Florence Trudell

Florence Rose (Pratt) Trudell, born November 23, 1931, to Michael and Anna Muller in Minnesota, Minnesota. Florence was the youngest of 4 daughters. She grew up on a farm near Graceville, Minnesota, where she attended and graduated high school. Florence then moved to Fargo, North Dakota, and attended New York Hairdressing Academy, obtaining her license of Cosmetology. After completing her studies in Cosmetology, Florence moved to Wahpeton, North Dakota, and worked for Minette’s Beauty Salon. Florence then met the love of her life, Warren Pratt, and they married in 1957, raising three children; Joann, Jerome, and David. Warren then attended Moler Barber College, and together they successfully owned and operated Esquire Barbershop and Florence’s Beauty Haven. Florence was a talented hairdresser for over 50 years and truly loved her career.

Florence also had a great passion for art, and became a prolific painter, dedicating hours of her time to advance her painting skills. Many of her paintings now hang in homes across the US and several Foreign Countries. Florence also had a passion for birds, having many different kinds of birds throughout the years as her beloved companions. She studied about birds and was an avid bird watcher, also having many birdhouses and birdfeeders in her yard. Although birds were a big interest, Florence did have a love for all animals and often painted a variety of animals, including wildlife.

After Warren’s death in 1996, Florence later met and married Eli Trudell in 1998. Florence and Eli loved to work in his shop in Mooreton, ND. Eli passed away in November of 1999.  After the heartache and loss of both of her husbands, she found refuge in her painting and spent most of her time creating artwork, producing hundreds of pieces, to sell in two art galleries in the state; the Kirkpatrick Gallery in Jamestown, North Dakota and the Red Door Gallery, in Wahpeton, North Dakota. When Florence wasn’t painting, she enjoyed spending her time with family, taking a drive around town, and catching up with people on the telephone.

Florence had a very “one of a kind” personality. She memorized quotable quotes and loved clipping funny cartoons from the newspaper. She always had a quote for every conversation and loved to tell jokes that she heard on the radio or read somewhere. Florence loved laughing and when talking about the past, she always seemed to remember the most hilarious moments.  Florence enjoyed talking about politics and always stayed up-to-date on the news. She rarely felt bored.

Florence is survived by her three children; Joann (Darcy)Herman, Jamestown, ND, Jerome (Jennifer)Pratt, Round Rock, Texas, and David (Patty)Pratt, Liberty Hill, Texas; Six grandchildren; Jodi Hammeren, Joel (Jill) Herman; Jessica (Son) Hoang, Becky Pratt, Blake Pratt and Katie Pratt; five great-grandchildren; Braydon Hammeren, Jase Herman, Jocelyn Herman, Julia Herman, and Parker Hoang; as well as nieces and nephews.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Anna Muller, Graceville, Minnesota; three sisters; Margaret Dietz, Graceville, Minnesota, Mary Dietz, Graceville, Minnesota, and Mildred Vathroder, Fruitland Park, Florida; Husband of 39 years, Warren Pratt, Wahpeton, North Dakota; Husband of 1½ years, Eli Trudell, Mooreton, North Dakota; infant grandson Eric Herman, Jamestown, North Dakota, and Justin Hammeren, Bismarck, North Dakota, deceased husband of granddaughter Jodi Hammeren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Mooreton, North Dakota, on Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 at 1:00 PM  and 11:00 – 1:00 PM visitation, with Fr. Kurtis Gunwall officiating.  Interment following the services at Calvary Cemetery in

Wahpeton, ND.