Ethel Peda

Ethel Mildred (Torkelson) Serba Peda was born on December 12, 1915 on a farm close to Driscoll, ND the daughter of Tom and Myrtle (Halverson) Torkelson. She lived near Driscoll until age 2 when the family moved to Big Lake, MN. After a few years the family moved to the Eden Valley, MN area. In 1929 the family moved to Jamestown, ND where Ethel quit school to work in the family owned laundry. On June 8, 1936 Ethel was united in marriage to Frank Serba. To this union the couple were blessed with four children. Neither Ethel or Frank had a job during the depression period so they moved to Missoula, Montana and worked on a dairy farm. In 1938, Ethel and Frank moved back to the Jamestown, ND area where they farmed. In 1944, they moved into Jamestown and purchased an off sale liquor store (The Blue Moon) in partnership with Ethel?s Dad. In 1948, they purchased a summer resort (Your Haven) near Richmond, MN. In 1958, they sold the resort and bought a small farm near Brandon, MN. Frank passed away in 1977 after 41 years of marriage. Ethel remarried in 1978 to Edward Peda of Woodworth, ND. They continued to live on the Brandon farm until Ed?s death in 2000 after 22 years of marriage. Ethel lived a full and active life. She experienced many different vocations and hobbies including but not limited to working in laundry, farming, resort ownership, dog breading 10 pedigrees, exotic color chickens, pigeon and pheasant, operated mink farm, black angus beef and milking cows. Ethel?s 50 year association selling Stanley Home Products provided many award trips. Ethel loved gardening and maintained several beautiful gardens and a large vegetable garden. Ethel was a very independent lady who made friends easily. She would start a conversation with most anyone who was willing to talk. She became well versed in many areas through life experiences. She had strong midwestern values and very strong Christian beliefs. She was active in Grace Lutheran Church ladies circles. She loved visiting friends and relatives and had many vacations with both Frank and Ed traveling the U.S. Ethel died on Friday, April 30, 2010 at Bethany Home in Alexandria at the age of 94. She is survived by her four children, Steve (Sandie) Serba of Carlos, Diane (Dennis) Terhark of Alexandria, Tom (Kathy) Serba of Maple Grove and Gene (Joan) Serba of Brandon; step sons, Jeff (Cathy) Peda of Seattle, WA and Dave Peda of Kent, WA; 10 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Myrtle; brother, Norris Torkelson and Lloyd Torkelson; and sister, Maydris Litt all of Jamestown, ND. Ethel?s family wishes to acknowledge and thank the staff of Winona Shores and the Douglas County Hospice for all of the personal care and friendship provided to Ethel and her family. Special Thank You to Grace Church members for all the cards, calls and visits during Ethel?s residence at Winona Shores and Bethany Home. A memorial service was held on Friday, May 7, 2010 at Grace Lutheran Church in Brandon with Reverend Dennis Preston officiating. Music was provided by organist, Annette Helder and soloist, Tom Helder. Interment was in Brandon Cemetery. Honorary urn bearers were all of Ethel?s Grandchildren, and Great-Grandchildren. Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.