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1920 Theresia "Tessie" 2016

Theresia "Tessie" Ingrid Broberg

July 16, 1920 — March 26, 2016

    On July 16, 1920, Theresia (Tessie) Ingrid Harvala (Broberg) was born in Shell Lake Township, MN.  Born to an immigrant family with a vivid history of their own, Tessie was destined to add more richness to their story and as she created her own.  Tessie’s life was a characterized by hard work, faithfulness, commitment, and a deep love for all those around her.   Her stories of her childhood included picking blueberries, milking cows, and caring for her siblings.  At a young age, she was mischievous and she and her siblings had many adventures.  At age 13, Tessie boarded a train to Chicago to work during the summer for families by caring for their children.  She would then return to Detroit Lakes to attend High School.  During the school year, she lived in town with a family providing childcare and housework earning wages, so she could attend school. After graduating from High School in 1938, she returned to Chicago to work.  Later in 1938, Tessie’s was called to return home to Detroit Lakes to care for her mother and sister Anita who were very ill.  At her mother’s request, she stayed home to care for her younger brother Rudy after her mother passed away.  In 1940, a Cowboy Evangelist came to town, and Tessie was invited to attend a service at the Gospel Tabernacle.  There, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and started a legacy of trusting in Jesus.  Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus. Just to take him at his word. Just to rest upon his promises, Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord” Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him. How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er. Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!  O for grace to trust Him more. She met a good-looking Swede shortly after that and knew she was going to marry him.  On October 8, 1943 LeRoy and Tessie were joined in marriage and together began a beautiful life of trusting in Jesus.  Although Tessie’s favorite things were not farming, country living, and milking cows, she trusted in Jesus as they moved from farm to farm until finding a homestead in Lake View Township.   God blessed them with 4 children whom they taught to love Jesus and to serve those around them.  They taught hospitality by opening their home to every Missionary and visiting pastor that came to church, countless neighbors and friends as well as 14 foster children.  Tessie made everyone who entered their home feel warmly welcomed.  Their table was always set and welcomed many over the years. Tessie loved people.  She thrived being with family, old friends and new friends that she continued to make until the very end.  Over the years, Tessie worked 20 years at the Dental Clinic, 8 years at Shepard Nook, gave 20 years volunteering at St. Mary’s nursing home (now Oak Crossing)  in Pastoral care,  the Food Shelf, political voting registration, and Second Harvest.  While attending Detroit Lakes Assemblies of God church, she was the Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, Children’s church leader, VBS and bus ministry coordinator, Missionette leader and her favorite:  Greeter.  Everywhere she was, Tessie touched lives with her humor and love.  She never seemed to get tired and would wrinkle up her nose and smile if you asked her how she did it all. Throughout Tessie’s life, she displayed an unchanging steadfast trust in Jesus.   When the barn burned down, it was going to be OK.  When she lost two sons, David and Michael way too early from our viewpoint, it was going to be Ok. When LeRoy, her best friend and faithful husband went home to heaven, it was going to be OK.  Many times, life was challenging but it was going to be OK.  Her faith in God was solid and inspiring.  She never wavered in her commitment and trust in Jesus. Near the end, she said she was “simply going to have to wait until God called her home.” Tessie would say today, “I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend. And I know that Thou are with me, Wilt be with me to the end.” Tessie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, LeRoy Broberg; sons, David and Michael Broberg; daughter in law, Barbara Broberg; parents, Wester and Alma Harvala; brothers, Hugo, Reino, Eugene, Rudolph; sisters, Ellen, Anita, Delia, and Ruth; and 11 nieces and nephews. Tessie finally met her Savior face to face, Jesus Christ, on March 26, 2016.  What a homecoming that must have been!  She leaves to cherish her memories: her daughter Lynette (Kenneth) Marks; son, Kevin (Cheryl) Broberg; daughter in law, Jeannie (Mike) Rognes , Faith (Michael) Broberg; Sister in Law, Penny (Ted) Berkhold; 13 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and host of nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends and many who would call her “mom.”
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