Tilman G. Vraa

Tilman Gilford Vraa, 101 years old, passed away Friday October 13, 2023, at Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, ND. Tilman was born September 25, 1922, in Poplar, MT to Alma and Gilbert Vraa. In 1939 the Vraa family relocated to a family farm in Mcintosh, MN. On October 14, 1945, he married the love of his life, Ruby E Chamberlain. After their marriage, they purchased the family farm in 1946 and farmed there until 1953.

From 1953 until 1963, Tilman and Ruby spent time in Montana and Minnesota where he worked on various construction projects. During those years their daughter Sandra was born in December 1956 and their son Gregory in November 1958. In 1963 they returned to Minnesota permanently where they purchased a dairy farm and raised their family in Bagley, MN.

At the age of 57, Tilman sold the farm and retired. In his years of retirement, he and Ruby enjoyed building a new home, traveling, wintering in Arizona, gardening, golf and square dancing.

March 13, 1991, Tilman lost his beloved Ruby to cancer.

July 5, 1992, he married Marie Smith and shortly thereafter they establish a home in Bemidi, MN where he found a passion for building homes and continued with his hobby until he was 89. He and Marie then moved to Dilworth, MN in 2007. He lost his second wife, Marie, on January 12, 2012.

Tilman continued to live in Dilworth, MN until the spring of 2021 when he moved to Sheyenne Crossings at Eventide in West Fargo, ND. His time there allowed him to remain social and active until he moved to Sanford Hospice House in August of 2023. Even in his final days, Tilman continued to impact all those he interacted with. He never lost his sense of humor, his love for his family and his zest of life.

Tilman will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his daughter, Sandy (Greg) Nelson, Duluth, MN. Son Greg (Pam) Vraa, Mapleton, ND. Eight grandchildren, Nicole (Brad) Lanz, Gretchen (Justin) Lindteigen, Jaime (Jade) Hilscher, Holly (Ben) Hixson, Jacob Vraa, Emily (Brandon) Carlson, Alyssa (Matt) Johnson, Laura Vraa. His sisters Orphie Vraa, Rose (Dennis) Engen. 17 great grandchildren and many nephews, nieces, and dear friends.

Tilman was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ruby, second wife Marie, sisters Corma, lone and Mae.

Tilman's family would like to express our deepest thanks and gratitude to the staff at Sanford Hospice House for their love and care for him in the last months of his life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Sanford Hospice House.

Visitation will be Monday, October 16, from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m., at Dilworth Lutheran Church, Dilworth, MN.

Interment will be at Skatvold Cemetery, Climax, MN.