Linda Francine Graalum

Linda Francine Graalum passed away on August 2, 2017 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND surrounded by family.

Linda was born February 10, 1946 in Hawley, MN to George and Edna Daschner . She grew up on a farm outside of Grandin, ND then moved into town in 1958. She married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Graalum on September 16, 1963. They remained in Grandin for a few more years. They moved to Fargo, ND where she worked at Meritcare Health Services in human resources for 32 years until her retirement in 2004. She and Robert were married for 49 years until his death on February 21, 2013.

She and Bob spent many years loving the outdoors camping, hunting, fishing and outdoor activities with their children Todd and Lisa. Summers were filled with fast pitch diamonds; watching Bob play and eventually watching the kids carry on the tradition of playing and Bob assuming the role of coach with Linda as the trusty book keeper. She had a love for reading, cooking, getting together with friends to play cards and socializing with her many friends in so many different ways. Linda was loved by many and was a warm and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She loved having her family around more than ever and hosting family events. She was the rock of support to her family and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Many days and nights throughout her active life were spent at the athletic fields and ice rinks cheering on her children Todd and Lisa in Spartan football, hockey, softball, baseball and cheerleading. She also spent much of her time cheering for all of her grandchildren involved in Fargo North Spartans sports including hockey, volleyball, basketball, baseball, dance, football, fast pitch softball and soccer. From streaming games from Iowa State hockey watching her grandson Jackson, soccer games watching Kendall, wrapped up in a blanket at the Coliseum watching Michael and Ben, at the football field watching Sean, fast pitch fields with Ashley or dance competitions with Danielle, Linda could always be found supporting her grandkids in all their activities. She took great pride in her family and loved to visit with all of the north side parents and families. Her north side pride shown bright as a true Spartan fan.

She spent the last ten years of her husband Bob’s retirement traveling all around the country including their favorite location, Lake Havasu, AZ. She spent many days helping with her great grandson Easton after Bob’s death. Easton and “GG” spent the days watching shows, running around town, and watching all the wildlife visiting her north Fargo home including turkeys, deer and many squirrels and chipmunks who came in for their daily seeds. She was able to meet her new grandson Treyton and hold him three days before passing on.

Linda is survived by her two children: Todd (Cristy) Graalum, Fargo, ND and Lisa (Joel) Swanson, Fargo, ND; 7 grandchildren: Jackson and Michael Graalum; Danielle, Ashley and Benjamin Mjoness; and Sean and Kendall Swanson all of Fargo, ND; and two great grandchildren, Easton Hoffman and Treyton Foerster also of Fargo, ND.

She is preceded in death by her husband Robert Graalum and her parents, George and Edna Daschner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sanford Children’s Hospital.