Claudia Annette Cirks, 89, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND. She was born at home in rural Fergus Falls, MN on August 1, 1936 along with her twin, Claudette, to Plinny and Edna Haarstad.

Adopted by Hans and Gladys Haarstad in 1939, Claudia was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She attended country school and graduated from Newfolden High School in 1954. On February 16, 1957 she married the love of her life, Dennis Cirks, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Newfolden, MN. Together, they lived in nine Minnesota cities with Dennis' Northwestern Bell employment. During this time, they added three children to the family, along with losing a beautiful daughter at birth. In 1966, they moved to Crookston, MN and resided there until Fall 2023 when they moved to Linden Assisted Living, Moorhead, MN.

Claudia had many interests and talents that brought her joy. She enjoyed arranging and growing flowers, craftwork of any kind, sewing, decorating, cooking and baking, shopping, and taking cruises to Norway and Alaska. Together, they enjoyed fun years of camping, square dancing, playing cards, and family Christmas at their Tulaby Lake cabin.

She dedicated her life to those she loved. Claudia was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church; teaching Sunday School/Religious Release, volunteered in WELCA, Altar Guild and coordinated the Prayer Chain. Claudia's faith was also demonstrated outside of the walls of the church. This was evidenced when she volunteered with Home Delivered Meals. Claudia was employed at various jobs in Crookston including: Dahlgren & Co., CHS Cafeteria, Ames Chiropractic, Anderson Fabrics, and Stennes Granite, EGF, MN.

Claudia is survived by her husband of almost 69 years, Dennis, children: Diane (Dale) Surprenant of Moorhead, MN, Mike (Diana) Cirks of Glenwood, MN, Rebecca "Becky" (Dan) Cymbaluk of Crookston, MN; grandchildren: Casie (Dana) Coulter, Kate (Jay) Puterbaugh, Matthew Surprenant, Krystyna (Andres) Freeman, Nicole (Zachary) Jones, Dr. Anna Cymbaluk, Cody (Morgan) Cirks, Zach (Ally) Cymbaluk, Tanner (Tracy) Cirks, Britnee (Cole) Taylor; sixteen great-grandchildren; sister Claudette (Winton) Forsberg, Cottage Grove, MN; and other beloved friends and family. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Kristi LaRae; parents, Hans and Gladys Haarstad; parents-in-law, Walter and Elaine Cirks; siblings, Virginia (Leonard) Field, Plinny Haarstad, Jorris (Alice) Haarstad; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Gloria (Larry) Skalsky; Gary (JoAnn) Cirks.

Claudia leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion. Her life and smile left a positive impact on all she met. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, whom she loved deeply, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A funeral service celebrating Claudia's life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston, Minnesota on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be one hour prior. Interment will be after at Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston.