Florence knew from an early age she wanted to be a nurse when she grew up, and that is exactly what she did. After graduating from Jackson High School in 1967, Florence went to nursing school. She had a clinical rotation in St. Peter, where she accepted an invite from a fellow student to double date with her boyfriend and his brother. That brother became her husband of nearly 57 years (20 days short!), a marriage that was blessed with three daughters – Sara (Ingvaldson), Erin (Howk Bennett), and Kylie (Saari).

Early in their marriage, Florence and Loren moved frequently, living on military bases around the country and as far away as Okinawa, Japan. They eventually landed in Fairmont, where they settled into the community for the past 30 years.

Florence worked as geriatric nurse for much of her working life, working in nursing homes and then as a home visiting nurse for Mayo Clinic’s Hospice program for many years. She spent her free time continuing to serve others, volunteering with hospice, Crest, church events, and anything else someone needed help with. Florence was the epitome of selflessness, showing unconditional love to everyone she encountered. She taught her girls that no person is better than any other person and no person is less worthy of love than anyone else.

She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family, excitedly planning events when her children, and later grandchildren, were on school break. Whether it was annual trips to the zoo, art museum, pumpkin patch, the summers spent camping, or ziplining through Costa Rican rainforest, Florence loved an adventure. Her attitude toward life was, “Why not?”, something that served her well and taught her children to not accept limits.

Florence was often reserved in public, but her sense of humor was top notch, and her home was filled with laughter. She loved “church hats”, and to honor her, we invite those attending her services to wear one in her honor.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her parents-in-law, a stillborn son, her half brother, two brother-in-laws, and other family and friends. She is succeeded by her husband of 56 years, Loren; her daughters Sara (Barrett) Ingvaldson, Erin (Doug) Howk Bennett, and Kylie (Kevin) Saari; her grandchildren, William Saari, Amy Saari, Eleanor Ingvaldson, and Ulysess Ingvaldson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to Crest in Fairmont or Ava’s House hospice in Sioux Falls.

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