Grace Norgren of Annandale, formerly of New Hope, died Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at Annandale Care Center. She was 89. 
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 14, at Lake Union Church in rural South Haven, with Pastor Tyler Menssen officiating. Burial will follow at Lake Union Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at the church.
Grace Beverly Lekander was born Sept. 21, 1935, in Minneapolis to James and Elma (Luoma) Lekander. She lived in Minneapolis until the age of 12 when her family moved to the Kingston Area. She graduated from Kimball High School in 1953, and then attended the General Hospital Nursing Program in Minneapolis where she obtained her R.N. degree. On June 23, 1956, Grace married Lloyd Norgren at Kingston Apostolic Lutheran Church. Their live began together in Brooklyn Center before moving to New Hope to raise their family. Their retirement years brought them to Lake Carlos before moving to Annandale in 2014.
Grace cherished her profession as a nurse. Her journey began at HCMC before transitioning to the ER at North Memorial. Grace then worked at North Ridge Care Center in New Hope, where her gentle spirit provided care to many residents for over 27 years. Her dedication to her calling was evident in every interaction, as she approached her work with a sense of purpose and a heart full of kindness. Her retirement years found her at a variety of facilities near Alexandria, primarily assisting with state compliance inspections.
With a love for music, Grace found joy in singing, and playing the accordion and organ. She was a member of Lake Union Covenant Church and Plymouth Apostolic Lutheran Church, where her faith flourished alongside her cherished relationships. She was an active member of her faith communities, helping run Bible camps, serving as a deaconess, and being a part of prayer team, JOY club, and ladies’ circle.
Grace also had an unparalleled competitive spirit – whether in board and card games or other friendly contests, she rarely lost. Her laughter and determination brought everyone together, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.
Grace was devoted to her family. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren, instilling in them the values of love, faith, and resilience. Her adventurous spirit took her traveling across the country and around the world, creating beautiful memories with family and friends.
Grace was preceded in death by her parents James Lekander and Elma Davidson; stepfather Edsel Davidson; husband Lloyd Norgren; daughter Kimberly Besonen; great-grandchild Elizabeth Besonen; brothers Daniel and Glendale Lekander; and sisters Annabelle Huro, Donna Knickerbocker, Jeanette Lekander, Ruth Waataja, and Sandra Weers.
She is survived by her children Tod (and Julie) Norgren of Blaine, Lee Norgren of Coon Rapids, Bradley (and Jean) Norgren of Jacobson, and Jennifer (and Todd) Jackson of Detroit Lakes; son-in-law Darrell Besonen of Bruce Crossing, Michigan.; 13 grandchildren: Erika Besonen, Jarod (and Mary) Besonen, Tricia Besonen, Jesse (and Leah) Besonen, Ashley (and Ryan) Roschen, Amber (and Derek) Seifert, Jacob (and Danielle) Norgren, Amanda (and Samuel) Kilpela, Kelsey Norgren, Kayley (and Tanner) Vigesaa, Parker Jackson, Payton (and Ashley) Jackson and Cade Jackson; 20 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way; sister Jane Westrup of South Haven; brother-in-law George Weers of Marietta, Ga.; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.