Maude Abrahamson, age 98 of St. John, passed away on Monday, October 21, 2024 at a Cando, ND nursing home.  Her memorial service will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 10:00 am at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith.  There will be a prayer service on Sunday at 7:00 pm at the church.

Maude Arlene Abrahamson was born on March 30th, 1926 in Bottineau, North Dakota to Gustav and Susie (Gores) Nerpel, the last of 15 children and the first to be born in a hospital. She was raised on the family farm, located north of Carpenter Lake, where she lived the vast majority of her life. She attended school at Carpenter Country School and high school in Rolla and Dunseith before going to work at the Rolla Creamery and, later, Swan Island Shipyard in Portland, Oregon, welding on warships during World War Two.

After the war, Maude returned home and married her childhood sweetheart, Howard. After a stint in Washington, they returned home and purchased Maude's family's farm, which they owned, operated, and grew together for the remainder of their lives.

Maude had many talents. She could pick berries, process chickens, and milk cows faster than anyone, raised an acre of garden and took care of a large flower garden, helped build the family house and barn, baked wedding cakes, and wrote and researched family history books. She also enjoyed sewing, as she made approximately 1,000 quilt tops for the church and others.

Maude's selfless acts and big heart were a testament to her faith. She enjoyed singing hymns with whoever would sing with her, working the church supper, reading her bible, attending church and, later, watching Christian Worship Hour.

Finally, Maude's family was of the greatest importance to her. She and Howard raised four children: JeanMarie, twins Doyle, Darrel, and Tom. She hosted Christmas celebrations with most of the family for many years, where memories were created and love was shared. She selflessly took care of her parents, Howard's father, and Howard toward the end of their lives. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Maude is survived by sons Darrel (Phyllis) Abrahamson and Tom (Betty) Abrahamson, daughter in-law Cindy Abrahamson, 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren, 4 step grand-children, and 3 step great grand-children.

She was preceded in death by her husband Howard, son Doyle, daughter JeanMarie, Grandson Justin, her parents, and her siblings.