Edna Waller

Edna Lorencia (Underdahl) Waller was born December 16, 1926, to her Norwegian immigrant parents Ole and Anna Underdahl in Strathcona, MN. The last surviving sibling of seven, Edna waltzed into the presence of Jesus' arms in the early morning hours of Monday, January 27, 2025. Edna grew up in the Strathcona-Middle River area in close company with her extended family. She started elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse in Strathcona. Her family moved to Grand Forks when she was in 10th grade and she later graduated from Central High School. Following high school, Edna worked various jobs in Grand Forks, she enjoyed retail work in Herberger's department store and Cooper Photography. 

On June 27, 1948, Edna was united in marriage to Harvey Waller and they made their home in Crookston, MN. As Harvey worked for the Park Department, Edna worked part-time at a jewelry store while raising their two children, Scott and Lori. As the children grew, Edna began a 42-year journey with the Eagles Lodge, where she took on many roles–bookkeeping, hiring, bartending, beverage server, and selling pull tabs. The Eagles Lodge became a special place for Edna and Harvey, where they spent countless weekends together, enjoying Saturday night meals, dancing to live music, and playing bingo. Edna’s favorite nights were when Harvey would sing and play guitar with the band. 

Edna’s love for people shone through in everything she did. She had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved, and her face would light up whenever a familiar face entered the room. As her family grew, she treasured the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always expressing her delight and affirming her love for them. In her retirement, she enjoyed volunteering at Tri-Valley as a foster grandparent rocking babies and playing with preschoolers. 

Feeding people was one of Edna’s greatest joys. Her meatballs and lefse were family favorites, and her home was a place where no one left hungry. Her homemade buns, donuts, cookies, date bars, and an assortment of breads were a delicious and comforting part of every gathering. 

Edna was a dedicated lifelong member of both the VFW and the Eagles Auxiliaries. She was honored with the Patriotic Americans Award (VFW Auxiliary) and was named Eagle of the Year by the Eagles Auxiliary. Edna lived her final years at the Summit Assisted Living and Villa St. Vincent, where she often found singing as she meandered in the hallways. She eagerly joined sing-alongs, church services, bingo, and crafts, and loved playing cards with fellow residents. Edna shared a special bond with Bobbie Jo, one of her favorite care providers. In February 2024, Edna was crowned Queen of Hearts at the Villa Nursing Home. 

Edna was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and often spoke in Norwegian. She loved sipping her coffee from a mug that read Jeg elsker deg (I love you). Phrases like Uff Da (No way), Nå men (Well now), and Gud bevare meg (God save me) were commonly heard from Edna, always adding a bit of humor to any situation.

Edna’s legacy lives on through her son, Scott (Kay) Waller of Crookston, and daughter, Lori (Peter) Jensen of Breckenridge; her grandchildren, Jodi (Tony) Ramberg, Becky (Red) Smith, and Marcie (Shawn) Haugen, all of Crookston, Kelsey Olson (fiancé Matt LaCoursiere) of Grand Forks, Hunter (Rebeccah) Jensen of Illinois, and Tanner (Jennifer) Jensen of Horace, ND; her great-grandchildren, Jace and Jaden Ramberg, Payden (Jaqala), AnnaBelle, Carson, Kyla, and Treyven Smith, Adama Herrin, Aurelia Jensen, and Spencer and Kara Jensen; and her great-great-grandson, Enzo. She is also remembered by her sister-in-law, Harriet Underdahl, as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families. She was united in eternal peace with her husband of 50 years, Harvey, her parents, and her siblings, Lennie, Obert, Ollie, Cora, Aggie, and Arnie. She was also reunited with her favorite Mito Warriors, Lars and Tina, and many other cherished family members and friends.

A celebration of Edna’s life will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, February 15th. A light lunch and visitation will take place from 12:00- 2:00 with a Celebration of Life at 2:00. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery followed by a gathering at the Eagles Lodge to celebrate her love of gathering with family and friends.