Josephine Mitberg

Josephine Cora Mitberg, 98, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Josephine was born October 22, 1911, in Granville, North Dakota, the youngest daughter of William John and Cora Rachel (Veeder) Sandrey. Jo graduated from Granville High School in 1930 where she was the Valedictorian and President of her class. She attended college in Minot, ND and in Bemidji, MN. On June 14, 1932, she married Leonard Martin Mitberg of Audubon, Minnesota in Granville. During the first years of their marriage they lived in Ryder, ND where Leonard managed the local creamery. In 1943 they moved to Northome, MN. Josephine worked with her husband as office manager of the creamery that he managed. In 1948 they moved to Bemidji, Minnesota. Leonard was the manager of the Bemidji Coop Creamery and Jo was the office manager. In 1955 they returned to Northome. Upon Leonard’s retirement in 1959, they returned to Bemidji where they lived on Big Bass Lake. She became a bookkeeper for the Gaetke Bookkeeping Service and eventually became the office manager of Thorson Inc., a position she held until her retirement in 1979. In 1990 Jo moved to Fergus Falls. In April of 2007 she became a resident of the Broen Home. Josephine was very proud of her involvement in community activities. While in Bemidji she was secretary of seven different organizations, including such groups as AARP, Turtle River Township, and the Toastmasters Club to name just a few. Upon moving to Fergus Falls she continued this practice, belonging to groups such as the Ys Folk, the Senior Citizens Group, and Augustana Lutheran Church. She loved being with people. In addition, Jo found much joy in reading, gardening, bird watching, and taking daily walks. Survivors include her son, Leonard S. (Alvina) Mitberg of Fergus Falls, and daughter, Coralie (Michael) Sathre of Plano, Texas; and two grandchildren: Kristina Mitberg of Sartell, Minnesota, and William (Trish) Mitberg of Beaverton, Oregon. Josephine was also blessed with three great-grandsons: Gregory, Sandrey, and Elliott of Beaverton, Oregon. Josephine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leonard, in 1977; four sisters: Ethel, Gladys, Lillian, and Verona; and her brother, William. Jo was loved and cherished by her family and friends, and she will be greatly missed. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Memorial Service: 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:  Reverend Nancy Monke and Chaplain Ken Austin Interment:  St. Peter’s Cemetery near Detroit Lakes Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com