Florance "Flo" H. Worden

Florance Harold Worden, 89, of Chatfield died Tuesday, October 24 at Chosen Valley Care Center. He was born in Chatfield on September 13, 1934, to Elmer Stedman Worden and Marie (Lundt) Worden. He was one of four. And a half dozen kids as his father often joked.  Florance grew up living and working with many families. This is where he earned the nickname “Johnny.” Many childhood stories included going to a double feature on Saturday nights, buying popcorn, and finishing the night with a cherry sundae for less than 50 cents.

He graduated from Chatfield High School in 1953. He worked on area farm operations before and after school. After high school, he enlisted in the Army. He was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas for basic training and then in Germany until his discharge in 1957. Returning home, he married Sharon Sue Allen on September 25, 1959, in Chatfield. Together they danced, played cards, traveled, and made a home just east of Chatfield on the farm his father had owned.

Flo and Sharon loved to dance, and neighbors and friends were many. They spent their years together playing 500 with their card club that lasted at least 40 years. They raised a family of three boys: Timothy John, Thomas Lee, and Steven Brian. Flo milked cows until 2004 and was active in many community and farm organizations. He was always present in the church, donating butter annually to the Chatfield Lutheran Church to make the lutefisk dinner just a little better! His faith was strong, and worship was very important to him. Farming and his family were among his greatest accomplishments. His wave from the garage on Union Street and big grin will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sharon. Sons: Tim (Susie) of Hector; Tom (Melissa) of Rochester; and Steve (Wendy) of Chatfield; 6 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren with one on the way. Brothers: Robert (Glennys) Worden, and Duaine (Lynn) Worden. Sisters: Karen (Dennis) Helfrich, Carol (Pat) Engelhardt. Brothers in law Wayne Allen and Wally Young.  Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Norma (Bernie) Baker, Elmer Worden, Geraldine (Jim) Ferguson, Mary Ellen Allen, and Elizabeth Young.

A Celebration of Life will be Tuesday, October 31, at 11am at Chatfield Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held Monday, October 30, from 5-7pm and an hour before the service at the church. Burial with military honors will take place at MN State Veterans Cemetery in Preston.

Special thanks to the Seasons Hospice and Chosen Valley Care Center staff for their expertise and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Chatfield Lutheran Church.

Riley Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Chatfield is assisting the Worden family with arrangements.  Online condolence are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com