Florence Sylvia Orterstrom

Florence Sylvia Orterstrom (Martin)

Florence "Flo" was born almost a hundred years ago on April 10, 1925, in Green Valley Township, Minnesota and peacefully passed away on March 29, 2025. Her parents, Julius and Hulda Martin (Hovin) owned a farm where Flo helped with chores along with her seven brothers and sisters. One of her jobs was to take care of her Grandmother Sofia Hovin (Takalo) where she learned how to speak fluent Finnish. After many years on the farm her parents moved to Menaga and opened a restaurant. Flo helped in the restaurant and attended Menahga High School where she graduated in 1943. She was the first "Miss Menahga" and represented the town in local festivals.

Flo moved to Minneapolis and worked as a secretary for 8 years at DW Onan. In Minneapolis she met Alden and they married and moved to Robbinsdale. Their children, Jan Ellen and Brad were born in Robbinsdale. Alden accepted a job in Milwaukee and they moved to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. A number of years later, they returned to Minnesota and settled in Minnetonka.

The family kept close ties to Menahga where they purchased a cabin on Spirit Lake. Many summers were spent "Up North" where there was always something to do and someone to visit. Flo attended her family and high school reunions and rarely missed the Midsummer Celebration with the parade and fireworks.

After Alden retired, they moved to Menahga, Sauk Rapids, and finally settled in Avon, Minnesota where they spent many happy years. After Alden died, Flo moved to New Brighton and then settled in White Bear Lake at Lake Square Apartments, close to her daughter Jan Ellen and son-in-law Brian and not too far from her son Brad and daughter-in-law Kate in Maple Plain. She participated in many activities at Lake Square with friends and liked to be able to walk into town and grab lunch or shop. One of her favorite things to do was to spend time with her grandson Austin. They spent many happy days together and shared a special bond. In later years, Flo wanted to stay at Lake Square and was able to with the help of son-in-law Brian who checked on her daily and brought her meals.

Flo is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Walter; sisters, Esther, Hazel, Gladys, Ruth, and Beatrice; and husband, Alden. She is survived by her brother, Duane Martin; daughter, Jan Ellen Fowler (Brian); son, Brad Orterstrom (Kate); and grandson, Austin Fowler.

Thanks to the wonderful staff at Health Partners Lakeview Hospice who helped Flo stay in her home and provided exceptional care.