Sara Ellen Parthun

SARA ELLEN PARTHUN

September 28, 1963 – October 30, 2020

            Sara Ellen Parthun, age 57, left her worn-out body behind and went to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, October 30, 2020.  She fought and struggled with pancreatic cancer for almost a year before the Lord brought her into heaven.             

           She was born on September 28, 1963 to Erling and Ernestine (Marshall) Johnson in Little Falls, Minnesota and attended Sauk Rapids High school.   She had the voice of an angel and won many awards for singing at state championship competitions. Sara toured the US with the All-State Lutheran Choir. Her musical talents led her to the Bemidji State University music department where she participated in many music-related events, including the Madrigal Dinners. She earned a bachelor’s degree in vocal music education, after completing her senior recital which included vocal pieces in seven different languages.  Once, she was contacted at her home by a relative who was attending a Karaoke contest offering some rather large prizes. At her request, Sara drove to the contest, sang the song "Crazy" and won the grand prize.             

          Sara met the love of her life, Paul Parthun, and they were married on June 9, 1988 in Jamaica.  They traveled together, including a long motorcycle trip into Canada, Sara on her own motorcycle.             

          Sara worked for many years managing the Dairy Queen restaurants in Bemidji and at First National Bank Bemidji.  She also managed the Mississippi Headwaters Hostel, in Itasca State Park.  Her outgoing, friendly personality was a perfect match for this position as she met strangers every day, from all over the world, and made them into friends. Sara would put her heart and soul into every project she worked on.  Sara was very creative and excelled at everything she touched including sewing, crafts, cake decorating, and especially in homeschooling her children.  Her most recent pursuit was becoming a certified massage therapist. She graduated with honors, had her office all set up and was eagerly anticipating helping other people, using her massage and raindrop technique skills.   Sara was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be sorely missed.          

         Sara is survived by her husband Paul and their twin children, Wyatt and Kate, who recently turned 17.

         In lieu of flowers, there is a go fund me set up to help the family pay for medical expenses.

         Arrangements are pending with the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home.