Velda Lou (Christensen) Brusven was born March 31, 1932, to Verner and Iva Ellen (Sharp) Christensen at the Tyler Hospital, Tyler, Minnesota. She was baptized May 11, 1932, and confirmed April 14, 1946, at the Danebod Lutheran Church of Tyler. She attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated from the Tyler High School on May 31, 1951. She attended beauty school in Mankato, Minnesota, graduating February 14, 1952. She then moved to Cottonwood, Minnesota, where she worked at Mae Viscick's Beauty Shop and for Dr. Stevens, a dentist, where she met Milo when he came in as a patient to have his teeth made. Velda also waited tables six days a week at the local cafe. Velda and Milo were married on June 8, 1952. Velda worked with Milo on the farm all of her married life, dressing chickens, picking eggs, working with the pigs and cows and helping anyone who needed it. Her younger brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and neighbor kids often stayed with them. Her kitchen was the hub of family living. Everyone was welcome and no one ever went away hungry. She loved her flower and vegetable gardens, fruit trees and the canning, freezing and pickling of its produce. Special treats were homemade ice cream, jams, breads, and fresh churned butter. Her hobbies included sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, photography, painting, cake decorating and crafting in general. She was an active member of St. Lucas Lutheran Church. She never missed a bridal or baby shower. Milo and Velda were married for 55 years, living 54 years on their beloved farm. Velda's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her life. She loved to take pictures of everyday life and the special occasions. She enjoyed working with children baking and decorating cookies, coloring Easter eggs, reading books, baking bread and making things. She would take them roller skating, ice skating, bowling and shopping. Velda passed away Thursday, May 7, 2009, at the Minneota Manor, Minneota, Minnesota, at the age of 77 years, 1 month and 6 days. She is survived by seven children: Mitcheal (Roberta) of Clarkfield, Minnesota, Randy (Candie) of Hazel Run, Minnesota, Wyatt (special friend Judy Bendickson) of Boyd, Minnesota, Lorie (Terry) Day of Southport, Florida, Milo Paul (Brenda) of Hanley Falls, Minnesota, Kris (Marcia) of Cottonwood, Minnesota, and Ina (fiance Anthony Thielges) of Tyler, Minnesota; 16 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; siblings: Janet Rochel, Wallace (Diane) Christensen, Nila (Bob) Hughes and Kim (Barb) Christensen. She was preceded in death by her husband Milo; parents, Verner and Iva Christensen; and sisters: Romel Herschberger and Carol Norgaard. Blessed be her memory. Visitation Monday, May 11, 2009 ~ 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Prayer Service ~ 7:00 p.m. Lynner Funeral Home, Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Tuesday, May 12, 2009 ~ 10:30 a.m. St. Lucas Lutheran Church, Normania Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Pastor Steve Weston Organist, Connie Pehrson Special Music Ina Wojahn "I, the Lord of Sea and Sky" Roberta Brusven "What A Friend We Have in Jesus" Honorary Casket Bearers (Grandchildren) Jeremy Day, Alexander Wojahn Casket Bearers (Grandchildren) Daniel Brusven, Nathaniel Brusven Michael Brusven, Joshua Brusven Zach Brusven, Cole Brusven Committal Service Wednesday, May 13, 2009 ~ 7:00 p.m. St. Lucas Lutheran Cemetery Normania Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota