and in the Spectrum. Delores worked closely with the children, parents and staff. She also helped out many interns from UND. She worked at the nursery school until she retired.

The Bratvolds were thrilled to have five grandchildren: Jared, Jenna, Ivory, Brandon and Megan. Delores also has two great-grandsons: Hagen and Harris. She is also blessed with grand-daughters in law Jen and Katie, grandsons-in law Quinn and Dan, several nieces and nephews, and Godchildren.  Sharon (Wayne) has been especially close to Delores, caring for each other like a mother and daughter.

Delores and Orien had opportunities to travel to Florida, California, Tennessee, Missouri and Washington. They had many plans to explore other states, but Orien passed away at the age of 70, before they could realize those dreams. Delores had invitations to Arizona, and to Hawaii, as well as the Bahamas, which she accepted gladly.

Painting has been a creative hobby for Delores. She dabbled in Norwegian Painting, Rosemaling, but her main style was oil painting on canvas. She painted for several family members and gave as gifts.  Another interest was flowers. After taking care of the garden became too difficult, Delores had several planters of all sizes on her large deck where she could have a container garden. Her geraniums always had the most blooms in the neighborhood. Delores also did hand embroidery and donated many dishtowels for various fund-raisers. Delores enjoyed water exercise, the class was called Rusty Hinges, and helped ease arthritis pain. Family and Friends benefited from her good cooking. She was well known for her rosettes, which she made dozens and dozens for the United Lutheran fall bake sale. People would line up before the doors opened for the sale to grab the rosettes. Delores loved shopping. She especially loved Christmas and having stacks of gifts for the grandkids. Delores also loved having company, visiting, reading, and watching television.

Music filled the home. Sometimes from the radio or phonograph (Swing Band, Elvis) CD players, or television shows like Lawrence Welk, Ed Sullivan, Jimmy Dean, Andy Williams to name a few.

Delores volunteered at Altru hospital and volunteered in the Rehab gift shop. She has been a lifetime member of United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. At United, she was a member of Bible Circle, Quilting, and Prayer and Share. She also was a member of Sons of Norway, Card Club (monthly), and Friday Forkers, a group of widows who lunched and played Bunco weekly.  She and Orien also were members of the Eagles where they danced several times a month.

Delores was an avid UND hockey fan and Minnesota Twins baseball fan.

Delores moved to Twin Valley in the fall of 2013 and lived at the Normandy Apartments. Shortly after her move, Ilene Ruud, moved right next door! Ilene’s son, Doug, is married to Delores’ daughter. The grandchildren loved having the grandmas right next door to each other, and many family celebrations were held at the Normandy. Both Ilene and Delores eventually moved to the Twin Valley Living Center, and when that closed, they were both fortunate to move to Viking Manor. Although she missed family and friends in Grand Forks, Delores was happy and content with the loving care she received in Ulen. Mom’s special Guardian Angel, Hailey, shared her love of pictures, warm comforters, and jewelry. During Covid visiting restrictions, Hailey was there to love and support Delores when family and friends could not visit. Delores commented about the delicious food at Viking Manor during every conversation with family!

Delores was predeceased by her parents, husband, brothers Gordon and Vernon McKeever, sister Eleanor Nelson, several sister and brother in laws.

She is survived by her son Gary, Twin Valley, MN, daughter Sandra (Doug) Twin Valley, Sharon Adams (Wayne) Grandchildren:Dr. Jared Bratvold (Katie) Memphis, TN, Jenna Bratvold ( Minneapolis) Ivory Ruud ( Dan) Hopkins, MN, Brandon Ruud (Jen), Hawley, MN, Megan Thompson (Quinn), Portland OR and two great-grandsons, Hagen and Harris Bratvold. Sister-in-law, Helen Bratvold, Crookston and Inez Tomten, East Grand Forks and several beloved nieces and nephews.

**Due to COVID-19 precautions, social distancing and masks will be required.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks with visitation one hour prior to the service in the church.

Interment: Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com