Viola Marion Cofer

Viola Cofer, age 97, of Moorhead, MN, formerly of Dilworth, MN, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at Eventide on Eighth in Moorhead, MN.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Korsmo Funeral Service in Moorhead, with Rev. Elizabeth Hiller officiating. Burial will follow at Lysne Cemetery, located in rural Hawley, MN. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the funeral service.

Viola Marion Hanson was born on February 19, 1928, to Albert E. and Inga G. (Nelson) Hanson in rural Hawley, MN. She grew up on a farm near Lysne Church and received her education at a local country school.

Viola married Ernest Brager, and together they started their family in Moorhead, and eventually moving to Walla Walla, Washington. Four children would be born to them: David, Beverly, Daniel, and Wayne. After Ernest's passing in 1966, Viola made the courageous decision to move her family to Dilworth to be nearer to relatives. Her culinary journey began at the Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA, which continued at the North Star Truck Stop, Dilworth, MN.

In 1968, Viola married Troy Cofer, and they welcomed a son, James, into their lives. Sadly, Troy passed away in 1974, and Viola embraced her role as a widow for the remainder of her life. She continued to share her love for cooking at Culley’s and Willy’s in Dilworth for many years before semi-retiring, although she maintained her culinary passion.

Viola was known for her vibrant spirit, often staying up late to enjoy work or leisure. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, having saved green and gold stamps to acquire her beloved Vigorelli sewing machine, which she used to create beautiful quilts. Her talents also extended to cross-stitching and embroidery. A source of wisdom and comfort for her family, she became the “family doctor,” offering medical advice whenever needed. Viola often credited her longevity to her love of whole milk, which she enjoyed in abundance.

Her heart was particularly warmed by visits from her great-grandchildren; she cherished every moment spent with them. Viola lived in Dilworth for many years before relocating to Mill Street Apartments in Fergus Falls for additional care. In 2020, she moved to Eventide Nursing Home in Moorhead.

Viola Cofer’s life was filled with love, resilience, and a deep commitment to her family. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by those who knew her.

She is survived by three children: David (Debra) Brager of Moorhead, Daniel of West Fargo, ND, James Cofer of Dilworth; 14 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren; two sisters: Betty Landa of Menagha, MN, and Arlene Landa of Dilworth, MN; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Preceding Viola in death was two husbands: Ernest Brager and Troy Cofer; her parent Albert and Inga Hanson; daughter Beverly Gould; son Wayne Brager; daughter in law: Kay Brager, grandson Adam Brager, siblings: Allen (Delores) Hanson, Hazel (Joe) Villiard, Melvina (Ivan) Villiard, baby brother, brothers in law: Roy and Darvin Landa.