Cecelia Backberg

Cecelia "Ceil" Faye Backberg, 85, of Staples died on Friday, December 5, 2014 at Lakewood Health System Hospital in Staples, MN. Memorial Service for Ceil will be held on Monday, December 8, 2014 at 11:00AM at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Interment at a later date.

Ceil was born on August 30, 1929 in Wadena, MN to Alexander and Bertha (Stinar) Thomson. She graduated from Wadena High School before attending St. Cloud Business School. Ceil married Melvin Backberg on March 16, 1952 in Wadena, MN. They made their home in Staples after a brief move to Georgia. She worked as the secretary to the Superintendent, at the high school library as the secretary, and at the elementary school. Ceil was the clerical secretary at Faith Lutheran Church for over 16 years, where she retired from in 1987. She loved to read, do crossword puzzles, play the piano and sing. She also liked to play cards and bridge, sing at Good Friday Services, travel with her sisters, and watch all types of sporting events.

Ceil is survived by her children, Deb (Jeff) Sumey of Browerville, MN, Bill Backberg of Staples, MN, Tom Backberg of Pillager, MN, Bob (Jill) Backberg of Brainerd, MN, Pete Backberg of Staples, MN, and Kari (Tyler) Ehrmantraut of Wadena, MN; son-in-law, Tom Rach of Cyrus, MN; sister, Hap Schumacher of Wadena, MN; nineteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Melvin in 1996; daughter, Patti Rach; and two siblings, Lee Thomson and Alyce Sliter. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN.