Florence Grabinger, 80, Minot, died Saturday, March 20, 2010, in a Minot hospital.

Florence was born August 1, 1929, in Andrews Township of McLean County, near Benedict, North Dakota, to Mike and Elsie (Sitch) Yesenko. She attended public school in Velva, ND, graduating with the class of 1947.

She was employed in various capacities before her marriage to Leonard Grabinger on December 31, 1956, in Raton, New Mexico. Together, they lived a construction worker's life, following his employment throughout the United States until landing in Minot in 1962.

Florence was a full time wife and mother to her family. In addition to her duties at home, she assisted her husband with the operation of his mobile home business and later a hardware store, where she was in charge of the housewares department until their retirement in 2000.

Florence was a long time member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot. She was an accomplished seamstress often making shirts for Leonard. She enjoyed gardening and was often found watching the birds that graced the feeders and baths in her yard. Florence will forever remain in our hearts and will be deeply missed by all who shared in her life.

Loving family includes: Husband of 53 years, Leonard, Minot, ND; Children: Jill (Jim) Neumann, South Haven, MN and Steven (Toni) Grabinger, Lake Park, MN; Grandchildren, Alexandra Neumann and Elise and Erin Grabinger; Brother, Fred (Karen) Yesenko, West Fargo, ND; Sisters, Lillian Yesenko and Ellen (Harland) Morrison, both of Minot, ND; Daughter-in-Law, MeLea Grabinger, Bismarck, ND and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, and son, John Grabinger.

Funeral service: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 25, 2010, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot, ND
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND
Visitation: Wednesday, March 24, 2010, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: Memorials are preferred to the Arthritis Foundation or to Home On The Range.