Orpha Marie Castle

Orpha Knudtson Skaflen Castle, age 93 of Minto, formerly of Grafton passed away Saturday, November 3, 2012 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton. Orpha Marie Knudtson was born November 14, 1918 in Preston, MN, the daughter of the late Theodore and Ragnhild (Mohn) Knudtson. She graduated from Grafton High School in 1936 and Aaker's Business College. After her education Orpha worked in Everett, WA for a few years. She then returned to Grafton where she worked in the Grafton Developmental Center office. She was united in marriage to Herman Skaflen on July 18, 1945 in Crookston, MN. The couple made their home in Grafton. Orpha became a stay-at-home mom, she later worked in the office of the Gamble's store, then returned to the Grafton Developmental Center. Orpha was united in marriage to Howard Castle on June 14, 1983 in Indianapolis, IN. The couple lived in Indianapolis until 1997, when they moved to Minto, ND. Howard passed away December 24, 2004. Orpha continued to make her home in Minto until the time of her death. She was a member of the Grafton Lutheran Church. Orpha is survived by her children: Rick (Betty) Skaflen, Wheatridge, CO; Rodney (Eileen) Skaflen, Fort Collins, CO; Gay (Ron) Riskey, Minto, ND; Dean (Peggy) Skaflen, West Fargo, ND; son-in-law Henry Hodny, Grafton, ND; step-children: David (Avanelle) Castle, Ashland, KY; John Castle, Indiana; Clara Jane (Tim) Wilson, Lexington, KY; Mike (Gilda) Campbell, Florida; Sarah (John) Kirby, Florida; 18 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren with one due in March. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was the last survivor of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her husband Howard, parents, brothers: Garfield and Reuben, daughter Ann Hodny and a great grandson. Memorial services will be Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at the Grafton Lutheran Church of Grafton. Friends may call at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the services. Inurnment will be at the Grafton Lutheran Cemetery.