Avonell Raaum, 77

Avonell Celeste (Engebretson) Raaum, 77, died Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at Windmill Ponds in Alexandria.

Avonell was born November 5, 1934 in Morris to Bernie and Myrtle (Larson) Engebretson. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Starbuck. She graduated from Cyrus High School in 1952.

Avonell married Roger Raaum in 1958 and to this union the couple was blessed with two children, Gregory and Nancy. When the kids were in their teenage years, Avonell started working as a secretary for Bigelow Carpet and Flooring and then moved to Abby Flooring Company, where she worked until her retirement.

Avonell lived with her daughter, Nancy and her family while her daughter was fighting cancer. She continued to live with her son-in-law and their three children for two years after Nancy’s death to help the children. In 2009, Avonell moved to Windmill Ponds in Alexandria to move closer to her son, Greg and his family.

Avonell loved baking, gardening, reading, ceramics, boating, fishing (thanks to the Let’s Go Fishing Program), and playing cards, especially cribbage (for which she had a black belt) and whist.

She is survived by her son, Gregory (Inger) Raaum of Kensington; son-in-law, Ron Brusletten of Shakopee; grandchildren, Luke, Matthew and Cameron Brusletten and Janice Tedesco; sister, Maureen (Maurice) Aslakson of Hancock; brothers, Courtney (Carol) Engebretson and Forest (Norma) Engebretson, both of Cyrus; nephews, Jeff and Dale Aslakson, Kent Engebretson and Cutis Reick; and nieces, Karla Larson and Debra Evavold.

Avonell was preceded in death by her parents, Bernie and Myrtle; and daughter, Nancy Brusletten.

A memorial service was held at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria on Monday, September 24 with the Rev. Kathryn Rothman officiating. Inurnment will be a private burial at a later date in Marystown Cemetery in Shakopee. Honorary urn bearers were Avonell’s grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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