Julia Toft

Julia M. Toft Julia M. Toft was born in Urness Township, Minnesota, on April 22, 1918, the daughter of John and Anna (Makkonen) Lehto. She was baptized at the Finnish Apostolic Church and attended country schools. She moved to Alexandria to attend high school. Following her high school graduation she attended Normal Training School and then taught in the country schools in Douglas County. Prior to World War II she moved to Chicago where she worked for Johnson and Johnson and then, during World War II she moved to California to work in the shipyards. It was in California that she married Ralph Toft , November 18,1943 and began their family. The family moved to Brandon where they settled in and raised their family. Julia was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church and was active in teaching Sunday School and being involved in the Ladies? Group. She worked at the Brandon School as a cook and after her retirement there became active in the Brandon Senior Citizen?s Group. Julia loved to knit, crochet, sew bake and play Skip-Bo. Her grandchildren loved her fresh baked bread, donuts and molasses cookies. She died on January 24, 2011, at Knute Nelson at the age of 92 years. Julia is survived by her son Myron (MaryAnne) Toft of Downsville, LA ; daughter Suzanne (David) Arndt of Wentzville, MO; grandchildren Bradley Toft, Rebekah Larry, Nicholas Toft, Jeff Arndt, Jason Arndt, Jackie Arndt, Jenny Albers, Jeannie Wilson, Julie Arndt , and Justin Arndt. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Anna Leigh Larry, Jason Arndt, Jr., Joshua Arndt, Jordan Arndt, Corey Arndt, Madelyn Arndt, Emily Albers, and Brandon Albers. Julia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 3 brothers and 8 sisters. Funeral services were held on January 28, 2011, from the Grace Lutheran Church in Brandon, Minnesota with Rev. Dennis Preston officiating. Music was provided by Tom and Annette Helder. Interment was in the Brandon Cemetery with Jason Arndt, Jeff Arndt, Justin Arndt, Myron Severson, Myron Toft, Sam Toft serving as pallbearers. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net