Catherine Stortroen

Catherine Stortroen, 93, of Fergus Falls, passed away on December 20, 2024, at Pioneer Care Center.

Catherine Matilda Nelson was born January 21, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois to Theodore and Alice Nelson. She resided in Chicago and attended Catholic School until her parents passing when she was 11, then she moved to Fergus Falls to be raised by her family, Lawrence and Thelma Jensen, who would later adopt her.

In 1949, Catherine married Arthur Stortroen. The couple made their home in Fergus Falls, and were blessed with two children. Catherine enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom, and also liked having the occasional part time job to fill her time. Catherine liked to vacation and go camping. While her husband was involved with the Boy Scouts, she spearheaded the first Girl Scout Explorer troop. During the summer, Catherine and her family spent as much time at their cabin on Pleasant Lake and Round Lake as they could. 

Catherine was a woman strong in her faith and enjoyed teaching Sunday School at First Lutheran in Fergus Falls, where she became Sunday School Superintendent.

Many consider Catherine a trailblazer in many ways. She lived life to the fullest, loved being over the top, kept a positive mindset, and always had fun.

Catherine is survived by her children, Mark (Donna) Stortroen of Fergus Falls, Michael Stortroen of Sedro-Woolley, Washington; grandchildren Tara (Ryan) Pederson, Tynan (Katie) Stortroen, Natalie (Samm) Knutson; great-grandchildren Alaina and Alex Pederson, Elly, Maya and Oliver Stortroen, Silas and Dierks Knutson; and her step-siblings, Terry Jensen and Jill Jensen.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur; parents, Theodore and Alice; brother, Ted Nelson; and step-parents, Lawrence and Thelma.

Memorial Service will be Friday January 24, 2025, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home with a 1 hour visitation prior.