Edna Guenther

A funeral service for Edna A. Guenther, 94, of Staples, MN, formerly of Dickinson, ND will be held at 10:00 a.m., MDT, Monday, July 3, 2017 at St. John Lutheran Church in Dickinson with the Reverend Lisa Lewton officiating.  Burial will be at the Dickinson Cemetery.


Visitation for Edna will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., MDT, Sunday, July 2, 2017 at Stevenson Funeral Home with a Prayer Service taking place at 4:00 p.m.


Edna passed away Thursday, June 29, 2017 at Lakewood Health Systems, Staples, MN surrounded by her children just two weeks before her ninety-fifth birthday.


Edna Alma Guenther was born on her parent’s farm in Willa, ND, the daughter of Edward and Luisa (Luithle) Klein and was raised on the family farm. She attended Mott High School, graduating in 1942.  She taught with an emergency teaching certificate in rural schools in the area after high school.


Edna married Arvin L. Guenther on October 13, 1946 at the Newburg Congregational Church, Burt, ND.  They farmed in this area until 1959 when they moved to Dickinson, ND where Edna received her degree in elementary education while her husband worked as a district manager for a farm seed company.  Edna continued teaching in the communities of New Hradec, Sheffield, Gladstone and South Heart.  Edna retired in May of 1980. Filled with compassion and interests in others, she was beloved by her students. This was reflected in how many of her former students continued to stay in contact with her to this day.  Over the years, Edna became the adopted Grandma to many children.


In retirement, Edna and her husband Arvin enjoyed their time with children, grandchildren, family and friends with camping and fishing, gardening and canning, dancing and entertaining.  She kept her heart and hands busy baking and cooking for others, sewing quilts, and an endless list of creative activities.  Family and friends remember Edna’s delight in sharing plates of cookies, serving her German cooking, remembering their birthday or making a special wedding book for friends and family and decorating her home for every holiday.  Fortunately, she taught her children and grandchildren to make her favorites recipes for kuchen, borscht, and cheese buttons.


Edna served as a dedicated volunteer for numerous organizations such as School Volunteer Reading Program, St. Luke’s Nursing Home and most importantly with St. John’s Lutheran Church.  Even after moving to Staples, MN in 2009, her personality, quick wit, and cheerful spirit continued to brighten the day for new friends and those she met.  Even in her last days, Edna chose to walk hand-in-hand with those she loved.


Edna’s love for the Lord was witnessed in her tireless service to making a difference in other’s lives by showing how to love and spend time together.  Those who have been influenced by her include:  Her son, Reland Jaye Guenther, Lakewood, Co, her daughters, Rynell Schock, Staples, MN, and Rachel Brew, Billings, MT and her adored son-in-laws: Dale Schock and Ken Brew.  She left beautiful memories and treasured traditions by pouring into the lives of her nine grandchildren:  Stacy Guenther Torres, Michael Guenther, Chris (Kara) Schock, Jessica (Josh) Schafer, Andrew (Kristin) Schock, Julia (John) Amundson, Weston (Kaity Strever) Brew, Kate(Dylan) Wiebe, and Jack Brew.  Her eleven great-grandchildren dearly loved their Great Grandma Eddy.  Edna appreciated her close relationships with many nieces and nephews, other relatives and dear friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Arvin, her parents, eight brothers, and three sisters.


Gunther Edna


Burial Date: July 3, 2017
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND
Church St. John's Lutheran Church

Funeral Service:  10:00 a.m., Monday, July 3, 2017, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Dickinson
Prayer Service:  4:00 p.m., Sunday, July 2, 2017, Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson