Artie Ommen

Artie Ommen, 90, died June 24, 2015, at Galeon Senior Care Center in Osakis. Artie was born June 2, 1925, in Chandler, Minnesota, to Dutch immigrants, Aart and Christina Vander Brink. Aart created the name and she was convinced she was his favorite child. She grew up financially poor, but spiritually rich. Her father led the family in daily readings from the Dutch Bible, prayers were offered before and after each meal. In her last days Artie would recite the Lord’s Prayer in the native tongue. Sundays were reserved as the Lord’s Day by attending two church services. Work was not allowed. She remained an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Alexandria. Artie’s father, passed away when she was 11. The Vander Brink children found it necessary to seek employment. They often worked for room and board and any cash wages were shared with their mother to help support the family. She met Willard Ommen on a blind date and they were married at Pfingsten Immanuel Lutheran Church , near Fulda, on October 17, 1943. They celebrated 70 years of marriage in 2013. Early on they farmed near Fulda. In 1952 they purchased the farm near Westport, Minnesota. Other ventures included a move to California where they both worked in factories, operating The Broaster Restaurant in Slayton Minnesota, and returns to their roots of farming. Later Artie worked as a cook and baker at the Hi HO and Hayloft restaurants in Sauk Centre. Upon retirement, they purchased a home in Alexandria. In 2007 they moved to Arabella Apartments and made a whole new family of friends. Artie loved to cook, bake, garden and clean and was proud of the volunteer work she did during her later years. She enjoyed watching the birds and crocheted many afghans for her daughters and grandchildren. She loved phone calls or visits, especially those from her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The weekly hand written letters from Hannah brought her special joy. Artie is survived by daughters, Judy and husband Alan Nelson of St Cloud and Cindy Hoium of Villard; five grandchildren, Bryan (Lori) Nelson, Charise (Brian) Schutz, Brett (Sam) Hoium, Derek Hoium and Kyle Hoium; five great grandchildren, Hannah, Ruthie , Jack, Spencer and Bailey; sister Gretchen Campbell and brother Stanley. Artie was preceded in death by her husband, Willard, son in law, Lonnie Hoium, parents, brother, Henry, sisters Jacoba Prinsen and Cornelia Woitaszewski, and half-brother, Heiman Vander Brink. Services were held on Saturday, June 27, at Zion Lutheran Church, Alexandria, MN. Interment at Lake Leven Cemetery, rural Villard. The family extends special thanks and appreciation to the staffs of the Douglas County Hospice and Galeon Senior Living Center in Osakis for their care and support.

Artie Ommen

June 2, 1925 - June 24, 2015