Ruth Nadine Idstrom

Ruth N. Idstrom, age 86, of Moorhead, died on September 7, 2025. She was born on November 17, 1937, in Ada, MN, the daughter of Herb and Emma Mickelson. Following her graduation from Crookston High School in 1955 she attended Concordia College, Moorhead. Ruth married Paul Idstrom on July 2, 1961, in Crookston, MN.

Ruth worked as a parish secretary at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead and St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN. She also worked in multiple roles within the Robbinsdale School District, and in the office at Green Lake Bible Camp.

Ruth loved the church and the ministry that Paul and her shared at multiple Lutheran churches that they served from 1961-1999. Her involvement included directing children’s choirs, teaching Sunday School, quilting for Lutheran World Relief, Bible studies and hospitality committees. She supported the communities where she lived through neighborhood action teams and advocated for the hungry through her tireless organizational efforts with Church World Service. Through her devotion to service and justice, Ruth revealed her kind and selfless spirit.

Ruth had a contagious laugh, winsome smile, and welcoming spirit. The table at the Idstrom house was always set for company. A house full of family and friends enjoying good food and fellowship would make her day. She loved her kitchen. Strawberry jam, rye bread, hot dishes, and cookies were her specialties. The grandkids remember that she always took time to sit and listen to learn about all of their latest interests and activities, and she always had time to play games, put together puzzles and laugh and play in the yard.

Ruth loved the word “grateful,” and we, in turn, are grateful for the blessing of her life.

She is survived by her husband, Paul Idstrom, Moorhead; children, Richard (Ali) Idstrom, Tasmania, Australia, Tom (Donna) Idstrom, Minneapolis, MN, and Deborah (Matthew) Hallquist, Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Elliott and Theo Idstrom, Mark and Paul Idstrom, Megan (Joseph Weist) and Michael Hallquist; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Myron, Roger and Howard; sisters, Charlotte Ryding and Beth Traxler; and nephews, Harlan Mickelson, Terry Ryding and Eric Lund.

Memorial services will be held on September 24th at 1:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead. Visitation will begin at 11:30 prior to the service. A livestream of the service will be available here on Ruth’s webpage. Interment will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery in Northfield, MN at a later date.

Memorials are preferred to either Green Lake Ministries in Spicer, CROP Hunger Walks through Church World Services, or Alzheimer's Association.

“We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence.” II Corinthians 4:14