Priscilla (Sorknes) Grefsrud

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Grefsrud, Priscilla Sorknes Died peacefully at home on December 31, 2014 in Sedona, Arizona at the age of 82. Priscilla is survived by children, Mark "Nate" Nathaniel Grefsrud (Sue Fisher), Pauline Gustafson (Terry Frovik); grandchildren, Amanda Gustafson Schepler (Rich), Erik Gustafson (Taylee Morris), Sara Massmann (Johann); sister, Verla Dobervich; 2 great-grandchildren and many in-laws, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Hilda (Sorkness) Johnson (Moorhead); husband, Earl Grefsrud (Minneapolis); daughter, Lorinda Grefsrud (Las Vegas); son-in-law, Rollyn Gustafson (Minneapolis); son-in-law, Larry Maxwell (Las Vegas). Priscilla was born on May 16, 1932 in Moorhead, Minnesota to Alfred and Hilda (Sorkness) Johnson. She graduated from Concordia College in 1952 with degrees in Music, English and German. She married Earl Grefsrud, whom she met through church youth activities (then known as Luther League) in 1951. Priscilla added some business school training to support the two of them while Earl was completing his seminary training. They were blessed with three children and all benefited from having "Mrs. Grefsrud" as a teacher during their school years. The grandchildren also learned early on that it was expected that you could not mis-use English until you knew proper English. Priscilla often shared her gift of music and singing was very much a part of family life. Priscilla was passionate about her field of work from her days as a pastor's wife, to teaching piano lessons, to teaching in elementary through college (Music, English and/or German) to her days at a publishing house and then she found her true passion in genealogy. Priscilla was active in the reactivation of the Solorlag and Romerikslaget and served as genealogist in both organizations. Priscilla had a love of learning all her life as she was fluent in German, Norwegian and Swedish and could read three other languages. Priscilla loved to travel and spent as much time as she could manage in Norway, many times to facilitate opportunities to research genealogy. She led many tours to Norway for others, often incorporating research and sites specific to the attendees. She joined the Swedish American Genealogical group and taught classes during their sessions in Salt Lake City. She also was very skilled with needle arts making many Norwegian sweaters, countless cross-stitch items, needle-pointing pieces, Hardanger doilies and afghans through the years. Priscilla was active in the Church of the Red Rock in Sedona, serving as a lector and singing in the choir. Funeral service will be held Monday, January 12, at 11:00 AM, at Mindekirken, Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church, 924 E. 21st St., Minneapolis, MN 55404, with a reception to follow. Visitation one hour prior to the service at church. The Reverend Kristin Sundt will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Priscilla's life. Interment Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Moorhead, MN on Tuesday, January 13, at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Mindekirken. Priscilla's birth family wants to let her chosen Arizona family know how much she loved you and how thankful we are that you took such great care of her. Bradshaw 3131 Minnehaha Avenue South 612-724-3621

Published on January 11, 2015