Trula A. Teiken

Trula Ann (Caye) Teiken was born June 27, 1933, to Forrest and Mae (Lambert) Caye at her home in Callaway Township of Becker County.   She passed peacefully in the presence of her daughter on November 29, 2023, at Golden Manor – Memory Care in Detroit Lakes, MN. 

As a child, Trula was raised and attended country school on County Road 109 up until the 8^th grade.  She attended Waubun High School graduating with the class of 1951.  While attending school, Trula fell in love with Henry “Hank” Teiken Jr., who also grew up on County Road 109.   On September 15, 1951, Trula and Hank were united in marriage at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in White Earth.  They made their home right next door to where Trula was raised.  Their union was blessed with love and devotion.  They worked side by side as they farmed the land, raising a variety of farm animals and also grew a garden each year. They were true keepers of the land.  They loved the farm, wildlife, playing cards and raising their family.  

In 1952, Trula and Hank welcomed their first son, Daniel “Dan”, and another son in 1954, James “Jim”.   In 1961, they welcomed a daughter, Patricia “Patsy.”  When Patsy was three years old, Trula started working full time in the Becker County Assessors Office as the head Office Manager.  She held this position for 25 years.  Trula began working as a Certified Assessor and continued in this capacity for 48 years.  She was proud of the fact she was the first assessor to be elected by popular vote.   During her time as an assessor, Trula worked closely with the townships of White Earth, Spring Creek, Riceville, as well as the cities of Ogema, White Earth and Callaway.

Trula took great pride in serving and helping her communities.  After 48 years, she retired in 1991 from the Becker County Assessors Office.  After a few years of retirement, Trula went back to work, working part time as a bailiff for 15 years in Becker County.   

Trula was a lifelong member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church and the church lady’s sodality.  Her devotion to prayer, her rosary and spirituality was perpetual.  She was a proud member of the White Earth Nation.

Trula loved music of all genres.  Fond memories of her dancing with her children in her living room gave them an appreciation for music as well.  She instilled in her children a hard work ethic and values of love, faith, respect, and wisdom.  She nourished her family and her community with many loaves of freshly baked bread.  She was a wonderful cook, baker, and quilter. Her dishes were always a treat during the holidays and her quilts were always a welcomed gift.  She cherished her role as grandmother and loved spending time with each one of her grandchildren.   Trula enjoyed playing bingo, the occasional trip to the casino with her husband and friends. 

Thank you for your footprint in all of our hearts.

Trula is survived by her son, Dan Teiken; daughter, Pat (Russ) Hanson; grandchildren, JoJo, Nathan, MaeAnn, Daniel Jr. (Emily), Bobbi, Jesse, Jody (Patrick), and Jedidiah (Kayla); 19 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hank; son, James; grandsons, Shawn Teiken and Ronnie Henderson; brothers, Eugene “Gene” Caye and Lambert Caye; daughter-in-law, Carol Henderson sisters-in-law, Lorraine Caye and Betty Caye.

Visitation for Trula will be Sunday, December 10, 2023, starting at 10AM in Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service in Moorhead, MN.  A Rosary Service will be at 11AM followed by a Prayer Service at 11:30AM.  A lunch will be held after the Prayer Service on Sunday.  Visitation will also continue Monday, December 11, 2023, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in White Earth beginning at 10AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 12PM.  Trula will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, White Earth.