Florence Modene

Florence Myrtle Modene, age 95, of Austin, went to Heaven peacefully surrounded by family on November 4, 2010 at the Austin Medical Center. Florence Furgeson was born February 5, 1915 at Manchester, Minnesota, the daughter to Rudolph and Mabel Furgeson. She was baptized February 26, 1915 at Central Lutheran Church, confirmed October 20, 1928 at Central Freeborn Church and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1933. Florence was married June 13, 1937 to Magnus "Pat" Modene at Central Lutheran Church, Albert Lea, Minnesota. They resided at 807 Garfield Avenue, Albert Lea until October 16, 1953 when they moved to 1304 7th Avenue NW, Austin, Minnesota. In 1966 she managed the food service group at Austin Community College (now Riverland) until her retirement in 1980. She and her husband celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1987. They enjoyed raising their two sons as well as the fun times with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Florence was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and a member of the original building committee for this church. She was active in the WELCA and church circles, Shepard Committee, Hormel Historic Home and past member of the St. Olaf Hospital Auxiliary. A past board member of the Senior Citizen Center where she enjoyed volunteer work, crafts, card playing and coffee clutches. Florence enjoyed traveling with friends and family. One of her fondest activities was lefse baking around the holidays. She could experience the happiness it brought to others and it was a joy to teach friends and family the lefse making art. Psalm 118 verse 24 was her favorite, "this is the day the Lord hath made, We will rejoice and be glad in it." Survivors include two sons and a daughters-in-law, Mark and Johnna, Aspen, CO, Randy and Sandy, Maple Grove, MN; granddaughter, Candy and husband, Greg Groenke, Gurnee, IL; grandson Chris and wife, Ilse, Maple Grove, MN; step granddaughter, Amy and husband, Brook Harris, Brisbane, CA; great grandchildren, Nicholas and Tiffany Groenke, Kelby and Maaike Modene, Audrey Harris; sister, Laneda Walter, Tucson, AZ; nieces; nephews; many friends. She is preceded in death by her husband in 1988; parents; two brothers; two sisters. Funeral services will be held 11:00 am on Monday, November 8, 2010 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with Rev. Glenn Monson officiating. Friends may call from 4-7 pm on Sunday at Mayer Funeral Home and also one hour before the service at the church on Monday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Blessed be her memory. Memorials are preferred to Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

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