Tena Allrich, age 93, of Twin Valley, Minnesota, died Tuesday, March 18, 2008, in the Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley.

Tena Bredine Pederson was born October 12, 1914, the daughter of Simon and Christina (Sagness) Pederson in York, North Dakota. As a youngster, Tena attended grade school there before moving with her family to Evansville, Minnesota. After a few years, they moved to Barrett, Minnesota. While living there, Tena confirmed her faith at Our Savior Lutheran Church. They then moved to Mahnomen, Minnesota, where Tena completed the 8th grade.

On October, 26, 1935, Tena was united in marriage to Walter Allrich in Ada, Minnesota. The couple made their home on Walter's family farm in Fossum Township near Twin Valley, farming until their retirement. After Walter's death in August of 1998, Tena moved into Twin Valley where she made her home until entering the Twin Valley Living Center in January of 2007, living there until the time of her death.

Tena's family was very important to her. She treasured the time spent with them, whether it was fishing, having picnics or planning family reunions. Her favorite past times included making quilts, embroidering dish towels, gardening, bird watching and volunteering at the nursing home for 32 years. She especially enjoyed having her family sit down to her home cooked meals and serving them bread fresh from the oven. She continued baking bread until the age of 89, giving her grandchildren a loaf when they visited her.

Tena is survived by fours sons, Melvin (Bonnie) of Dassel, MN, Roger (Carol) of Osceola, WI, Harold (Jean) and Dennis all of Twin Valley, MN; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; two step great-great grandchildren; a brother, Calmer Pederson of Gary, MN; sisters, Elvina Anderson of Gary, MN and Hilda Anderson of Prescott, WI and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, seven brothers, four sisters and a granddaughter, Cindy.

Funeral Services was held on Saturday, March 22nd at 1:30 PM in Trinity Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. Officiating was Pastor Robert Behling with Myrna Thornton serving as organist and special music was provided by Tena's granddaughters. Pallbearers were her grandsons, Marlow Allrich, Mylan Allrich, Corlin Allrich, Craig Allrich, Jeffrey Allrich, Dayle Allrich and Eric Thomas. Honorary pallbearers were all of her grandchildren and their spouses and the staff of the Twin Valley Living Center and the Lincoln Terrace.

Burial wasin the Immanuel Cemetery/Strand Township, rural Gary, Minnesota.