Ursula Dans

Ursula Minna Dans, 77, of rural Crookston, passed away peacefully in her home, with her family at her side, on Monday night, September 17, 2012, after a short, yet courageous battle with cancer. Ursula was born on August 3, 1935 at Fisher, Minnesota, the daughter of Carl and Meta (Ahders) Stark. She moved with her family to rural Crookston in March of 1947, and while growing up helped out on the family farm. After her graduation from Crookston Central High School in 1953, Ursula was employed at The Spot Cafe in Crookston and later at Black's Bakery in East Grand Forks. She was united in marriage to Leslie Dans on March 20, 1965 at Crookston, and together the couple raised four children on their farm in Crookston Township. Sadly, after 45 years of marriage, Leslie passed away on May 26, 2010. Ursula was a very active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and the Evening Guild. She also participated in Bible Study, taught Sunday school for 35 years, and could be counted on to volunteer whenever and wherever help was needed. Additionally, she had been a member of the East Fairfax Homemakers Club for many years. Ursula was known for her beautiful gardens, canning, baking, the delicious home-cooked meals she prepared, and her beautiful embroidery work. She was always there for family and friends and was a wonderful and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, who will be missed very much by all who knew and loved her.

Grateful to have shared in Ursula's life are her 4 children: Susan Vilven and her husband, Scott, Kathy Erdmann and her husband, Scott, Bill Dans, and Jim Dans and his wife, Kim, all of Crookston, MN; and 9 grandchildren: Derrick and Brett Vilven, Tyler, Chris, Nick and Brianna Erdmann, Whitney and Nolan Smith, and Sophia Dans. Jim and Kim are expecting a baby in March, and even though Ursula knew she wouldn't be able to hold her 10th grandchild in her arms, she had absolutely beamed when given the blessed news. Ursula is also survived by 3 sisters: Hilda Hatlestad and her husband, Orval, of Crookston, Emilie Pederson and her husband, Ron, of Beltrami, MN, and Henrietta Hensrud of Grand Forks, ND; together with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her beloved husband, Leslie, she was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Meta Stark; a brother-in-law, Elroy Hensrud; and a great-nephew, Kailer Pederson. May God richly bless the memory of Ursula Minna Dans. The funeral service celebrating the life of Ursula Dans will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, September 21, 2012, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Crookston, with The Rev. Steve Bohler, officiating. Visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Thursday from 5-7:00 pm, with a 7:00 pm prayer service, and also at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be at the Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston.

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Previous Events

Visitation
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Service
Friday, September 21, 2012
cemetery
Friday, September 21, 2012