Minerva Schantzen

Minerva Schantzen, 102, of Warren, MN, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, May 29, 2026, at North Star Manor in Warren.

Minerva Borghild Saga was born on October 3, 1923, in Erskine, MN, the daughter of Torkel “Tom” and Julia (Tvedt) Saga. She was raised in Erskine, where she attended country school.

Minerva married Lester Schantzen on July 3, 1953, in East Grand Forks, MN. They made their home in Warren. Lester died unexpectedly on April 17, 1965. Throughout her life, Minerva worked several jobs, including cleaning houses, serving as a cook at Warren High School, working as a prep cook and pie maker at Grand Central Station, and as a cook and waitress for the Warren American Legion Friday night dinners. She continued working at the Legion well into her 80s.

One of Minerva’s favorite stories was finally getting her driver’s license when Bruce turned 16 and suggested they do it together. Even after retiring, Minerva remained active in her community, volunteering to drive senior citizens to appointments and helping prepare meals for the Warren Senior Meals program. In recognition of her dedication and service, she was named Warren Outstanding Senior Citizen in 2004.

She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and the Warren American Legion Auxiliary.

Minerva had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed tending to her flowers. Working and volunteering were important parts of her life, and she took great pride in helping others. Her greatest joy, however, was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Left to mourn her passing are her children, Bruce (Deb) Schantzen of Buffalo, MN, and Diane Hageman of East Grand Forks, MN; four grandchildren, Jeremy Hageman, Angie (Troy) Malo, Jill (Joe) Linegar, and Kyle (Heidi) Schantzen; ten great-grandchildren, Kara, Lucas, Alyssa, Emma, Caden, Colton, Crosby, Kaitlyn, Kaci, and Tyler; five step-grandchildren, Keith (Pam) Abrahamson, Todd (Beth) Abrahamson, Jodi Abrahamson (Bob Erickson), Kim (Jim) Neubauer, and Mindi (Rick) Acker; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Julia; her husband, Lester; her son, Ricky Schantzen; her stepchildren, Chris-Ann Abrahamson and Loren Schantzen; and her siblings, Ray, Meredith, Leland, and Shirley.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 11: 00 AM on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Warren, MN.

VISITATION: One hour before services at the church.

INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery, Warren, MN