Edna Christine Frostad (née Springan) died peacefully in her sleep on April 24, 2019 at Ruthaven Senior Care Home in Kent, WA at the age of 89.
Edna was born on September 26, 1929 in Stanley, North Dakota to Henry and Christine (Jensen) Springan. After graduating from Stanley High School in 1947, she went on to attend Concordia College for 2 years before earning her nursing degree from the Trinity School of Nursing, Minot in 1951.
Edna married fellow North Dakotan, Reuben Frostad on August 10, 1952 in Stanley, North Dakota and joined him in Washington State where he was working as a pharmacist and she as a nurse at a private practice in Puyallup. Together in 1953, they purchased Manson’s Rexall Drug Store and made their home in Auburn.
Edna was blessed with three sons and deeply loved her family. She is survived by sons; Tim (Melinda), Kent; Tom, Federal Way; David (Anna), Elma; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren across Washington State and Arizona, and a sister; Anna Marie (Bill) Whitmore, Stanley, ND. She is preceded in death by her husband, Reuben; granddaughter, Taylor Frostad; brothers, Rolf, Arnie and Paul Springan; and sister, Margaret Wienmann.
Edna shared Reuben’s love of UW Husky football and as a season ticket holder attended games for over 60 years. She was a passionate homemaker and maintained a home where friends and family (even Cougars) were always welcomed with love, laughter, a gourmet home-cooked meal, and occasionally a nip of good Scotch. She was an active member of the Auburn community and dedicated to social service. Edna was deeply involved in Messiah Lutheran Church, Children’s Hospital Guild, Sons of Norway and White River Valley Museum. Edna and Reuben, along with their dearest friends, Tucker and Fran Calkins also enjoyed an occasional night out of music and dancing with the 66 Club. Edna was a charter member of PEO Chapter GN and also spent many years as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society driving patients to their appointments.
A memorial service and reception will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 at Messiah Lutheran Church, Auburn, with Pastor Chuck Harris officiating. All are welcome to attend and join the family in celebrating Edna’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, 410 H Street NE, Auburn WA 98002 or Seattle Children’s Hospital Frank D. Merritt Guild at giveto.seattlechildrens.org. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Ruthaven for their extraordinary loving care of Edna and support of her family.
Go to www.bonneywatson.com to share memories of Edna and sign the online guest book.
