Florence Drellack

Florence Drellack, age 75, of Moorhead, MN, died Saturday evening, March 4, 2017, at Sanford Hospital after a beautiful day surrounded by family and friends. Filled with compassion and interest in others, she made friends easily and maintained contact with many. Her smile and her kindness warmed the hearts of all who knew her.

Florence was born on September 4, 1941, in Gary, MN, to Cora (Hagy) Dahl and Olaf Dahl. She
attended school in Gary, continuing her education after high school and working at Polk County State Bank in Crookston, MN. On March 4, 1968, she married Elmer Drellack and they spent the next ten years in Crookston raising their family. In 1978, they moved to Moorhead, where they made their home. Florence was always a tremendous and devoted caregiver, working nights as a CNA at Moorhead Manor, assisting the elderly for over 20 years.

Enjoying time together, camping, fishing, dancing, visiting family, and playing cards with close friends were some of Florence's favorite past-times. She loved being outdoors, working in the yard, going for bike rides, taking walks, and trying her luck at the casino.

In 2001, Florence was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but despite the physical challenges she faced, Florence didn't give up. She never complained, maintaining a brave and cheerful outlook on the future - even through countless treatments, infusions, appointments, and pain. She continued to be as active as possible, enjoying her outings to the casino and to family events. In 2016, they moved to Golden Living Center in Moorhead, where they have continued to expand their circle of friends.

Florence and Elmer, surrounded by family, continued celebrating their life together with a 49th anniversary celebration on Saturday in Sanford's Palliative Care Unit. Witnessing her strength and bravery, along with their enduring affection, was a pleasure for all to see.

Florence is survived by her husband, Elmer, and their seven children, Kristi (Scott) Leverson, Arthur, ND, Curt (Gina) Drellack, Bagley, MN, Vickie (Craig) Ventzke, Fargo, ND, Wayne Nelson, Hudson, WI, Don (Ann) Drellack, Bagley, Donna (Ron) Arel, Bemidji, MN, and David (Charlene) Drellack, Mesa, AZ; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; brothers, Norman (Leona) Dahl, Walter (Eileen) Dahl, and Carmen (Wyetta) Dahl, sisters, Janet Nelson, Marion Rude, Clarice Ose, and Lillian (James) Benefeld; brother-in-law, Myles (Alice) Drellack, and sister-in-law, Dorothy Drellack; in addition to many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Harry Dahl; brothers-in-law, Vincent Nelson, Vernon Rude, Larry Ose, Lawrence Vedbraaten, Vincent Drellack, and Ray Drellack; sisters-in-law, Beverly Dahl, Adele Vedbraaten, Pat Drellack, and Elsie Drellack.


A Gathering of Friends for Florence will be Friday from 5 PM to 7:00 PM, with a 6:30 PM Prayer Service in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.

Her Memorial Service will be Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 2 PM, in Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Moorhead.

(Korsmo Funeral Service, Moorhead, MN)