Dr. Andra Lynn Fjone, 72, died on September 21, 2025, in Owatonna, Minnesota. She was a dedicated nurse, educator, and advocate for pediatric health. Andra leaves behind a legacy marked by compassion, excellence in nursing education, and unwavering commitment to children's well-being.
Born on January 4, 1953, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Andra pursued a lifelong passion for healthcare and education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of North Dakota, continued her education with a Master's degree in Nursing from the University of Washington, and completed her academic journey with a Doctorate of Public Health from Loma Linda University.
Throughout her distinguished career, Andra served as both a practitioner and educator. She retired in 2019 from her role as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. In addition to teaching future nurse practitioners, she continued to provide care as a part-time pediatric nurse practitioner at NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center in Minneapolis until 2020. In these dual roles, Andra helped shape the next generation of nurse practitioners while continuing to serve children and families directly.
Andra's teaching career also included positions at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and St. Mary's Junior College in Minneapolis. Her superb ability as an educator was recognized with multiple honors including the University of Minnesota School of Nursing Excellence in Nursing Education Award (2018) and the Daisy Faculty Award (2013).
As a pediatric nurse practitioner, Andra served children and families in multiple states and settings. Her clinical work included positions at Children's Hospital and Clinics in Minneapolis; various clinics at University Medical Center in Las Vegas, including the Children's Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Maternal Child Clinic, Outpatient Pediatric Clinic and the Family Birth Center; and Everett Clinic in Everett, Washington. Her clinical expertise was recognized when she was named Pediatric Nurse Practitioner of the Year by the Minnesota chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) in 2008. She later served as President of Minnesota NAPNAP in 2015.
Before becoming a nurse practitioner, Andra worked as a registered nurse at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital in Mason City, Iowa, the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at University Hospitals in Minneapolis, Childhaven in Seattle, and Holden Village near Chelan Washington.
Andra is survived by her husband Rev. Thomas Stutelberg; sister Barbara (Douglas) Ruhter; stepchildren Karl (Andrea), Erin, and Jack (Raina) Stutelberg and five grandchildren-Matt, Micah, Melea, Holden, and Brayden Stutelberg; nieces Elizabeth (Bradley) Willett and Stefanie Ruhter; great-niece Joie Ruhter; and great-nephews Brody and Bryce Willett. She is also survived by her in-laws Mark and Deb Stutelberg and Pat and John Kittelson, and multiple godchildren.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents Duane and Helen Fjone, brother Timothy Fjone, and half-brother Todd Pandil.
Outside of her professional life, Andra found joy in books, movies, knitting, and golf. She created numerous blankets, scarves and shawls for family and friends as she knit her way through countless Turner Classic Movies, PBS series, and televised Minnesota Twins games (keeping Tom company). She also loved her basset hound Scooter, whom she adopted in Las Vegas, and Lucy, a miniature dachshund who brightened up their Robbinsdale home before Andra returned to Owatonna for the final year of her life.
Those who knew Andra will remember her caring nature, vibrant spirit, and infectious laugh. She was voted "best smile" in her Owatonna High School class. She delighted in engaging every infant and toddler she encountered. She also had an exceptional talent for maintaining friendships as shown by the friends from every phase of her life who supported her in the final steps of her journey.
May memories of Andra's warmth, vitality, and kindness bring comfort to those who knew her and inspiration to those who follow in her footsteps.
There will be a Celebration of Life on October 25, 2025, at East Union Lutheran Church, 15180 County Road 40, Carver, MN 55315. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, with a service at 11:00 AM, followed by a light lunch.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to organizations close to Andra's heart, including: Northpoint Health and Wellness Center (2220 Plymouth Avenue North Minneapolis, Mailstop HS1600, Minneapolis, MN 55411;
www.Northpointhealth.org) or Holden Village (HC 0 Box 2 Chelan, WA 98816;
www.holdenvillage.org)
The family thanks the Prairie Cottages, Owatonna, and Prairie Grace Hospice staff for their dedicated care of Andra in her final stage of life. Andra had high nursing standards, and the staff met them with compassion and professionalism.
Boldt Funeral Home
507-334-4481
boldtfuneralhome.com
Published by Sun Post from Sep. 26 to Oct. 10, 2025.