Martha Bruhn, 94, Minot, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026 in a Minot assisted living facility. She will forever be remembered for her smile and friendly, outgoing nature.

Martha Catinka Bruhn was born February 27, 1932, the youngest daughter of Paul and Ella (Julesberg) Erickson, near Tagus, ND. She was raised on the family farm and educated in Tagus, attending school through the tenth grade.

Martha was known for her work ethic, which she quickly proved by joining the workforce after completing school. She began her employment as a waitress in Minot at Beaver Palace and Oscar’s Drive Inn.

On May 18, 1953, Martha was united in marriage to Earl Bruhn in Palermo, ND. They lived in Wolf Point, MT for a short time before moving to rural Blaisdell, ND where Earl assisted his parents on the farm for two years. Their daughter, Ellen, was born in 1954.

In 1956, they moved to Minot where Martha was employed at Coney Island Café as a waitress. She was also a cashier for Super Valu and Red Owl, and later a receptionist at the Minot Indoor Tennis Club. Martha and Earl moved to Norwich in 1972 and built a home near Burlington in 1980. When Earl suffered a massive heart attack in 1983, Martha became his caregiver for many years, until she settled in Minot in 1994. Following Earl’s death in 1999, she continued to live in Minot.

With no intention of retirement in sight, Martha continued to stay busy, being employed with Fiancé, Minot City Laundry, Homesteader’s Restaurant, and B&D Market. Most recently, she adored her part-time gig at Marketplace Foods as a bagger, or as she would say, “the best bagger in town,” a position she proudly held until November 2025 (yes, you read that right!). Katie, Martha’s granddaughter, can attest to her being the best bagger in town, as she said Grandma was well known wherever they went and it was like being in the presence of a celebrity. People all over Minot knew Martha by name and she was well known for her warm, friendly smile and positive attitude.

Martha was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Minot, as well as the Moose Lodge, where she especially enjoyed attending dances and spending time with friends. She enjoyed listening to old country music, especially if it was live. She enjoyed attending the Norsk Hostfest and Frozen Fingers festivals whenever she could. Martha had a passion for baking, particularly making pies, lefse and rømmegrøt for those she loved. She also made the best homemade cream of tomato soup. Martha loved animals and found peace in watching nature outside her window while feeding the birds and squirrels that gathered nearby.

Known to many as quite the “pool shark,” Martha loved playing pool with family and friends, creating countless memories filled with laughter and friendly competition. Martha also enjoyed playing Rummy and teaching her grandchildren how to play at an early age. Many humorous stories can be told about playing a hand of Rummy with Martha!

Martha’s family would like to thank the staff at Trinity Hospital, Somerset, Cornerstone, Edgewood on 10th, and Caring Edge Hospice for caring for Martha during her final months. Your care and compassion did not go unnoticed and is very much appreciated by all of us.

Purple was Martha’s favorite color. It didn’t matter what shade of purple it was; she loved it. Family and friends are invited to wear purple, if they wish, to help celebrate Martha’s life.

Martha’s loving family includes her daughter Ellen (Robert Dolan) Johnson, Palermo, ND, grandchildren Katie (Chris Husted) Janz, Minot, ND, Maidie (Roger) Enget, Page, ND and Lowell Jr. (Vanessa) Johnson, Palermo, ND, great-grandchildren Aaron (Elizabeth), Levi, Chloe and Coy Enget, Cole and Austin Janz and their father Neil Janz, and Lowell Dean Johnson, great-great-granddaughters Raine Janz and Lucelia Enget and sister-in-law Darlene Bruhn along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, husband Earl, granddaughter Maret Hegney, great-grandsons Luke Enget and Wade Henry Johnson, son-in-law Lowell Johnson, companion Clayton Patterson, sisters Anna Tatch, Emma Jorgenson and Myrtle Kjallberg, brothers John and Alfred Erickson, half-sister Marie Aaker, and half-brother Edwin Erickson.

Celebration of Martha’s Life: 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, Minot. To view a livestream of the service access https://www.youtube.com/@ZionMinot/streams
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation: Tuesday, May 26th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred.