Sara Croonquist

Sara Louise Hagen Croonquist, of Dilworth, Minnesota, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 22, 2015, after a brave fight with cancer. She received additional comfort care from Hospice of the Red River Valley during her last two weeks and spent her final days surrounded by loved ones, family and friends at her side.

Born in Belview, Minnesota, on August 7, 1946, to Walter and Ruth Carlson Hagen, Sara graduated from Belview High School in 1964 and pursued nursing training at Ridgewater Community College in Willmar, and Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN.

She met her beloved in September of 1964 and married Ralph Croonquist on February 4, 1967. During these years, she enjoyed her work in pediatrics and in 1970, had her first son, Jason. In the following five years, Sara moved around central Minnesota due to Ralph’s railroad work while working in those communities as an LPN.

In 1976, Sara had her second son, Joshua and moved to Dilworth, MN into the house she called home until her passing. Sara worked in the Fargo/Moorhead area at multiple hospitals and clinics and volunteered at her church, Eventide, Meals on Wheels, Lady Lions, demonstrating her love for people and community.

Sara lived her life helping others. She loved her family and friends very deeply and sometimes took on too much forsaking her own wellbeing. She always was willing to listen and do what she could to help those around her. Whether it was family, a friend or a complete stranger, Sara was there to help. She kept her sister, Barb, close while struggling with her own cancer battle. Sara’s greatest joy was her grandchildren. Dylan, Amber and Lexi always brightened her day no matter the circumstances. She will be missed but we take comfort on knowing that she is in Heaven with her sister Barb and Jesus.

Sara is survived by her loving husband, Ralph; her wonderful sons and daughters-in-law, Jason and Paula Ayala Croonquist of Minneapolis, MN and Joshua and Trista Olson Croonquist of Dilworth, MN; her precious grandchildren, Dylan and Amber Croonquist and Lexi Badal; treasured siblings spouses, Ron Carol Oberlag Hagen of St. Charles, MO, Norma Steve Sultany of Escondido, CA, Aaron Kathy Saunoras Hagen of Homer Glen, IL, David Mary Meyer Hagen of Plymouth, MN, Donald Nancy Roxberg Hagen of Belview, MN, Glen Karsten of Worthington, MN, Beth Terry Ryan of Dallas, OR; along with numerous and cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Ruth Hagen and her precious sister, Barb Karsten who has been waiting with open arms, alongside Jesus.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 26, 2015, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Dilworth Lutheran Church in Dilworth, MN.

Sara’s life will be celebrated through a memorial service at Dilworth Lutheran Church on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark J. Asleson officiating followed by a luncheon. Interment: Riverside Cemetery in Glyndon, MN.