Florence E. Valan

Florence Elizabeth Malstrom was born May 31, 1917, on a farm near Amenia, ND, the first of five children born to Eliza Miller and David Malstrom. At the age of 2, the family moved to Fargo, ND, and she attended Fargo schools and graduated from Fargo Central High on her 18th birthday, May 31, 1935. Florence attended Interstate Business College, graduating in 1936. She worked as a secretary at several businesses until her marriage to Grant Valan on March 4, 1944. In 1949, they moved to the farm south of Moorhead near Rustad, MN, where they farmed until 1975, when they retired and moved to Moorhead. Grant died on June 26, 2000. Florence then moved to Riverview Place, Evergreens and Elim, all in Fargo.Florence was very active at Hoff Lutheran Church, Rustad, and in many organizations. She enjoyed bowling with Elkettes and dancing at the Elks, the Eagles and the El Zagal Shrine. She was also a charter member of St. Ansgar's Hospital Auxiliary. Florence was a woman of good humor and had a life full of family, friends, fun and far reaching travels. When Grant was a salesman for Betaseed, Inc, they made several trips abroad. In later years she loved playing Bingo, going to the casino and she was a huge country music fan, with George Strait her favorite. A recent high-light was attending a George Strait concert with granddaughter Amber and then fiancé Joel Ferrie.Florence is survived by a daughter, Diane Merv Nordeng, Fargo; a son, Craig AJ, Moorhead; four grandchildren, Amy Nordeng Dave Doherty, Virginia, Erik Nordeng fiancé Lisa Skog, Fargo, Amber Joel Ferrie, Moorhead, McKenzie Carrie Valan, Colorado; three great-grandchildren, Gavin Nordeng, Madeline and Joseph Doherty and two on the way. She is also survived by a brother, Lloyd Malstrom, Arizona; a sister, Carol Robert Kennedy, Moorhead; and many nieces and nephews.In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the charity of donor's choice.