Florence Marie (Kezar) Kargel

Florence Kargel, 85, of Hackensack, Minn., died Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Essentia Health Hospice in Fargo, N.D. She was born in August 1940 to Clarence and Inga Kezar in Spring Valley Township, Minn. She lived most of her adult life in Hackensack with her husband, Eugene, six children and three stepchildren.

Florence was a beloved and active member at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Hackensack, and donated much of her time to the community by volunteering at Share and Care and at the weekly Hackensack Food Shelf. Previously she enjoyed greeting locals when she cleaned at the Hackensack Post Office. She also loved "coffee time" when cleaning cabins on summer Saturdays at Sunset Bay Camp on Baby Lake.

She was well-known and loved for her hospitality and giving nature. She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends.

A private committal of ashes will be held for family at the Columbarium at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Hackensack, at a later date.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Inga Kezar, husband Eugene Kargel; sister Vivian Hallin; brothers Curtis, Harlan and Kevin Kezar, and stepdaughter Susan Niesen.

She is survived by her immediate family and a growing extended family: brothers and sisters Donald Kezar, Richard (Vivian) Kezar, Irving (Peggy) Kezar, Albert Kezar, Kathryn Kezar, and Leann Ryan; children Donovan (Trena) Kargel, Curtis (Gloria) Laymon, Paul (Lisa Smarr) Laymon; Lorie (Ernest) Martin, Ricky Kargel, David (Verlee) Kargel; and stepchildren Debra (Mick) Jackson and Russell (Raven) Kargel. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren and step-grandchildren; 20 great-grand and step-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Florence leaves a remarkable legacy through her kindness, generosity and tough as nails character. There will never be another one like her.

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