Agnes Berge, 69, Minot, died Saturday, December 16, 2017, in a Minot care center.

Agnes Laurene Berge was born January 16, 1948, in Valley City, ND, the youngest child of Thomas and Eva (Petersen) Berge. She grew up in Dazey, ND and attended Barnes County North Central High School.

Agnes married David Salander December 18, 1965. This union was blessed with six children, Davene, Tim, Matt, Disa, Daniel and DeAnna. She was deeply devoted to her children and was their biggest advocate and cheerleader.

Agnes received her GED in 1980 and moved with her children to Grand Forks in 1989 after her divorce. She graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1992, earning a degree in social work and addiction counseling. She worked a variety of jobs in her chosen field that moved her throughout North Dakota and Minnesota, but no matter where she moved to provide for her family, she always made it 'home.'

She retired in 2015 due to her health but was always grateful for her time spent assisting people at the Burdick Job Corps and the Domestic Violence Shelter.

Agnes was a life-long Lutheran and attended Christ Lutheran Church in Minot. She never felt closer to God than when she was listening to gospel music by Elvis. Agnes loved her children and extended family outrageously and her biggest joy was family gatherings. No matter how many people showed up, everyone left fed and loved. Christmas Eve tacos were her specialty and she refused to let anyone else fry the shells. She ruled every kitchen (whether it was hers or not) with an iron fist and everyone preferred it that way. She had the best left-overs this side of heaven. Saran Wrap in the fridge was her calling card to let you know she had spent time at your house. Her legacy of love, grit, determination and generosity will be forever remembered by all who shared in her life.

Agnes is survived by her extremely good-looking and talented children, Tim (Marna) Salander, Spring, TX, Matt (Robin) Salander, Larimore, ND, Disa (Brian) Julius, Minot, ND, Daniel (Lacy) Salander, Lincoln, ND and DeAnna (Kelly) Lozensky, South Prairie, ND; grandchildren, Cali Owings, Reed and Seth Niewiadomski and Ian Row, Claire, Eva, Jack and Piper Salander, Gabe, Tucker and Bo Salander, Hailee Salander, Jaxon Salander and Paislee and Nash Lozensky; siblings, Betty (Curt) McCabe, Park Rapids, MN, Thomas (Linda) Berge and Marilyn (David) Isaacson, both of Fargo, ND along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Agnes was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Davene Row, grandson, Caleb Salander and niece, Sarah Puppe.

Celebration of Life Service: 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 22, 2017, at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Dazey Community Cemetery, Dazey, ND
Visitation: Thursday, December 21, 2017, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.