Audrey C. Dressen, 87, of Devils Lake, ND, formerly of Church Ferry, ND, died Sunday, March 2, 2014 at her daughter's home in Minneapolis under the care of Hospice. Memorial Services will be held at Peace Lutheran Church in Devils Lake on Saturday, May 24th, 2014,  11:00 AM with Pastor Lyle Belleque officiating.  Burial will be in the Churchs Ferry Cemetery.

Audrey Claire Knutson was born on the family farm near Churchs Ferry on 1 April 1926 to Emil and Laura (Ebel) Knutson.  Baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran and educated at Churchs Ferry Public School, she lived in the Churchs Ferry community until March 2000, when she and her husband James moved to Devils Lake.  She was very active in community affairs – a member of Zion Lutheran Church, ALCW/WELCA, Wildrose Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, and Senior Citizens. In each organization, she held many leadership positions, including 20 years as a Sunday school teacher or superintendent, officer of the Church Council, and 65 years as an officer of the Wildrose Chapter.  She was the bookkeeper for her husband's businesses Ferry Iron Works from 1942 to 1960 and City Barber Shop –in Leeds from 1960 to 1988.  She also served as Churchs Ferry City treasurer or auditor from 1967 to 1998.   In Ramsey County, she was a member of the County Social Services Council for 21 years, North Central Planning Council, and Retired Senior Volunteer Program from 1987 to 2013, including serving on the RSVP Executive Board since 1992.

When the rising waters of the Devils Lake Basin forced her and her husband to leave Churchs Ferry in 2000, they moved to Devils Lake, where she once again became an active community member.  She also began to work at Kelly's Apparel in 2001 through 2010.  When Zion Lutheran closed, she joined Peace Lutheran Church in Devils Lake.

Family, friends, and community were guiding stars in her life.  Over the years, she became known as a source of information about the history of Churchs Ferry and its past residents.  She was an avid cook and baker, keeping many of the old traditions and recipes.  She always maintained a warm, welcoming home for her family and those for whom she was an honorary mother as well as any visitor who may knock at the door.

She and her husband believed in being active in and contributing to the community of which their lives were a living testimony.  Optimism was every present in her life in both good times and hard times.  Her faith kept her strong, especially after the death of her beloved husband in 2011.

Audrey is survived by her two children, Judith (Ralph) Willenbring, Minneapolis; Robert, Washington DC; four grandchildren – Laura, William, Steven, and Ann and six great-grandchildren - Alicia, Wyatt, Eva, Sophia, Troy Jr. and Harris, all of Minneapolis; and her brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Adelle Knutson of Jamestown plus several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband James and brother William.





Condolences:

My sincere sympathy in your loss of Audrey. She was the grandest lady I have ever spent quality time with and Chuck and I (and our kids) truly loved her and Jim. I'm so happy I had those few hours with her and could express my love to her at such a trying time. She actually was a comfort to me! Take care of each other, Faye Dunnigan



I am so very sorry for your loss of Audrey. We were so privileged to have her and Jim in our lives, especially formative years. I loved them both very much and they will be in my heart forever. Jamie (Dunnigan) Christensen



Audrey was a beautiful person, inside and out. I always enjoyed your home as a girl and I enjoyed visiting with Audrey as an adult. May happy memories bring you peace. Carol Solberg Hart



My deepest sympathy to Audrey's family. I was her. South Dakota pen pal.  I learned to know her and your Dad through. Dave and. Tammy. She was a very gracious lady!!!  I consider it a privilege knowing her.    Jessie and. Steve. Haug