Watch Eunice's Memorial Service

Eunice Stephenson, age 97, of Mahnomen, MN, passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home surrounded by loved ones.

Eunice Ann Elizabeth Alexander was born on February 1, 1925, in rural Jackson County, MN, to Frank and Elizabeth (Hill) Alexander. Eunice moved to rural Bejou, MN, at the age of 6 before later moving to Mahnomen. While in Mahnomen, she attended St. Michael's Catholic School, graduating from 8 ^th grade in 1939. She then attended Cathedral High School in Crookston and later attended Mahnomen High School. In 1944, Eunice was united in marriage to Edward Kraft. The couple made their home in Norman County and were blessed with seven children. Ed passed away in 1965. Eunice later married Maurice Stephenson in 1977 and they made their home in Mahnomen for a few years before returning to the Kraft Family Farm. Eunice and Maurice moved back to Mahnomen in 1987 and Maurice passed away in 1990. Over the years, Eunice worked a variety of jobs including at the Red Apple Café in Mahnomen, St.  Olaf College, and at Pinehurst Resort Store.

Eunice had a strong faith and was a prayer warrior for her loved ones. When her eyes were closed, she wasn't sleeping, she was praying. In her younger years, Eunice served as a Sunday school teacher and vacation bible school assistant at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Gary, MN. She also was a member of the Isaacson-Bjorge Auxiliary and the Ogema VFW. Eunice also served as treasurer for the Twin Valley School PTA. She was a proud member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. Eunice was the Skip-Bo queen and loved playing dice, Bingo, and games with her family. Eunice also enjoyed traveling across the United States, talking with friends on Facebook, reading her Bible and romance books, fishing, snowmobiling, going dancing at karaoke night, and playing solitaire on her phone. Eunice was a lifelong Minnesota Twins fan, attending games from the mid-60s until 2019. She had a spunky, honest personality and cared deeply for her loved ones. She always looked forward to the annual Kraft Family Reunion at Twin Lakes.

Eunice is survived by her children, Karen Barton, Linda Saunders, Nancy (Leo Low) Kraft, Pam Henderson, Rosann (Craig) Burslie, and Mark (Susan) Kraft; three stepdaughters; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Eunice was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Edward Kraft and Maurice Stephenson; infant son, Gregory; a stepson; son-in-law, Ron Saunders; granddaughter, Casaundra Jolly; 5 brothers; and 2 sisters.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022 at 2:00 P.M., with a visitation starting one hour before, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. A formal time to share stories of Eunice's life will begin at 1:50 P.M. prior to the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley and Lutheran Hour Ministries in honor of Eunice.