Anita Puppe, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Monday, May 16, 2016 at Greenleaf Assisted Living in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 10:30 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Ale Tulu Officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at Dodge Cemetery at Pinewood, MN.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 23, 2016 from 5 – 8 PM with a 7:00 prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls and also one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Anita Marsha Puppe was born July 10, 1944 in Bemidji, MN the daughter of David and Hazel (Schneeman) Youngblood. She was raised in Pinewood, MN where she attended grade school and spent many summers with her grandparents working on their farm.  Anita relished these times and often referenced loving memories of them with her friends and family.  Her love of sheep, an idiosyncrasy arising during this special time, carried the memory of her beloved grandparents well throughout her life, even up until the time of her passing.

The family moved to Thief River Falls in 1955 where she attended Lincoln High School, and in 1958 Anita was confirmed in the Lutheran Faith at Zion Lutheran Church.

On September 20th 1959, Anita was united in marriage to Paul Puppe in Thief River Falls, MN. To this union, three daughters were born: Deb, Brenda and Melissa. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls where Anita worked at Arctic Cat, Digi Key, Bostwicks and K-Mart.

In 1980 she was united in marriage to Dwight Ortloff. The couple lived in various places throughout the west. In 1988 she moved to Fargo where she worked for Thompson Brothers Trucking.

During her time in Fargo, Anita was a staple in her growing family's life.  She actively sought out ways to entertain her beloved grandchildren and regularly traveled across the region to visit and support them for hockey, basketball, and other various activities. To this day, her grandchildren remember her as the "cool grandma": smoking cigarettes and, speeding down the interstate.

Due to health issues, Anita moved to Thief River Falls 2 weeks ago to be near family where she passed away at Greenleaf Assisted Living.

Anita enjoyed crossword puzzles, walking her dog, shopping, cleaning and baking for her grandchildren. Her grandchildren were very special and dear to her heart. Anita loved and cherished the time spent with her family.

Anita is survived by her daughters Deb Altepeter (Marv Hermreck) of Thief River Falls, MN, Brenda (Sean) Daly of Baker, MN and Melissa Swanson of Thief River Falls, MN; grandchildren Erika (Bryce) Peterson of West Fargo, ND, Jared Altepeter of Moorhead, MN, Kieran (Kelsey) Daly of West Fargo, ND, Brendan Daly of Moorhead, MN and Casey Swanson of Fargo, ND; great-grandchildren Brylie Peterson and Grayden Peterson; siblings Judy Miller of Burnesville, MN and Sharon Selzler of Cloquet, MN along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Father of her children Paul Puppe of Thief River Falls, MN; her 4 legged friend Pepper.

She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, son-in-law Timothy Altepeter, and niece Cindy Miller.