Stella Huso grew up pretty much as any child on the prairies of North Dakota. But her life, which ended with her passing August 11 in Buffalo, was like few others.

Her longevity, her ability to navigate the hard days in life and look beyond them to periods of sunshine and happiness, were of her making and… her story as much as anything.

To be noted - Stella was recognized this past year as the oldest living Gold Star Mother in the nation. A Gold Star Mother is recognized as the mother of a son or daughter killed in action fighting for these United States of America. Her son, Wayde, was killed in Vietnam from a mortar shell just a month after he had landed in-country in August 1969.

Stella was asked about Wayde in a documentary film about her life in June, 2023. It was evident she had not talked about that painful period in her life. But she pressed on during the interview to explain that her son had just begun to serve in Vietnam before his life was quickly snuffed out. She, to this day, didn’t understand the reasoning behind the Vietnam War.

But, it was her challenge to turn the family tragedy into something positive - and that was to stay busy and serve her community. She had previously served Sunday school at Saron Lutheran while her children were small. She served local schools and was a convenor to local political caucuses in her then-hometown of Hanover.

And she found her best “home” of all - the American Legion Auxiliary, which she joined in Big Lake and Buffalo. She looked really sharp in her red, white, and blue. 

Recognition of her duration as a Gold Star Mother was being considered for national acclaim. 

Stella impressed her friends and supporters not because she enjoyed having a spotlight shone upon her; rather, for the good she did in serving the military families and other Mothers who, with their loss, had paid such a heavy price.

The recognitions did come, however. Stella was celebrated as Grand Marshal of the Big Lake Spud Fest parade a few years back. She was also with the auxiliary for recent celebrations. A wonderful day for her was Memorial Day weekend when, accompanied by her granddaughter, Caren, and her family from Las Vegas, she attended memorial ceremonies at the Big Lake Cemetary. A grandson, Wade Hopkins, has also been committed to her in her later years and was with her at her passing in Buffalo.

Constant companions during the past months have been Dick Hannay, Big Lake Legion commander, and his wife Linda. And Deb Johnson, a fellow auxiliary member. Also crossing paths with Stella several times over the years was Tony Price, the motorcycle-riding ambassador for the national Gold Star Mother Rider Foundation.

The Hannays regularly brought Stella strawberry ice cream, which she enjoyed. But one item was missing as Stella was checked into the Lake View Care Center. The establishment didn’t allow beer on premises, which caused considerable concern on Stella’s part.

Ultimately, the beer ban was lifted and Stella was able to enjoy a frosty one daily. In fact, the launched into a Coors Light, with a straw, the day before her passing.

When she was living in her apartment in the north end of Buffalo, Stella got out weekly for grocery and other shopping runs, accompanied most usually by Deb Johnson. She had lived independently at the apartment for many years.

“She did her own banking,” said Deb. “And she regularly won at bingo with her apartment friends so she took that money to pay for her laundry. Sundays, she clipped coupons. And Mondays, we had the Gopher 5. She won three out of four times.”

And the lady did her own cooking at her apartment. Healthy meals, one might expect - chicken and vegetables. And fish - at least once per week.

She had some advice for her doctor one visit, Deb recalled. “She’d refuse any medication the doctor prescribed, saying, ‘I hope you’re not prescribing these drugs. They’re not healthy!’ The doctor agreed with her.”

Looking good was always important to Stella. With Deb’s help, her hair was always adorable. The two of them regularly had curlers on each of their heads. In fact, Stella was wearing curlers at Lake Ridge the afternoon she passed.

Among Stella’s callers at the nursing home was Congressman Tom Emmer. Stella was happy to hear from him. She had a serious preference for Republicans.

She had difficulties in her life. In an extended conversation months back, Stella told of the physical abuse she had suffered from her husband, Ordin, in fits of rage. 

“He was a good provider,” she said. “But…”

She weathered each storm, however. She never considered leaving because she honored the bonds of matrimony. “Never,” she said.

Her choices in life were guided by her love of Christ and her family, by the people around her. She never wanted to be in the light: she wanted to be part of the light.

The Wake is on Thursday, August 29th from 5:00-8:00pm at Peterson’s Funeral Chapel, 119 Central Ave., Buffalo, Mn 

The Funeral will be held on Friday, August 30th. 11:00-12:00 viewings, 12:00-1:00p Ceremony, 1:00-2:30 luncheon, 2:30 Cemetery.

 
Reception following at The 3rd Rail in downtown Big Lake.

Pastor Mark Snyder of Bethany will officiate. Guest presenters will include Tony Price, the national Gold Star Mothers ambassador; Hannay, the legion commander; Deb Johnson, auxiliary member; and Todd Andsrson, Stella’s beloved Elvis impersonator.