Jacqueline “Jackie” Kragerud

Jacqueline “Jackie” Kragerud, 85, of Moorhead and formerly of Wolverton, MN, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2020, at Sanford Health Medical Center in Fargo.

Jacqueline Marlene Kragerud was born in Wolverton Township on September 19, 1934 to Carlot and Jennie Ness (Heglie).  Jackie grew up on the Ness farmstead north of Wolverton, MN. After her mother passed away, Jackie and her two sisters, Carol and LaVaine, were raised by their father with the help of several aunts and uncles. Jackie loved working on the farm, milking cows, and feeding chickens. She attended and graduated from Wolverton High School in 1952.

Jackie and Orlyn were married in March of 1956 and made their home in Sacramento, CA while Orlyn was finishing his Air Force enlistment. Ron, the first son, was born 9 months later. In 1957 they moved back to Wolverton where Pam, Keith, and Jeff were born. In 1965 they purchased a restaurant in Wolverton, MN and called it the Kragerud Cafe, where Jackie made her famous doughnuts and the best burgers in town.  After closing the restaurant in 1976, Jackie worked at St. Luke’s Hospital, Oxbow Country Club and NDSU. She received the USDA achievement award for superior service while working in the custodial services department at NDSU.  Jackie retired in 2000 and was again recognized with the Classified State Recognition Award for her hard work and dedication at the Northern Crops Institute.

In 1987, they built a home on her family farm.  Jackie loved being outside where she could see the Red River, watch her garden grow, and listen to the Jenny Wrens sing.  Jackie loved flowers and created many beautiful flowerbeds for Orlyn to mow around. Each spring she would hover over the flower catalogs to see what flowers she could plant next. Some of her favorite past times were having a fresh cup of coffee with the Wolverton Coffee Ladies and restoring old furniture. Jackie was a lifelong member of Faith Lutheran Church where she was involved in Faith women, quilting and the church auction where her famous dill pickles and sour cream and raisin bars sold like hotcakes.

Jackie loved people.  She always had a smile on her face and could strike up a conversation with anyone.  She liked to bake cookies, host family holidays, look at Fleet Farm ads, and watch the hummingbirds. Her pride and joy was her family.  She attended many school activities, concerts and birthday parties. The grandchildren will never forget the special gifts she bought them throughout the years and the annual Christmas cookies they made with Grandma Kragerud.

Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Orlyn, parents Carlot and Jennie Ness, sister LaVaine, and stepmother, Agnes Johnson, stepbrother Joel Johnson.  She is survived by her children Ron (Dianna) Fargo, ND,  Pam (Steve) Trowbridge Moorhead, MN, Keith (Norma) rural Moorhead, MN, Jeff (Sarah) Sarasota, FL,  grandchildren Kristen (Dave) Schultz, Jenna (Kirk) Foster, Jacob Trowbridge, Annalise Kragerud, Mikaela Trowbridge, and Grant Trowbridge, great grandchildren Grayden and  Annabelle Schultz, Nolan and Lennox Foster, and sister Carol Thiseth.

A private graveside service will be held on Monday, May 18, 2020, at Faith Lutheran Cemetery in Wolverton, MN.  A memorial service for all family and friends to attend will be held on a later date at Faith Lutheran Church.