Cordella Husfeldt

Obituary

Cordella Dora Husfeldt was born on November 23, 1925, in Arlington, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Fred and Wilhelmina (Laabs) Kistner. Cordella was baptized as an infant at her home and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington. She was a 1944 graduate of Arlington High School.

On June 1, 1947, Cordella was united in marriage to Maynard Husfeldt by Reverend Bradtke at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, Minnesota. After their marriage, the couple farmed in Sibley Township, Sibley County, Minnesota, retiring in January of 1986. They moved to 710 High Avenue in Gaylord until May 28, 2016, when they moved to Oak Terrace Retirement Community in Gaylord. This marriage was blessed with three children. Cordella and Maynard shared 69 years of marriage until Maynard passed away on October 20, 2016. They were always members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord.

Cordella started 500 card parties for birthdays in their farming neighborhood soon after they were married. This helped build lifelong friendships enjoyed by all. Cordella participated in the Homemakers Extension program with other farm wives in Sibley Township.  She also enjoyed extension classes in sewing and quilting through the years.

Cordella was an active 4-Her in her youth in Sibley County. Once her children joined 4-H, she was an avid supporter and leader. This continued once she was a grandparent as well. Cordella was recognized as a Friend of 4-H for her years of service.

After they moved off the farm, Cordella became more active at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She taught release time classes, Sunday School and joined the Ladies Aid. She organized the making of quilts at the church for World Relief. She moved the quilting operation to the basement of their home for many years, saving the hassle of setting up and taking down.

Cordella also served her community as a member of the Golden Age Club in Gaylord. She organized activities and held offices for many years until it was replaced by the concept of the Senior Center.  She was also instrumental in organizing Meals on Wheels in Gaylord, serving as a scheduler and delivery person for quite some time. She received the Outstanding Senior Citizen Award for her efforts in the community.          The Forever Young Senior Center in Gaylord was a regular hangout for Cordella and Maynard in their later years. They went there for daily meals (Monday – Friday) and played cards (Monday and Thursday) as often as they could.

Friends and family were always important to Cordella.  She loved to play cards!   Even though she didn’t have the zip she used to, she always had enough energy to play a card game—from Pinochle to Old Maid, she never refused.  Grandchildren and great grandchildren always brought a sparkle to her eyes.  Jig-saw puzzles were an important pastime once dementia set in; she always wanted to frame her favorite ones.  We will always remember the array of cookies she produced at holiday times, too.  We all enjoyed our time spent with Grandma Cordella.

Cordella passed away in the early morning hours on Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Oak Terrace Health Care Center in Gaylord at the age of 91 years.  Just in time to be “Home” for Christmas.  Blessed be her memory.

Cordella is survived by her:
Children,               Doris (Husfeldt) Christianson and her husband, Leonard of Birchwood, WI, and
                                Daryl Husfeldt and Special Friend, Susie Becker of Hutchinson, MN;
11 Grandchildren, Caroline (Husfeldt) Gronholz and her husband, Aaron, Brian Husfeldt and his wife, Becky, Kraig Husfeldt and his wife, Katie, and Michael Husfeldt and his wife, Brianna, Gary Christianson and his wife, Nicole, Todd Christianson and his wife, Nina, Kurt Christianson and his wife, Brianna, Jeremy Husfeldt and his wife, Alisha, Ryan Husfeldt and his wife, Amanda, Adam Husfeldt and his wife, Leah, Scott Husfeldt and his wife, Whitney;
23 Great-Grandchildren, Baryn, Olivia and Claudia Gronholz, Benjamin and William Husfeldt, Mason and Lucas Husfeldt, Liam and Hazel Husfeldt, Luke and Charlie Christianson, Addelay, Bennett, Cullen and Declan Christianson, Tucker Christianson, Madalyn and Jackson Husfeldt, Arianna and Brekken Husfeldt, Greyson Husfeldt, Treyton and Tucker Husfeldt;
Daughter-In-Law, Ardis Husfeldt of Gaylord, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cordella was preceded in death by her Parents, Fred and Wilhelmina Kistner; Husband, Maynard Husfeldt; Son, Dale Husfeldt; Sister, Delores Jochum and her husband John; Brother, Orville Kistner and his wife, Luella.