Thelma Edin

Published November 25, 2020 at 8:14 AM

A Celebration of Life memorial service for Thelma Ann Edin, of Cushing and formerly of Staples, was held November 28, 2020 at the Lincoln Evangelical Free Church in Lincoln, MN with Pastor Donald Reigstad officiating and Pastor Dan Crocker singing.

Thelma passed away at the age of 86 years on Friday, November 20, 2020 under the loving and gentle care of A Daughter’s Love Care Home and St. Croix Hospice.

Thelma was born June 26, 1934, in Wadena to Louis and Ella Odland. She graduated from Wadena High School and earned a degree from Ancker Hospital School in St. Paul as a Registered Nurse. Thelma married Kenneth James Edin on May 12, 1956, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena, MN. They worked for a year in the cities before moving to the farm in Thomastown Township. Thelma worked many years at the Staples hospital which became Lakewood Health Systems and several years at the Bertha Hospital. She especially liked delivering babies and seemed to be able to remember every baby she helped deliver.

Thelma was very good at cooking, canning and sewing more out of necessity than pleasure. Saturday became doughnut and cinnamon roll day at Grandma’s house and few grandchildren missed it. She took up decorating cakes and she used her talents to decorate cookies as well. She made goodie baskets for widowed people and Ken delivered them all over. She enjoyed Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) where she led several Bible studies and helped with events at church. Her true joy was her grandchildren and later great grandchildren. She knew each one and had a way to make them feel special. Thelma’s ability to calm little ones was a special talent.

Thelma is survived by her children Michael (Bonny) of Angle Inlet, Michele (Maurice) Zwack of Casselton, ND, Marcus (Kim) of Staples, Randal (Sheila) of Staples, Renee (Dan) Harding of Kilgore, TX, Thomas (Tina) of Staples, and Jan Fitzer of Excelsior, 24 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Edin; parents Louis and Ella Odland; son Ronald Douglas; sister and brother in law Rachel (Al) Hamm; brother Nels; and 4 grandchildren.

Arrangements by the Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Wadena, MN (www.SchullerFamilyFH.com)