Brenda K. Oistad

Brenda Kay (Ragan) Oistad, 71, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Fargo VA Medical Center’s Community Living Center (CLC) in Fargo, ND.

Brenda was born on July 26, 1952, in Jackson, TN to JT and Laura Orean (Cleary) Ragan.  She grew up and attended school in Jackson, TN, where she graduated from high school in 1970.  After high school, she enlisted with the United States Air Force and was stationed in Washington, D.C. where she met Gregory Oistad.  They were united in marriage on April 8, 1972, in Arlington, VA.  Brenda was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force on December 14, 1972.  In 1973, she and Gregory moved to Moorhead, MN, where she lived until her death.

Brenda worked at the Fargo Veterans Administration for 36 years, retiring in 2007, as the Executive Assistant to the Director. Brenda was a member of the North Dakota Air National Guard (Happy Hooligans) retiring with 22 years of service as a Master Sergeant.

Brenda was adventurous and lived life to the fullest.  She enjoyed traveling, shopping, spending time at the lake, and being active in the lives of her children and grandchildren.  She loved having her grandchildren over for sleepovers and attending their activities and sporting events.  Brenda attended Minnesota State University-Moorhead as an older than average student and valued learning and connecting with her classmates.  She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN, participating in quilting, knitting, Bodacious Beaders, and the Support Our Troops groups.  She was also an active volunteer and member of Toastmasters, NFFE Union (National Federation of Federal Employees), and the Fargo Leadership Program, among other organizations. Brenda took pride in her Irish heritage and Tennessee roots.

Brenda is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Gregory; children, Jeremy (Robin) Oistad, and Greta (Derek) Miller; grandchildren, Adrianna, Ethan, Kenzie, Caden, Kaylee, Bentley, and Beckett; sister, Gena Murchison; and close friend and caregiver, Claudia Davenport.  She is preceded in death by her parents, JT and Laura Orean Ragan; her sister, Sue Hampton; and her brother, Ronald Ragan.

Brenda’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the staff at the Fargo VA CLC for their kind and compassionate care.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 5-6:30 PM with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 in the Christian Life Center (CLC) of Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.  A memorial service will be held Friday, April 12, at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior to the service at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite animal rescue organization.