Christine Veselka, 83, died on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, MN. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, March 19, 2012 at First Lutheran Church, Middle River, MN, with Rev. Curtis Matz officiating. Burial will follow at Huntly Cemetery, rural Middle River, MN. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2012, from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM with a 5:00 PM Prayer Service at First Lutheran Church, Middle River. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral on Monday at the church. Christine Jennie (Rud) Veselka was born in Huntly Township, Marshall County on March 28, 1928, the daughter of Carl Sr. and Clara (Hoff) Rud. She was baptized at the Trinity Lutheran Congregation of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America, located in East Park Township, Marshall County, MN on July 6, 1928. On December 23, 1941, Christine was confirmed at the same church as her baptism. She attended country school by her home, often skiing to get there in the winter. Following school, Christine worked on the family farm. On June 10, 1952, Christine was united in marriage to Donald Veselka in Middle River, MN. Together they made their home there at the Hoff farm and started their family. After marriage she worked for the boarding home in Middle River. In 1957 they moved in to Middle River. For several years Christine worked in the potato fields. She was employed in various positions at Arctic Cat for many years. Christine was affectionately known as "Grandma" to many of the children in Middle River area. She babysat for many of them and they loved to come by her house for a Popsicle or a cookie. Her favorite pastimes included embroidery, crocheting, watching races on television, baking, cooking, and working with her flowers. If there was an occasion, Christine was there taking pictures. She treasured the memories each picture brought to her throughout the years. Christine will be remembered as a strong, kind and loving mother and grandmother. For the last 16 years she resided at the Royal Manor in Middle River. She was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church, with a strong faith in God. Christine enjoyed collecting angels and now she will get to meet them. Christine is survived by her children, Elaine (Loren) Stromlund of Isanti, MN, Danny (Joni) Veselka of Middle River, MN, Debbie (Larry Eurek) Hemp of Thief River Falls, MN, David Veselka of Middle River, MN, Diane (Art) Moen of Middle River, MN, and Darlene (Dean Sletten) Veselka of Middle River, MN; grandchildren, Tammy Risberg, Brian Risberg, Christy Risberg, Bruce Risberg, Kurt Stromlund, Kevin Stromlund, Sadie Vaselka, Brady Veselka, Davin Veselka, Donavin Hemp, Trevor Veselka, Jake Moen, and Josh Veselka; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 Great great-grandchildren; special children that referred to her as ma, Dale Olson, Lanae Cater, and LeAnn Gust; sister and brothers, Clarice Rasmussen of Middle River, MN, Carl Rud Jr. of Grand Forks, ND, Ernie (Joyce) Rud of Grand Forks, ND, Kenneth (Beanie) Rud of Arizona; many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Preceding her in death are her parents; brothers and sisters, Jennie Rud, Arthur Rud, LeRoy Rud, Clarinda Cormier, and Carol Wikstrom.