Fay M. Huffman

Fay M. (Knudson) Huffman, 85 of rural Minnewaukan, ND passed away early Thursday morning, June 1, 2017 at the Eventide Heartland Care Center in Devils Lake in the loving care of family and Altru Hospice. Fay Marcine, daughter of Kasper and Eldora (Gutterud) Knudson was born on November 28, 1931 at Carrington, ND. She was raised and educated in Oberon, ND.  She graduated from Oberon High School in 1949, and continued her education at Valley City State Teacher’s College and received her teaching certificate.  She then taught for 3 years at the schools in Josephine and Flora, ND.  Fay met Duane L. Huffman at a dance in Oberon and they fell in love and were united in marriage on October 19, 1952 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Oberon. They established their home on the Huffman family farm of rural Minnewaukan and would live, work and raise their family their through the years. Fay didn’t roller skate and Duane didn’t dance but they glided through a beautiful life together for over 54 years until Duane died on August 2, 2007.  Fay continued to make her home on the farm until her death. Along with being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Fay was also the hard working farm wife. She always had a large well-tended garden and there were always baked goodies and treats for family and friends. In 1971 she went to work, temporarily, just to help out, at the Benson County Auditor’s Office. She took over the office in 1981 and retired as the Benson County Auditor/Treasurer in 2003.  Fay was always very active in the WMF, church and as the church organist in many of the local churches including the Calvary Lutheran Church, Minnewaukan Presbyterian Church, St. Peter Lutheran Church, and the Trinity Free Lutheran Church. She began her music ministry as an 8th grader and retired as a church organist in August 2016.  Her passion for music was shared in many churches, at weddings, funerals, special events and also at many Senior Centers and Nursing Homes in the entire Lake Region along with several other musicians.  She enjoyed membership in the sons of Norway and the American Legion Auxiliary of Minnewaukan.  Fay was the loudest cheerleader and greatest fan of her grandchildren as she watched them participating in football, basketball, hockey, volleyball, baseball, band, choir and all of their many school activities. She loved the gathering of family and friends around the piano any chance she could.  Fay is survived by her loving family. Her children Daniel (Pauline) Huffman, Fargo, Joan (Laren) Holznagel, Washburn, Janet (Mark) Ellingson, Apple Valley, MN and Julie Nelson, Minnewaukan; grandchildren Erik Huffman, Dave (Anna) Huffman-Lynell (Chris) Kruckeberg, Jared (Jennifer) Holznagel, John (Erin) Holznagel, Jed Holznagel-Matthew (Sarah) Ellingson, Mitch Ellingson-Amber (Scott) Harvey, Kyle (Hope) Nelson and fourteen great grandchildren; special grandchildren Blayne, Jaylen and Rylen Anderson; brother Don (Marjorie) Knutson, Phoenix, AZ and sister Marlys Ann (Floyd) Boschee, Vermillion, SD; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Lyle Huffman and Earl Huffman both of Minnewaukan, Doreen Nord, Red Lake Falls, MN, Ruth Larson, Wahpeton and Joyce Nord, Larimore; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Duane and in-laws DeWitt and Hazel (Watson) Huffman.   Funeral Services for Fay will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Free Lutheran Church, Minnewaukan with Reverend Lu Mathison officiating. Fay will be laid to rest in the Trinity Free Cemetery, rural Minnewaukan. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue on Tuesday at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.