Ethel Safranski, age 90, of Argyle, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, January 11, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, North Dakota, surrounded by the love of her family.
Ethel Louella Safranski,with her twin sister, Eva, was born on June 23, 1935, in Crookston, Minnesota, to Henry and Albina (Holy) Kliner. She was raised in Euclid, Minnesota, where she attended country school and later Warren High School. On October 15, 1952, Ethel was united in marriage to Theodore Safranski at St. Mary Catholic Church in Euclid. Together they made their home in Argyle, where they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Ethel worked side by side with her family on the farm while raising their five children. Whether in the fields or her kitchen, Ethel poured her heart into everything she did. She was a proud member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
Ethel found joy in the simple pleasures of life—sewing, canning, fishing, and spending time at the family hunting land. She was especially known for her baking, with her brownies being a favorite treat shared with family and friends. Above all, Ethel treasured time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Ethel will be deeply missed by her husband of over 73 years, Theodore Safranski; sons; Lynn (Shelly) Safranski of Argyle, MN, Ed (Susan) Safranski of West Fargo, ND, and Ken (Carolyn) Safranski of Argyle, MN; daughters, Shirley (Robert) Olson of Warren, MN, and Bonnie (Brian) Riopelle of Mandan, ND; nineteen grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant grandson, Bradley; an infant great-granddaughter, Destiny; and her siblings and their spouses: Henrietta and Elmer Filipi, Adeline and Howard Filipi, Charlotte and Bill Severson, Harvey and Dorothy Kliner, Agnes and Johnny Eidelbes, Gladyce and Francis Stroot, and Eva and Al Boman.
Ethel’s legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 2:00 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Argyle, MN.
VISITATION: One hour before services at the church on Friday.
INTERMENT: St. Rose Catholic Cemetery, Argyle, MN
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS: Memorials preferred to Argyle HOPE or North Valley Health Center
ONLINE REGISTER BOOK: www.duborefuneralhome.com
Arrangements with DuBore Funeral Home of Warren, MN.
