Grace Burggraf, age 90, of Fosston, MN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1st with family by her side. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 11th, at Kingo Lutheran Church in Fosston with the Rev. Janelle Hennager officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Fosston. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Saturday, January 10th, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fosston. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Sunday at Kingo Lutheran Church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Grace Joy (Hendrickson) Burggraf, born March 31, 1935, in Mahnomen, Minnesota, passed away January 1, 2026 at the age of 90 years. She was the first of four children born to Edwin and May Hendrickson and spent her early childhood as an only child until, at age 11, she welcomed her brother Covey into the family.

Music was an early and defining part of Grace’s life. In high school she was recognized for her exceptional musical talents- singing in choir, playing piano, and mastering the clarinet. At one memorable school recital, she impressed the audience with her spirited performance of “Flight of the Bumblebee,” a piece that showcased both her skill and determination. At St. Olaf College, she continued to cultivate her musical gifts through voice lessons, chapel choir, and orchestra.

Education played an important and enduring role in Grace’s life. After two years at St. Olaf, she completed her degree in elementary education at the University of Minnesota, preparing for a lifelong commitment to nurturing young learners.

Grace married the love of her life, Herman Burggraf, on July 16, 1955, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Downey, California. To this union, six children were born, and together they built a home filled with faith, warmth, and boundless love.

In 1960, Herman and Grace returned to Minnesota. They lived in Dassel, Columbia Heights, and North Minneapolis before settling permanently in Fosston in 1970, where they purchased a local hardware store and became deeply rooted members of the community.

Grace began teaching in the Fosston Title I program in 1971, a position she held with dedication until her retirement in 1996. She had a gift for supporting children who needed extra encouragement and was beloved for her patience, compassion, and gentle spirit.

In retirement, Grace and Herman enjoyed 22 winters in Arizona, cherishing time in the sunshine and countless afternoons and evenings spent playing cards with family and friends. These years were filled with laughter, companionship, and the simple joys of shared traditions.

Grace was a woman of deep and abiding faith, and she was a member of both St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Kingo Lutheran Church, finding community and spiritual fulfillment in each.

Grace is survived by five children: Mark (Jill) Burggraf of Fosston, MN; Cynthia (Mark) Storhaug of Alexandria, MN; Carrie (Brian) Pulczinski of Hugo, MN; Camille (Marc) Resetar of Big Canoe, GA; and Steven (Amber) Burggraf of Grand Rapids, MN. Two daughters-in-law; Susan Arndt and Ivy Burggraf. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren-Sean (Crystal), Christina (James), Eric, David (Brook), Lindsey (Justin), Brianna (Oscar), Kala (Patrick), Brian (Beth), Brett, Grace, Sydney, Lacey, Jack, and Mari-and great-grandchildren Olivia, Claire, Camille, Callie, Grace, Eva, Cora, Myla, Raegan and Rori.

She is further survived by her siblings, Collin Hendrickson of Perley, ND, and Ann (Jeff) Radi of Grand Forks, ND and sister-in-law, Cheryl Hendrickson of Fosston, MN, along with cherished extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Grace was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herman; her son, Craig; her parents, Edwin and May Hendrickson; and her brother, Covey.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the memory of God, rest in peace. Amen