Obituary of Audrey Chalstrom

Audrey Mercedes (Anderson) Chalstrom died peacefully on a beautiful sunny day, Sunday September 7, 2014 at GracePointe Crossing Gables East at the age of 88. Audrey was born August 22, 1926 to Julius and Tillie (Pitschka) Anderson at St. Cloud Hospital and was baptized at Glendorado Lutheran Church where she was later confirmed. She grew up on the Anderson family farm along with her 2 sisters. She learned how to play the piano with the ability to play 'by ear' along with many wonderful memories. After attending country school, she moved on to Princeton High School where she met Jim Chalstrom. In their senior year, they were voted class couple. After graduation, she worked at Char-gale in St. Cloud and then the Grain Exchange in Minneapolis. Jim returned from the Navy Seabees and they were married June 19, 1947. They settled in Dalbo and their son Richard was born and in 1954, after moving to Cambridge, a second son, Scott was born. Their third child, a daughter, Nancy was born in 1960. She started working part-time as a school cook in 1964 at the Cambridge Elementary and then began full-time soon after, and retiring as head cook at Cambridge High School in 1991. During these years, she and co-workers enjoyed attending food service conventions across the country. She truly loved cooking and baking and for a few years she did catering for weddings and special occasions. She enjoyed traveling, swimming, playing bridge, playing piano and organ, spending time with friends and family, volunteering and teaching Sunday School. She was a 61 year American Legion Auxillary member and served 1 year as president. Audrey and Jim were long-time faithful members of Cambridge Lutheran Church. Audrey was a wonderful mom, grandma and great-grandma and you would never leave their house hungry. Audrey and Jim had a special love for each other like no other. Jim would make sure to take a 'back road' home from somewhere so she could see some deer, geese and other wildlife. For flowers, he would bring her pussy willows in the spring and cattails in the fall. Our family was so blessed with these two. She had a strong Christian faith and taught us to always have a positive outlook. Due to failing health, she moved to Grace Point East in the spring of 2009. She is survived by her son Scott of Cambridge, Nancy (Mike Tharp) of Ogilvie ; 3 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren ; sisters Shirley Wadsworth of St. Paul, Donna(Darold) Steffen of Princeton, nieces and nephews, family and friends. Audrey was preceded in death by her husband James, son Richard, grandson Bryan Chalstrom, her parents Julius and Tillie and brother-in-law Henry Wadsworth. We would like to also thank anyone who works or worked at GracePointe East Avalon Gardens, dining room,activities,volunteers and other families we've met in Mom's 5+ years there - you know who you are and you are all so special.