Thelma Bromander, of Ulen, MN, died Thursday, May 17, 2012, under the care of the Hospice of the Red River Valley, in Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley.

Thelma Marian Berglund, the second oldest of George and Agnes (Evenson) Berglund's eight children, was born March 1, 1926, on the family farm southeast of Fosston, MN. Thelma attended the Moen Country School through the 8th grade then continued onto Fosston High School where she graduated with the class of 1943. She and her cousin, Grace Berglund, went to nurses' training at Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Grand Forks, ND. It was cadet training with the military, but since World War II was over when they graduated, they didn't have the opportunity to serve as military nurses. She went on to study Bible at Northwestern Bible College, Minneapolis, MN. Thelma then worked as a nurse at the Biola College of Missionary Medicine in Los Angeles, CA, but came home after one year due to her mother's health. Prior to her mother's death in 1965 and her father in 1967, Thelma worked as an RN for several years at the Fosston Hospital. On September 4, 1965, Thelma was united in marriage to Robert Bromander in Fosston Baptist Church. The couple made their life together on a farm near Ulen, MN. Thelma was employed at the Lutheran Memorial Home, now the Twin Valley Living Center, for 30 years as the Nursing Inservice Director. Over the years, through both the Twin Valley and Halstad Living Centers, Thelma taught over 1000 nurse aides and led several educational courses. During her working career, she continued her education and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Education and Social Services and a minor in Art. For the past few years, due to failing health, Thelma has been lovingly cared for at home by her devoted husband and with the compassionate assistance of Hospice of the Red River Valley, the dear friends of Walworth Baptist Church, caring family and neighbors, and respite care at Twin Valley Living Center.

Thelma was always energetic and was known to be very organized. She was active in her community and was a charter member of the Ulen Rescue Squad as well as the Northern Lights Art Guild. She was an active member of Walworth Baptist Church where she served as the pianist, taught Sunday school and worked with the ladies fellowship. Thelma was also active with the Walworth Homemakers organization and volunteered as a foster grandparent at the Callaway School. She loved God and put Him first in her life, and everything she did radiated His joy through her. All of her life, she was exceptionally close to her siblings, and deeply adored her husband of forty-six years, her children, and her grandchildren. She was always willing to do anything for others, loved opening her door with cheerful hospitality, and was an inspiration to so many. She had a passion for travel, music and art, loved to play games with family and friends, and lived life to the fullest. Her sense of humor and love for fun was exhibited through notes slipped in morning pancakes, Berglund reunions, and or telling her favorite joke. She greatly enjoyed spending time with family and those she loved, whether canoeing, playing UNO, or snow-tubing on her 80th birthday. She was always full-of-life and remembered by all for her ever-present bright smile, twinkling eyes, and easy laughter. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Bromander of Ulen; one son, Jon (Esther) Bromander of Detroit Lakes, MN; one daughter, Lisa (Lester) Williams of Arlington, TX; seven grandchildren: Keaton, Grace, and Brynn Williams, Ron Fevig, Liz (Eric) Hager, Susan (Joe) Kreklau, and Nancy (Matt) McKenzie; 12 great grandchildren: Abigail and Nora Fevig, Mianna and Lars Hager, Sophia, Anton, Simon, and Benjamin Kreklau, and Isaiah, Caleb, Thomas, and Malia McKenzie; two sisters: Irene (Orrin) Johnson, Gladys (Harvey) Nelson; brother-in-law, Bob King; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers: Stanley (Arline), Eugene, and Kent; two sisters, Stella and Eunice, and a granddaughter-in-law, Beth Fevig.

Funeral Services were Monday, May 21, 2012 at 11:00 AM in Walworth Baptist Church, rural Ulen, MN. Visitation was Sunday from 2-4 PM with a Remembrance Service at 3:30 in the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Officiating was Pastor Ben Carpenter, with special music provided by granddaughters Liz Hager, Susan Kreklau and Nancy McKenzie and nephew Paul Berglund. Pallbearers were Lester Williams, Dan Nelson, Brian Berglund, Greg Johnson, Jordan Nelson and Dwight Fevig. Honorary pallbearers were the loving caregivers thru Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Burial was in Walworth Baptist Cemetery, rural Ulen.