Julia Oraas was born January 29, 1874, the daughter of Ole and Guro (Brokken) Rikke of Lincoln County, about three miles southwest of Porter, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith by Rev. Hoel of Porter. In 1888, the year she was confirmed, she moved with her parents to Normania Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, to the farm now occupied by Carl Reimstad. Here she lived until she was united in marriage by Rev. Strand, to Aslak Oraas, on June 8, 1896, at Hanley Falls, Minnesota. To this union were born seven children, namely: Grace (Mrs. Pedar Bakken), Oral, Marvin, Walter, Telford, Ernest and Myrtle. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1931, Marvin in 1935 and Myrtle in 1920. In 1896 she became a member of Spring Creek Lutheran Church. She has also been an active member of Spring Creek Ladies Aid since 1897 until 1949 when she was made an honorary member in respect to her many years of faithful service. She filled several of the Aid's executive positions from time to time during her active membership. She was an extremely hard working mother, trying to provide the material and spiritual needs of her family. She was ever mindful of the needs of other people in the community and never shirked from giving a helping hand. For many years when the children were small she would get them ready for Sunday church, and later see that they had their confirmation lessons well done. Often she spoke the doctrine of Love and Kindness as bearing the fruit of spiritual growth. These concerns of her family never ceased. Up until the very last she still felt that she had these responsibilities with her. Much of her leisure time was spent reading Christian literature. Up until six years ago she enjoyed exceptionally good health. However, in December of 1950 she suffered from a stroke which noticeably impaired her sight, hearing and memory. She recovered quite well from this setback and enjoyed reasonably good health until two years ago when she had a reoccurrence of the stroke and was hospitalized for a short time. Again she recovered unusually well, but it left its marks. On October 18th another stroke overtook her. Ernest Oraas and daughter, Faye Lou (the only grandchild) flew out from California on Tuesday morning and spent until Friday noon with her, when they bid mother and grandmother their final farewell. From then on she grew progressively weaker and slept peacefully away Sunday evening, October 28, 1956, at the Clarkfield Community Hospital, Clarkfield, Minnesota, at the age of82 years.. Because of her many sacrifices, kind deeds, leaving a memorable past, she will be sadly missed by her children, grandchild, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, two sisters-in-law and a host of other relatives and friends. Blessed be her memory. IN MEMOEY OF MRS. JULIA ORAAS January 29, 1874 ~ October 28, 1956 Funeral Services Wednesday, October 31, 1956, 2:00 p.m. Spring Creek Lutheran Church, Normania Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Rev. P. L. Mork Organist, Mrs. Fritz Richter Vocal Solo, Mrs. Arden Lynne "Beyond the Sunset" Pallbearers Oren Rikke ~ Gunder Homme Gifford Rikke ~ John Rikke Kenneth Rikke ~ Oliver Rikke Final Resting Place Spring Creek Lutheran Cemetery, Normania Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota