Watch Grace's funeral service here

Grace Haaland, 89, of Twin Valley, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at the Halstad Living Center in Halstad, MN.

Grace Elaine Espe was born on April 11, 1934, in White Earth, MN, to Edward and Alice (Viznor) Espe. Grace was raised in rural Waubun, MN, and attended Espe Country School. She also helped on the farm milking cows and farming with horses. It was at the Flowing Well Dance Hall in Beaulieu, MN, where Grace's path would lead her to the love of her life, Milo Haaland. The couple was united in marriage on April 15, 1952, at Lake Grove Lutheran Church in Waubun, and together, they were blessed with five children: Miles, Wayne, Alice, Elaine, and Allen. The family made their home on the Haaland family farm in rural Gary, MN.

While caring for her growing family and helping Milo on the farm, Grace furthered her education and earned her GED. Once her children were all in school, Grace began working at the Twin Valley Assisted Living Center as a CNA and later certified as a med aid. In the early 1990's, Grace and Milo moved to Twin Valley where she continued to work at the nursing home until her well-deserved retirement after 30 years. Milo passed away in 2005. Grace moved to the Benedictine Living Center in Ada, MN, before eventually finding comfort and care at the Halstad Living Center.

Grace will be remembered for her gentle and nurturing nature. Beneath her quiet demeanor, she harbored a fantastic sense of humor that brought joy to those around her. She enjoyed raising her yearly garden, preserving her harvest with canning, and going for walks around town while collecting new "treasures". Grace collected stuffed animals and had a magnificent collection. She was an excellent baker and cook, making special family treats such as donuts, macaroni hotdish, and sauerkraut. Throughout the years, Grace shared countless precious memories with her family, traveling to various destinations, including the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Alaska, and of course, the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, MN.

Grace is survived by her children, Miles (Karen Senesac) Haaland, Wayne Haaland, Alice (Harley) Schiefert, Elaine (Edward Loebrick) Diesem, and Allen "Pep" (Lori Merkle) Haaland; five grandchildren, Myla Todahl, Monty Haaland, Joshua Schiefert, Danielle Schiefert, and Alexandra Haro; and many great-grandchildren.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Alice; stepmother, Mary; husband, Milo; grandson, Brandon Schiefert; siblings, Gerald and Vivian; son-in-law, Steve Diesem; and nephew, Dale Treichel.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, with a prayer service at 6:30pm, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley. A funeral service will be held Friday, August 11, 2023, at 11:00am at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Green Meadow Township, rural Ada, MN. Interment will be at the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ada.