Florence Sanden, age 93, of Twin Valley, Minnesota, formerly Mahnomen, Minnesota, died Monday, December 14, 2009, in the Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley.

Florence L. Svobodny was born February 25, 1916, the daughter of Joe and Laura (McLane) Svobodny in Kandiyohi County near Willmar, Minnesota. As a young girl, Florence moved with her family to eastern Norman County where grew up and attended the Banner Country School. As Florence got older, she continued to live at home and care for her family as well as being employed at the Red Apple Café in Mahnomen. On November 16, 1935, Florence was united in marriage to Clarence Sanden in Gary, Minnesota. The couple made their home there for several years and Florence cared for her father-in-law during his illness. In 1946, Florence and Clarence relocated to Tacoma, Washington, where they lived until Clarence's death in 1966. At that time, Florence moved back to Mahnomen to make her home. She cared for her parents for many years and also was employed at the V-Store there for several years. Florence continued to live in Mahnomen until a year ago, when she entered the Twin Valley Living Center.

Florence was an active member of First Lutheran Church where she enjoyed doing quilting.
Florence's favorite past times included doing yard work, caring for her flower gardens, baking, and writing letters to friends. She will be long remembered for her sunshine dill pickles, tasty egg salad sandwiches and her raspberries and ground cherries that she grew in her garden.

Florence is survived by many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 18, 2009, at 10:30 AM at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. Visitation will be one hour before services at the church on Friday.

Interment will be at First Lutheran Cemetery, Mahnomen.