Florentine Blattenbauer

Florentine Blattenbauer, age 101, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home in Mahnomen. Florentine Spaeth was born February 11, 1913, in Stearns County, Minnesota, the oldest child of Ben and Anna (Winter) Spaeth. In 1920, the family moved from Spring Hill, MN, to Mahnomen to farm with her grandfather, George Winter. Flo and her siblings attended school in Mahnomen until the family moved West of Mahnomen, where they attended Nelson School. In 1926, Anna, died during child birth and Florence quit school to help with her younger siblings. Four years later in 1930, the family moved east of Mahnomen to LaGarde Township. Florentine met Anthony Blattenbauer at a K.C. Dance and they were united in marriage on October 30, 1934, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Tony worked on a farm making 15 cents an hour while Florentine earned 1.00 an hour playing the piano with different bands at the Rainbow’s End and area barn dances. The couple rented 320 acres from Frank Lovin Jr. until purchasing the homestead and acres from Frank in 1942. Tony and Flo farmed and raised their three daughters. The couple lived together on the farm until 1999 when they moved to Valley View Commons in Mahnomen. Tony died in February of 2002 and Florentine remained in their apartment. In 2005, Flo entered the Mahnomen Health Center where she made her home until her death. She was the oldest at 101, along with the longest residing resident of Mahnomen Health Center. Florentine was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and also a part of the ladies aid and Christian Mothers of Beaulieu. In her spare time, she loved gardening and canning the fruits of her labors. Each year her garden grew in size. Florentine also enjoyed making quilts for family and friends. She will be greatly missed by many. Florentine is survived by three daughters: Marie (Dennis) Skadsem, Pine Haven, WY, Marlys (Bob) Santwire, Detroit Lakes, MN, Marilyn (Frank) Severson, Fridley, MN; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Ann Blattenbauer, Moorhead, MN; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and eight siblings. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, August 22, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Beaulieu. A visitation began at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen through 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 6:00 p.m. followed by a rosary. Interment was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Beaulieu. Arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home, Mahnomen, MN. www.andersonfamilyfh.com

Florentine Blattenbauer

February 11, 1913 - August 19, 2014