Lydia Plutowski

Lydia Elinor Plutowski, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on Aug. 30, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Lydia was born July 16, 1933, in Grafton, North Dakota, to Vincent and Isabel (Zola) Grabanski. She grew up in the close-knit Polish community of Warsaw and began her education at a country school, often traveling there by horse and sled, before attending St. Anthony School, later known as St. Stanislaus. She attended Grafton High School.

Before her marriage, Lydia worked at Walsh County State Bank in Grafton. On Nov. 17, 1953, she married Earl Plutowski at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, farming, friendships and cherished traditions.

As a farmer’s wife and mother of five, Lydia was always busy. There was always something to do, something to make, something to bake or someone to feed! She had a wonderful gift for making a house feel like home. She especially enjoyed baking - her pies, bars, cookies and homemade bread were favorites of family and friends. Her grandchildren, in particular, will always remember her delicious croissants and chocolate pie. There was little danger of anyone leaving Lydia’s house hungry.

She loved gardening, canning, sewing and quilting, and took pride in creating things with her own hands. She was a very social person who enjoyed playing cards, dancing and golfing with friends.

Lydia was also known for her love of clothes. She prided herself in looking her best and always found room in the closet for just one more outfit.

Lydia was deeply involved in her community and Polish heritage. She was a charter member of the Country Gals and a member of the Polish National Alliance (PNA) and the “Polk of A” Dance Club. Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life and she was active in the altar societies at both St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Warsaw and St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks.

Lydia and Earl eventually retired to Grand Forks, where they lived for 25 years. In 2023, they moved to Edgewood Assisted Living in Baxter, Minnesota, to be closer to family.

Her children and grandchildren were Lydia’s pride and joy; the memories they created together will carry her love forward for generations. The kitchen may be a little quieter, the polka music may not sound quite the same, and family gatherings will have an empty chair. But her recipes, her stories, her laughter and, most of all, the love she poured into her family will remain.

Lydia was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Isabel Grabanski, and her sisters Florence Dickson and Esther Grabanski.

She is survived by Earl, her husband of 72 years, sister-in-law Dorothy (Robert) Plutowski, five children, Karen (Gregg) McFarland, Cynthia (Randy) Narlock, Debra (Myron) Narlock, Mark Plutowski and Darin (Sue Hanson) Plutowski; 13 grandchildren, Erin, Jill, Nicole, Amanda, Megan, Jessica, Rachel, Erica, Marcus, Judd, Drew, Lane and Ryan; 14 great-grandchildren, Poppy, Ryan, Parker, Tripp, Quinn, Rowan, Elliott, Oliver, Eli, Jordan, Olivia, Isla, Liam and Lydia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of Lydia’s life will be held at a future date at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Warsaw, North Dakota. Arrangements are being made by Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the St. Stanislaus of Warsaw Preservation Trust fund.