Audrey Marie Hjelle

Audrey Marie Hjelle, 81, of Barrett, Minnesota passed away Thursday, June 13, 2024 at her residence under the care of Knute Nelson Hospice. Her Memorial Service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday, June 24, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church in Barrett, MN. There will be a visitation one hour prior. Pastor Mark Matthews will officiate the service.

Audrey Marie Haseman was born on November 4, 1942, in Fulda, Minnesota, to Henry and Marie (Boehnke) Haseman. She graduated from Hoffman High School, in Hoffman, MN. After high school, she worked a Chik Wauk Lodge at the end of the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marias, MN, Mattson’s Grocery Store in Hoffman, MN, and Lake Calhoun Import and Export Grocery Store.

On September 29, 1963, Audrey was united in marriage to Thomas Hjelle. After they were first married, Audrey farmed full time with her husband, while also working at the Barrett Care Center. After Glenn and Lori were born, she took time off to raise her children, then back to farming full time with Tom. 

Audrey left her mark with her community involvement. She was awarded the Grant County Conservation Farmer of the Year, served as the Lutheran Brotherhood Branch president, and was involved in Grant County 4H, American Cancer Society of Grant County, the Barrett Parent Teacher Student Organization, and the KFGO Farm Radio Advisory Board. In 1996, she was elected to the Runestone Electric Association Board, being the first woman to serve on the board. She would later serve as president, vice president, and secretary. Audrey also served as the first woman officer on the Great River Energy Board. Audrey’s hobbies included volunteering for the Lake Region Pioneer Thresherman’s Association, Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion, Barrett Senior Citizens, and at Peace Lutheran Church where she was a long-standing member. She was also known for her delicious rosettes at Christmastime, and her canned pickles.

Audrey is survived by her children, Glenn (Paula) Hjelle and Lori Sommers; grandchildren, Lizzie Hjelle (Tom Garavan), Heather Hjelle (Zach Conover); brother, Leo (Carole) Haseman; sister-in-law, Shirley Haseman; and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Marie; husband, Tom; brother, Donald Haseman; and son-in-law, Dave Sommers.