Edith Claire Okeson

Edith Claire Okeson, 93, Detroit Lakes, MN, went to her eternal home Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Edith Claire Larson was born September 12, 1925 in Audubon, MN to Christ and Elizabeth Larson. She grew up in Audubon and graduated in 1943. She was united in marriage to Duane R. Okeson on April 5, 1946 in Ulen, MN. Edith and Duane made their home on the Okeson Family Farm where they raised 7 children.  Edith lived and loved life to the fullest, surrounded by family which brought her overflowing joy. Edith was a wonderful cook and always had a cup of coffee and a home baked goodie ready to be enjoyed. Music and dancing filled her life from an early age.  She sang at church, family gatherings, performed in the school band and many other occasions.  Dancing brought so much enjoyment to her life.   She was always active in the Lund Lutheran Church; some of which included taking care of the altar, preparing for communion, the Swedish meatball dinner and so many other gatherings. Edith enjoyed sharing the stories of her life.  From growing up on Main Street in Audubon; the meat market, bank robbery, the hobos, the times of dumping water on the unsuspecting people below, being the first drum majorette and other shenanigans with her siblings and cousins.  She had many adventures of hitchhiking to dances, one of which she met Duane.  As her life expanded, she continued to shape the lives of her own family, which began to include grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Duane always used to say, “All of this because I picked up a hitchhiker”. Edith is survived by her 7 children; Russell (Carol), John (Jude), Orrin (Vicky), Donald (Mary Beth) Okeson, Jayne (Richard) Haldorson, Charles (Mickey) Okeson, Barbara (Mark) Beug all of Detroit Lakes; 26 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild. Sister, Dolly Tovson; Brother, Richard (Shirley) Larson, many cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband Duane, great grandson Jayce Okeson, her parents and 7 siblings.