Thelma Negaard

Thelma Negaard, 100, of Cook passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at the Cook Carefree Living.

She was born Thelma Fayette on July 15, 1916 in Rugby, North Dakota. At the age of 9 she moved with her family to a farm near Lankin, N.D. where she completed the eighth grade. Thelma was proud that she won all the spelling competitions.
At 17 years of age she took a job as a nanny/housekeeper for a family who ran a grocery store in Edmore, N.D., there she met Ogel Negaard who delivered fresh fish from Canada to the grocery store. They were married on March 20, 1938. They share cropped near her family until they bought a farm near Lawton, N.D. in 1943. Ogel continued his fish route for many years and Thelma took care of cows, sheep and children. They also raised grain and during harvest season she unloaded trucks, shoveling the grain off by hand. When they "retired" they proceeded to raise large flocks of turkeys (6000). After her retirement from farming she was an avid card player, spending every Friday from 11:00 AM – 5 PM with a group of ladies who took turns furnishing lunch and playing their favorite rummy game. In her earlier years she enjoyed hunting and fishing.
After her husband passed away she spent her winter in California with her siblings. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Thelma will be remembered for her zest for life and her very friendly smile. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years Ogel in 1987; 2 sons, Robert and Carman Negaard; a granddaughter, Sherry Aure; sisters: Elaine, Lois, Delores, Eva, Helen, and Lea; brothers: Fred, John, Joe, Mike, Floyd, and Charles Fayette; and son in law Larry McGlynn and Al Norman.

Thelma is survived by her daughters: Janet Norman of CA, Joni (Robert) Houfburg of Lake Miltona, MN and Judy McGlynn of Cook; Granddaughters: Wendy (Ray) Leffingwell, Shawn (Dan) Snidarich, and Teresa (Greg) Boyer; Grandsons: Rodney (Lori) Houfburg, Ryan (Rae) Houfburg; numerous great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

SERVICES: Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM , Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook. A gathering of family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service. Rev. Bruce Hannem will be the officiant. Music will be provided by Cynthia Hannem. Spring burial will be held in Lawton Cemetery in Lawton, North Dakota. A reception in Thelma's honor will follow the service. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.