Theresa Vatthauer, 91, passed away on April 16, 2024 at her daughter’s home in Maple Grove, MN surrounded by her loving family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 4:00 PM on April 23, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Bob Schreiner Officiating and John Bruggeman Deacon. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Red Lake Falls, MN.
Theresa Elizabeth Efta was born on July 5, 1932 to Victoria and Joseph in Carlyle, MT. She lived there until she was 4 years old. The Efta’s then moved to Greenbush, MN where Theresa lived the remainder of her childhood, graduating from Greenbush high school and going on to pursue her teaching degree at Moorhead State University. Theresa taught 1st grade for 6 years before moving to California where she taught 3rd grade at La Puente. While in California, Theresa enjoyed dancing to Lawrence Welk’s music at the Lawrence Welk Ballroom. Theresa ultimately moved back to Thief River Falls, MN where she taught 3rd grade for 4 years, ending her teaching career in May, 1966.
Theresa married Ernest Vatthauer on December 27th, 1965. She loved playing games, especially card games, participating in two whist clubs, game club, was an original member of her bridge group which met for 55+ years and a homemakers group. Outside of these groups, you could find Theresa tending to her beautiful and expansive flower and vegetable gardens, sewing or baking the best treats. She was known to feed the farmers with delicious meals and baked goods. Theresa also told great stories, captivating her audience, and leaving everyone laughing by the end.
Theresa was a woman of strong faith, and was a brilliant light of Jesus’ love and kindness to all she encountered. She cherished her family and is preceded in death by her husband, Ernie, her parents and her siblings. Theresa is survived by her three children, James Vatthauer, Joan (Brian) Nelson, Kimberly (Jeremy Brown) Vatthauer, her granddaughter Allison (Sam) Santos, her great-granddaughter Sylvia Santos, and many nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be sent at johnsonfuneralservice.com
# Theresa Vatthauer, #