James H. Sandberg
James H. Sandberg, 97, of Evansville died Tuesday, September 4, 2001 at the Crestview Manor Nursing Home in Evansville. He was born December 3, 1903 in Elbow Lake the son of Swedish immigrant parents, John and Anna (Johnson) Sandberg. He graduated from School District 47 near Barrett and then went to work for Albert Retzlaff and Sons near Cooperstown, ND as a mechanic. He later enrolled at the Sweeney Auto & Tractor School at Kansas City, MO and then worked at the Jake Leis Garage in Elbow Lake for several years. In 1927 he accepted a job as mechanic at the Evansville Auto Co, where they sold Chrysler, DeSoto and Plymouth cars, and in 1933 he purchased the business. While still having his car sales and service he took on the full line of Minneapolis-Moline farm machinery and tractors in 1939. In 1954 he purchased a farm near Evansville which he stated was for the sole purpose of a family operation to keep his three sons busy when they were in school and to teach them about the labors of farm life, preparing and saving for a college education. He sold his business in the 1960's but continued to farm until 1976. On June 23, 1935 he married Mildred Olson at Barrett. He was a member of the originial Immanuel Lutheran Church, which is now Faith Lutheran, where he served on the church council and taught Sunday School. He was a former member of the Evansville City Council and Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was also a Minnesota Twin’s fan. He is survived by his wife, Mildred Beatrice of Evansville; sons, Harlan (Judy) Sandberg of New Hope and Bruce Sandberg of Farmington; daughter-in-law, Linda Sandberg Plummer of Austin, TX; grandchildren, Stacey Wickman, Betsy Borseth, Molly Sandberg, Brian Sandberg, Erik Sandberg, Jaclyn Sandberg Plummer and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Lee Stewart Sandberg.
Service: Was 10:30 a.m. Saturday, 9-8-01, at Faith Lutheran Church in Evansville
Clergy: Rev. Irving J. Arnquist
Burial: Mound Grove Cemetery, Evansville
Funeral Home: Glende-Johnson-Nelson & Nilson of Evansville

Olga Anderson
Olga Anderson, 91, of Evansville died Tuesday, September 4, 2001 at Crestview Manor Nursing Home in Evansville. She was born July 11, 1910 in Eagle Lake Township, rural Ashby, MN, the daughter of Ludvig and Annie Runningen Walseth. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was raised in the Ashby area. She attended country school and worked for a while in Blue Earth. She married Mercel Edwin Anderson on December 1, 1931 in Fergus Falls. After their marriage they settled into married life on the home farm south of Ashby. She had been a resident of the Crestview Manor Nursing Home for the past five years. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church. She loved to draw farm animals, birds and all types of wildlife. She enjoyed flowers and gardening. She is survived by one daughter, Corrine (Floyd) Fairchild of Soldotna, Alaska; one son, Floyd (Linda) Anderson of Ashby; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mercel; one infant son; infant twin girls; her parents, Ludvig and Annie Walseth; brothers and sisters and her last surviving sister, Alice Pikop, who recently passed away last July.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service
Service: 10 a.m. Saturday at Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby
Clergy: Rev. Carol Olson
Burial: Pelican Lake Cemetery, Ashby
Funeral Home: Glende-Johnson-Nelson & Nilson of Ashby

Clella B. Spanswick
Clella B. Spanswick, 91, of Fergus Falls died Sunday evening, September 9, 2001 at Lake Region Hospital. She was born June 13, 1910 in Moville, Iowa to Adam and Zella (Black) Andrews. She attended school through the eighth grade in Rothsay and then moved with her family to Foxhome. On August 11, 1931 she married Walter Beryl Seelye. They were divorced and he died in September of 1970. On July 4, 1960 she married William Spanswick. He died in September of 1986. She was a homemaker in the home and also was employed at Star Laundry & Dry Cleaners for 29 years. After her retirement she and William enjoyed traveling to different states during the winter months. She is survived by a daughter, Shirley (James) Sha of Fergus Falls; five grandchildren, Connie, Vincent, Christi, Bruce and Colleen; nine great-grandchildren; seven step-children and their families; a brother, Jay (Betty) Andrews of Albuquerque, NM; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; both her husbands; brothers, Roy, Robert, Donald and Verl and one granddaughter, Karen Sha Simpson.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service
Service: 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. Ed Starkey
Burial: Girard Union Cemetery, rural Henning
Funeral Home: Glende-Johnson-Nelson & Nilson of Battle Lake

Gordon O. Palm
Gordon O. Palm, 82, of Ashby died Monday, September 10, 2001 at Lake Region Hospital. He was born September 9, 1919 in Eagle Lake Township, Otter Tail County the son of Eric and Carla (Langlie) Palm. He was baptized and confirmed at Grue Lutheran Church near Ashby. After his schooling he joined the Forestry Service working in Northern Minnesota and also in the state of Washington. In 1941 he was drafted into the Army serving with the 34th Infantry Division. He received his basic training in Louisiana, Florida and Fort Dix, NJ after which he was sent overseas. One year was spent in training in north Ireland. Then he was sent to north Africa, where he served as Honor Guard for General Eisenhower. Later he went to Italy where he rejoined the 34th Division and was in combat throughout the remainder of the war. He was awarded the Purple Heart. He received a Battle Field Commission as 2nd Lieutenant while serving in Italy. Later he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. He served three and a half years overseas. Upon his return home, he purchased the Red Owl Grocery Store in Ashby. On January 1, 1946 he married Irene Evavold Hodnefield. After operating the store for several years they sold and moved to Bend, OR where he worked for Shevlin-Pine Lumber Co. Later they returned to Ashby where they owned and operated a service station and garage for eight years. In 1956 they sold their Standard Oil business and moved to Anaheim, CA where they went into the apartment house business both in Anaheim and Orange, CA. He also worked for Age Engineering and Hyer Hardware Co. for several years. He was then employed at Anaheim Post Office for 18 years. While living in California they were members of the Garden Grove Church. After retiring from the Post Office and selling their apartments, they moved to Kauai, HI where their son and family lived. They were members of the United Church of Christ where Gordon served on the council and was also an active volunteer in the maintenance of the church and the pre-school. He enjoyed gardening and traveling overseas to various countries. In 1986 they sold their home and moved back to Ashby. They spent summers in Ashby and traveled to southern states for the winter. In 1992 they moved to Branson, MO for four years, then back to Ashby. They wintered in Kauai near their family in 1998 and 1999. He is survived by his wife, Irene; daughter-in-law, Nancy Hodnefield; granddaughter, Jan; grandson, Eric and wife, Donna and great granddaughter, Trudy all of Hawaii; three sisters, Juline Lascinski of Rogue River, OR, Eva Risbrudt of Dalton and Kathleen Frye of Tacoma, WA; three sisters-in-law, Marian Palm of Ashby, Virginia Palm of Sun City, AZ, Esther Palm of Detroit Lakes and 28 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a step-son, Jerald Hodnefield of Kauai, HI; three brothers, Erwin, Walter and Robert; three sisters, Blenda Klimp, Hazel Lystrom and Norma Davidson; a niece, Betty Herness and three nephews, Michael larson, Dan Risbrudt and Jon Palm.
Visitation: Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Nilson Funeral Home in Ashby and one hour prior to the service
Service: 2 p.m. Sunday at Grue Lutheran Church, rural Ashby
Clergy: Rev. Carol Olson
Burial: Church Cemetery with Military Rites by Peterson-Tripp American Legion Post 357 of Ashby
Funeral Home: Glende-Johnson-Nelson & Nilson of Ashby

Ethel M. Nelson
Ethel M. Nelson, 87, of Ashby died Thursday, September 13, 2001 at the ELEAH Medical Center in Elbow Lake. She was born December 3, 1913 to Bernard and Bertha (Kunze) Graff in Worthington, MN where she grew up and attended school. She married LeMer "Lee" Nelson in Worthington. They lived in Adrian until moving to Ashby where they purchased the Ashby Motel & Resort in the early 1950's and operated until 1959. They then purchased a farm north of Ashby where they lived and Mr. Nelson farmed. She worked for Runningens Fur Company for a number of years. Mr. Nelson died in 1969 and in 1973 she moved to Ashby and became the first resident of the Ashby Apartments. She then worked with her son, Doug and his wife, Marlene, at the Standard Station and Restaurant. She loved reading, watching Jeopardy and the Minnesota Vikings and playing bingo. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by two daughters-in-law, Marlene Nelson and Delores Nelson both of Ashby; five grandchildren, Troy Nelson, Jacqueline Huseth, Tony Nelson, Denise Herness and Casey Nelson; six great-grandchildren, Curtis Huseth, Samantha Herness, Spencer Herness, Nicole Nelson, Trent Nelson and Jacqueline Nelson; three sisters, Sophia Graf of Worthington, Caroline Kolb of Souix Falls, SD and Gladys Orris of California and a sister-in-law, Etoyle Nelson. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lee; sons, Doug and John (Jack); brothers, Roy and Edward Graff and sister, Martha Rogers. Graveside
Service: To be held at a later date at the Adrian Cemetery, Adrian, MN
Funeral Home: Glende-Johnson-Nelson & Nilson of Ashby - 218-736-7064

Gerald (Jerry) H. Combs
Gerald (Jerry) H. Combs, 63, of Battle Lake died Saturday, September 15, 2001 at Lake Region Hospital. He was born August 30, 1938 in Minneapolis. He was raised by his grandparents, Herbert and Cora Heinecke on a farm by Buffalo Lake. He attended rural school at Buffalo Lake graduating from Buffalo Lake High School in 1957. After his grandfather’s death he worked at the Hector Mirror newspaper. On September 7, 1961 he entered the U.S. Air Force. He was in Security Police and then transferred to the Transportation Squadron working in Reports and Analysis. He married Karen Evenson April 28, 1962 at the First Lutheran Church in Hector. During his Air Force career they lived in Kansas, Arkansas, Guam and Washington. He served in Viet Nam from December of 1970 returning in January of 1972. After his return he was stationed in California, Germany, Italy, Colorado and Korea. He retired from the Air Force June 2, 1982 with numerous decorations from his military service. He and his family then moved to Battle Lake where he has been a DHIA field representative from April 1983 until the present. He was a member of the Trefoldighed Lutheran Church where he did cemetery caretaking for several years. In high school he played football, was a state wrestler and also boxed. He enjoyed horseback riding, loved to swim and had been a member of a ski team. He also enjoyed motorcycles, cars, fishing and waterskiing. He especially enjoyed time spent with his children and grandchildren and coffee times with his wife. He is survived by his wife, Karen; one daughter, Deborah (Timothy) Long of Alexandria; two sons, Daniel (Linda) Combs of Fergus Falls and Brian (Betsy) Combs of Little Rock, AR; 10 grandchildren, Angelica, Andrew, Daniel, Timothy, Thomas, Zachary, Victoria, Benjamin, Theodore and Brynn. He was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Gladys and Charles Mackenzie; grandparents, Herbert and Cora Heinecke; mother and father-in-law, Minnie and Martin Evenson.
Visitation: There will be no visitation or reviewal
Service: Graveside service 2 p.m. Wednesday at Trefoldighed Lutheran Cemetery, rural Battle Lake with military rites by Memorial Color Guard and Rifle Squad, Harold T. Swenson VFW Post 612 of Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl
Funeral Home: Glende-Johnson-Nelson & Nilson of Battle Lake

Myrtle A. Peterson
Myrtle A. Peterson, 94, of Battle Lake died Friday, September 28, 2001 at Lake Region Hospital. She was born March 11, 1907 in Thief River Falls, MN to Hans and Almida (Swanson) Johnson. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School at Thief River Falls in 1927. She attended Moorhead Teachers College where she received her Elementary Education Certificate. Her teaching career which spanned 52 years began in rural schools and she also taught in Vining, Henning and Ottertail. She did substitute teaching in Battle Lake School for 12 years retiring in 1972 .She touched many young lives and there are many persons who remember having her for a teacher.After her retirement she sold Avon Products for over 29 years until just two months ago. She was united in marriage to Edgar O. Peterson in 1934 at Fergus Falls. They made their home in Henning for a short time before moving to Battle Lake. Mr. Peterson passed away July 8, 1969. She was presently residing at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Center. She was a member of First Lutheran Church where she was active in Circle along with holding several church offices. She also taught both Bible and Sunday School. She was a member of the Sons of Norway and served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Battle Lake Senior Citizens Center for several years. She was life member of the Teachers Retirement Association of Minnesota. She enjoyed gardening, baking and crocheting. She is survived by one daughter, Joyce (Richard) Gunderson of Moorhead; two grandchildren, Steven (Connie) Gunderson of Fargo, ND and Dean Gunderson of Plymouth, MN; two great-grandchildren, Ashley Gunderson and Adam Gunderson of Fargo, ND; one sister, Ida (Curdis) Nelson of Thief River Falls, MN and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Ernest, Hilman and Morris Johnson and two sisters, Harriet Peterson and Esther Peterson.
Visitation: Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 1 p.m. Tuesday at First Lutheran Church, Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl
Burial: Church Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Johnson-Nelson & Nilson of Battle Lake

Beverly Ann Johnson
Beverly Ann Johnson, 69, of Fergus Falls died Wednesday, October 10, 2001 at Lake Region Hospital. She was born July 27, 1932 in Pelican Rapids to Clifford and Hattie (Velo) Toso. She was baptized and confirmed at Bagstevold Lutheran Church and grew up in Maplewood Township. She graduated from the Pelican Rapids High School. On March 18, 1951 she married Arnold Johnson at Bagstevold Lutheran Church. While her husband was in the military service, she lived with her parents in Maplewood Township. After his return they lived in Iowa for a short time and then moved back to Fergus Falls. They moved to California and then to Portland, Oregon where she worked as a dietitian. She returned to Fergus Falls in 1994. Mr. Johnson died in 1975. She enjoyed watching soap operas. She is survived by a daughter, Debra Johnson of Portland, OR; two sons, Donovan L. (Lorna) Johnson of Fergus Falls and Daniel Johnson of Klamath Falls, OR; four grandchildren, Dawn LaRay Johnson, Heather Johnson, Amy Johnson and Brian Thomas and a brother, Virgil (Beverly) Toso of Fergus Falls. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Arnold.
Visitation: Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 2 p.m. Monday at Grace Lutheran Church in Erhard
Clergy: Rev. Mark E. Brickzin
Burial: Bagstevold Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Johnson-Nelson & Nilson of Fergus Falls

Gladys Herness
Gladys Herness, 83, of Fergus Falls died Tuesday, October 16, 2001 at Lake Region Hospital. She was born December 26, 1917 in Eagle Lake Township, rural Battle Lake, to Ole and Salvevold. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church and attended rural School District 6 in Eagle Lake Township. She helped take care of her mother until she passed away. She married Lester E. Herness. They farmed one year in Eagle Lake Township and then purchased a farm in St. Olaf Township where they lived and farmed until Mr. Herness died on September 13, 1957. She then moved to Fergus Falls and worked at Lake Region Hospital until retiring. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She is survived by four children, LeWayne (LaVaye) Herness of Ashby, Lester (Karen) Herness of Dalton, Barbara (Phil) Barry of Fergus Falls and Forrest Herness of Moorhead; ten grandchildren, Alan (Karen) Barry, Todd (Lori) Barry, Trevor (Connie) Barry, Brent (Tara) Barry, Stephanie Barry, Tami (Ricky) Leitch, Nichole (Ollie) Johnson, Sheila (Lalin) Perera, LeAnn (Robin) Walters and Lori (Jon) Davis and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lester; sister, Edna Evans; brother, Archie Salvevold and a granddaughter, Kim Barry.
Visitation: Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls and one hour prior to the service
Service: 2 p.m. Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church
Clergy: Rev. Marv Abrahamson
Burial: 4 p.m. Saturday at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ashby
Funeral Home: Glende-Johnson-Nelson & Nilson of Fergus Falls

Clara M. Tofte
Clara M. Tofte, 92, of Fergus Falls died Tuesday, October 16, 2001 at the Pioneer Retirement Community. She was born January 16, 1909 in Haugesund, Norway to Lars and Elizabeth (Hinderaker) Moldeseter. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. At the age of 21 her mother packed her suitcase to go to Canada for a better life. She had planned to return to Norway but did not make it back to visit until after her husband’s death. On September 7, 1938 she married Ingvald Tofte in Winnipeg, Canada. They lived in Grand Forks, ND for 26 years. In 1964 they moved to Fergus Falls. Mr. Tofte died October 30, 1969. She worked for the Foster Grandparents program from 1973 to 1983. She enjoyed knitting and painting pictures. She loved nature and being outdoors. Occasionally she would take the train by herself to the West Coast just to see the ocean and put her feet in the water. It reminded her of her homeland, Norway. She is survived by three sons, Otto (Pat) Tofte and Lloyd (Esther) Tofte both of Fargo, ND and John (Mary) Tofte of Preston, MN; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; three brothers and two sisters.
Visitation: Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service.
Service: 10 a.m. Saturday at the Pioneer Retirement Community Chapel
Clergy: Rev. Harry Olson
Burial: Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Johnson-Nelson & Nilson of Fergus Falls

Adella Herrmann
Adella Herrmann, 89, of Fergus Falls died Thursday, October 18, 2001, at the Pioneer Retirement Community. She was born October 16, 1912, near Boyd, MN, to Carl and Adelheid (Eckhardt) Ferber. She was baptized October 27, 1912, at the Evangelical Lutheran Zion Church, Boyd, MN, and confirmed March 28, 1926, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Elizabeth by Rev. George Grabarkewitz. She graduated from Fergus Falls High School and attended Moorhead State Teachers College for one year. She then taught five years in three different rural Otter Tail County schools. She later received a BS Degree from St. Cloud University and taught 19 more years in various elementary schools near Brainerd and Lakefield, MN. On June 8, 1941, she married E.C. Herrmann at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Elizabeth. The couple lived at Fergus Falls, Lakefield, Atwater, Brainerd and in 1975 they returned to Fergus Falls. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League where she held offices at local and zone levels, and Circle. She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Wednesday Release Classes. She was also a member of the Trinity Church Council two different terms. She was a member of Readers’ Club in Fergus Falls, and of a Bridge Group, and she volunteered at Lake Region Hospital. She is survived by a daughter, Gwynethe (Gary) Miller of Colorado Springs, CO; a son, Dr. Paul (Kathy) Herrmann of Hamel, MN; granddaughter, Gillian Whitlock of Los Angeles, CA; sister, Alta Froelich of Ortonville; three brothers, David (Elaine) Ferber of Dalton, Ramonus (Georgene) Ferber and Calvin (Marcia) Ferber both of Fergus Falls; two sisters-in-law, Emma Ferber of Fergus Falls and Connie Ferber of Thief River Falls; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, E.C. Herrmann, on October 23, 1992; parents; two brothers, Reuben and Erwin Ferber; two sisters, Arletta Gertrude Beneke and Rosita Lunde; one nephew, one niece and a brother-in-law, Ed Froelich.
Visitation: Sunday from 4 to 8 P.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church and one hour prior to the service
Service: 1 P.M. Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church
Clergy: Revs. David Knuth and Roger Lange
Burial: Knollwood Memorial Gardens
Funeral Home: Glende-Johnson-Nelson & Nilson of Fergus Falls

Ann Marie Hanneman
Ann Marie Hanneman, 81, of Erhard went to be with her Lord on Thursday, October 25, 2001 at Merit Care Hospital in Fargo, ND. She was born August 27, 1920 in Bay City, WI to Henry and Olive (Perdue) Decker. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended school in Bay City. She worked as a maid in the Bay City area and then moved to the St. Paul area where she worked in a meat processing company. Three of her children were born there. She married Edward Pourrier in 1938, Bud Hoffmann in 1948, Ray Thompson in 1970 and Lester Hanneman on May 23, 1980. She and Bud had a child, Bernadine. In 1944 she moved to Maplewood Township on Eddy Lake where she has lived all of her married life. She worked for 27 years at West Central Turkey in Pelican Rapids until retiring in 1997. She was a member of Maplewood Lutheran Church. She enjoyed fishing, hunting, nature and dancing to old time music. She loved sports, especially the Vikings. She also enjoyed her family and grandchildren and loved people. She is survived by her husband, Lester of Erhard; daughter, Roberta A. Franks of Underwood; son, Robert (Violet) Pourrier of Erhard; three step-children, Vern (Lynn) Kinnamen of Lester Prairie, Rosalie (Lloyd) Peasley of Erhard and Pat (Randy) Erickson of Pelican Rapids; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and a sister, Mary Joann (Bill) Drogus of Water Vliet, Mich. She was preceded in death by her parents; three husbands, Edward Pourrier, Bud Hoffman and Raymond Thompson; two daughters, Rose Marie Johnson and Bernadine Lee Dreschel; a step-son, Rueben Kinnamen; two sisters, Ethel Johnson and Muriel Devine.
Visitation: Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service
Service: 2 p.m. Monday at Maplewood Lutheran Church
Clergy: Rev. Erwin Toso
Burial: Maplewood Presbyterian Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Johnson-Nelson & Nilson of Fergus Falls

Ruth Lillemoen
Ruth Lillemoen, 87, of Wendell died Tuesday, October 30, 2001 at the Broen Menorial Home in Fergus Falls. She was born June 24, 1914 on a farm near Avon, SD the daughter of William and Jessie VanGerpen. The family moved to the Windom, MN area while Ruth was a youngster. She received her education in South Dakota and Minnesota schools. In 1950 she moved to California and made her home in Oakland. She worked for several years for the Glen Godman Co. as a stock control clerk. In 1954 she married Russell Lillemoen. They made their home in Burlingame, CA for the next 26 years. They were members of The Good Sheperd Lutheran Church of Burlingame, charter members of the Sons of Norway Lodge of San Mateo, and members of Guide Dogs of the Blind of San Rafael, CA. After retirement they returned to Minnesota and made their home in Wendell. They were members of the Rock Prairie Lutheran Church and she was a member of the Ladies Aid Society. Preceding her in death were her parents; three brothers, Ralph, Fred and William, Jr. and four sisters, Lillian K. Dikkers, Eleanor Junker, Leona M. Holt and Gladys E Wulf. She is survived by her loving husband, Russell; her step-son, Roger (Ellen) Lillemoen; her adopted son, Kenneth Lillemoen and foster-son, Bruce (Donna) Balsan; sisters, Dorothy Flaskegaard of Sheldon, IA and Mesa, AZ, Grace Hagerman of Bellingham, WA and Esther Junker of Windom; numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Elbow Lake
Clergy: Rev. Dan Cole
Burial: Church Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Johnson-Nelson & Nilson of Fergus Falls

Henry Merz
Henry Merz, 87, of Fergus Falls died Tuesday, October 30, 2001 at his home. He was born August 9, 1914 in Elizabeth Township, rural Fergus Falls, to George and Martha (Knackendoffel) Merz. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls and attended country school in Elizabeth Township. On June 22, 1946 he married Florence M. Lyngstad at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. He worked for Northwestern Sash and Door in Fergus Falls for about eight years. He then started Merz Cabinet Shop which he operated until retiring. He was known as an excellent cabinet maker and craftsman. He enjoyed collecting miniature antique cars and also his collection of beer cans. He was a great lover of animals and birds and was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Florence (Flo); daughter, Val (special friend Joan Moerke) Merz of Fergus Falls; son, Perry Merz of Minneapolis; sister-in-law, Irene Merz of Fergus Falls; many nieces and nephews; granddogs, Dodi, Dara, Hannah and Lilly the cat. He was preceded in death be his parents; brothers, Lawrence, Elroy, Alvin and infant brother, Albert. Memorials are preferred to Lakeland Hospice or family’s choice.
Visitation: Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH and one hour prior to the service
Service: 11 a.m. Friday at First Lutheran Church
Clergy: Rev. Saul Stensvaag
Burial: First Lutheran Cemetery North
Funeral Home: Glende-Johnson-Nelson & Nilson of Fergus Falls

Joseph Knutson
Joseph Knutson, 88, of Ashby died Monday, November 19, 2001 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. He was born September 7, 1913 in St. Olaf Township, rural Ashby, to Peter and Helen (Risbrudt) Knutson. He was baptized and confirmed in Pelican Lake Lutheran Church at Ashby and attended country school in St. Olaf Township. He served four years with the U.S. Army in the South Pacific during WWII. On September 21, 1950 he married Lois A. Torgrimson in Battle Lake. After their marriage they lived in Ashby. He was employed with Otter Tail Power for 30 years retiring in 1978. He enjoyed coffee at the City Restaurant and going to Borg Drug and Cenex. He was a people person who enjoyed good conversations. He liked sports and was an avid Vikings, Twins and Gophers fan. His pride and joy was his yard, car and garden. He was very active with the DFL Party. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, a lifetime member of Ashby American Legion Post #357, VFW Post 612 in Fergus Falls and the D.A.V. He served on the Ashby City Council and had been a Board Member of Ashby Credit Union. He was a family man who enjoyed his family and especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Lois; daughter, Bonita (Jim) Evavold of Ashby; sons, Michael (Betty) Knutson of Rochester and Perry Knutson of Ashby; a son-in-law, Mark Koefod of Ashby; nine grandchildren, Pam(Gary) Ruter, Randy(Tammy)Koefod, Craig (Carol) Koefod, Jennifer (Jon) Combs, Jeff Evavold, Jeremy (Jill) Evavold, Karissa, Rachel and Erik Knutson; 12 great-grandchildren, Collin, Brendan, Allison, Aaron, Taylor, Christian, Brady, Jacob, Sheyenne, Courtney, Jeannette and Abigal. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Yvonne Koefod; brother, Raymond Knutson and special nephew, Wesley Knutson.
Visitation: Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Ashby and one hour prior to the service
Service: 11 a.m. Friday at Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby
Clergy: Rev. Carol Olson
Burial: Pelican Lake Cemetery, Ashby
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby

Maurice Patrick Donovan
Maurice Patrick Donovan, 91, of Elizabeth died Saturday, November 17, 2001 at Lake Region Hospital. He was born March 27, 1910 in Excelsior to Thomas Patrick and Clara Josephine (Fox) Donovan. He was baptized in Excelsior and confirmed at St. Louis Park. He attended country school in Clear Springs and also school in Hopkins and Minneapolis. On April 5, 1944 he entered the U.S. Army where he served during WWII with the 347th Infantry Company A, First Battalion in campaigns at Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. On February 17, 1945 he was wounded in the European Theatre and was discharged September 28, 1945. He received the Purple Heart and European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with three bronze stars. On June 18, 1938 he married Ada Janet Keenan and the couple made their home in St. Louis Park and then moved to Minnetonka where he worked in a warehouse for seven years and then for 23 years at the National Food Supply. He also worked for the Railroad for seven years. Retiring in 1972 the couple moved to Wyndmere, ND where they resided for ten years. They also had a summer home on Long Lake near Fergus Falls. Mrs. Donovan died February 6, 1982. On August 26, 1983 he married Helen Clapshaw at St. John’s Lutheran Church and also renewed their vows at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Elizabeth. The couple contined to reside in Elizabeth. He was a member of the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and the Senior Center, VFW Post #612 of Fergus Falls, the Military Order of Purple Heart Chapter #8 and the Teamsters Union #544. His hobbies included carpenter work, gardening, fishing and a love for horses. Preceding him in death were his parents; his first wife, Ada; a grandchild, Patricia Boswell: one son, Gary Michael; a brother, Harold Earl Donovan and a sister, Clara Belle Socco. He is survived by his wife, Helen; four children, Janet Marie Donovan of El Paso, TX, Patricia Jean Clark of Maple Grove, John "Jack" Earl (Susan) Donovan of Maple Grove and Ricky (Sheri) Donovan of Howard Lake; 16 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; step-children, Marjorie (Ed) Mertens of Callaway, Betty (Maynard) Dalve of Great Falls, MT, JoAnn (Ted) Jones of Fergus Falls, Lola (Don) Formentini of Fallon, NV and Le Roy (Dana) Clapshaw of Great Falls, MT; 32 step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation: Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Brenny Hall in Elizabeth and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Wed at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Elizabeth
Clergy: Father Richard Walz
Burial: Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Harold Rix
Harold Rix, 77, of Clitherall died Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls. He was born September 3, 1924 on a farm near Doran to Roy and Hattie (Zimmer) Rix. He attended country school in Western Township and then in Star Lake Township. He worked as a farm laborer before entering the service. During WWII he served in the U.S. Army with the 10th Armored Division, Third Army, in France, in the Normandy Invasion and in Germany. After his military service, he farmed by Parkers Prairie and then was employed with various farm implement and auto dealerships as a mechanic. He managed the Phillips 66 Station in Battle Lake and then purchased Harold’s Auto Repair in Underwood where he worked until his retirement. After retiring he did some mechanic work at his home and also raised beef cattle. He is survived by a daughter, Hattie Rix of Alexandria and two brothers, Francis Rix of Clitherall and Everon (Toby Ann) Rix of Blytheville, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents and two wives, Esther and Jean.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service
Service: 2 p.m. Thursday at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Harland Helland
Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Gladys Gense
Gladys Gense, 90, of Battle Lake, died Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at Lake Region Hospital. She was born September 21, 1911 in Crete, ND to Nels and Jennie (Anderson) Engquist. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended Crete Public School. On September 6, 1935 she married Ralph Gense in Wahpeton, ND. After their marriage they lived in Staples, Verndale, Underwood, Henning and Twin Valley before moving to Battle Lake in 1945. She was employed with Hunter Drug for 11 years. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake. She was a homemaker, artist and beautician, which she was very proud of. She was a member of the Art of The Lakes Association and was active with the Battle Lake Senior Citizens. During WWII she had been a member of Gray Ladies. She is survived by a sister, Opal Newman of Fergus Falls; brother, Curtis Engquist of Oakes, ND and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph on June 6, 1988; two sisters, Viola Engquist and Ruth Kupitz and two brothers, Mouritz and Raymond Engquist. Memorials preferred to the First Lutheran Church of Battle Lake
Visitation: Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home
Service: 11 a.m. Sat. at First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl
Burial: First Lutheran Cemetery, Battle Lake
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake

Olaf Isaacson
Olaf Isaacson, 88, of Fergus Falls died Thursday, November 29, 2001 at Halstad Lutheran Memorial Home in Halstad. He was born November 29, 1913 in Homestead, ND to Norwegian immigrant parents. He attended rural school near Homestead and as a teenager moved with his family to Pelican Rapids where he worked as a farm laborer. On September 8, 1934 he married Edna Randall in Pelican Rapids. They lived on the north shore of Pelican Lake for close to 50 years where he farmed and later worked on raod construction. They moved to Fergus Falls in 1986 and wintered in Bonita Springs, FL for many years. They enjoyed 55 years of married life and Edna died May 31, 1993. Olaf moved to Halstad in July 2001. He was a former member of Scambler Union Church and presently a member of First United Church of Christ in Fergus Falls where he was very active and served on the Building Committee for the new addition. He loved fishing and had made two trips to Alaska fishing with his grandson, Tim. He also worked at the Food Shelf. He is survived by a son, Richard Isaacson of Minneapolis; two daughters, Marjorie (Paul) Burd of Nielsville and Shirley Isaacson of Otsego; three grandsons, Tim (Michele) Burd of Lebanon, OR, Terry (Sarah) Burd of Shelly and Ricky Burd of Huntington Beach, CA; six great-grandchildren, Luke, Levi, Lydia, Joseph, Amanda and Clint; two brothers, Hilbert (Eloise) Isaacson of Pelican Rapids and Sigurd (Leona) Isaacson of Beloit, Wisc. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Edna; brothers, Isaac, Henry and Thomas and sisters, Agnes and Hannah.
Visitation: Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service
Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday at First United Church of Christ, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Tom Gard
Burial: Scambler Union Cemetery, Pelican Rapids
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Palmer Gundersen
Palmer Gundersen, 90, of Fergus Falls died Tuesday, November 27 at the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He was born September 18, 1911 in Chicago, Illinois, the eldest of 10 children, to Joakim and Tora (Jakobsen) Gundersen, A few months after his birth he moved with his mother to Norway and his father remained in Chicago to work. His father commuted between the United States and Norway for many years. At age 17 he and his father came back to Chicago and lived for several years. During that time he met Aagot Olga Olsen. They were married and moved to Spind, Norway in 1933 where they purchased a farm. On December 8, 1935 a daughter, Tennia Janet, was born. In January of 1940 the family moved to the east coast of the United States just before the war broke out in Norway. They made their home in New Jersey for nearly 50 years. In 1942 a son, Willmore Marshall, was born. During his lifetime he was a carpenter and loved the trade. He worked alongside Willmore and his sons until he was 85 years old. They moved to Carlisle, MN while a home was built for them in River Oaks in Fergus Falls. The couple attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Brethren Church in Fergus Falls where he was an elder for a number of years. After he stopped driving, he followed his son, Willmore and family to Bethel Lutheran Church where he became a member. From the age of 18 and throughout his life he knew Christ Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. Even the last days of his life, the Bible was his dearest possession. We thank the Lord for the memory of a man who walked with God. Preceding him in death was his wife, Aagot who died in 1987. He is survived by his daughter, Tennia Dalen and her husband, Lars; son, Willmore and his wife, JoAnn; grandchildren, John (Ingvild) Dalen; Janet (Charles) Russel and children, Christina and Willy; Joyce (Thor) Karlsen and children, Jahn, Stephen and Alexander; Judy (Todd) Wilson and children, Amy, Todd and Luke; Jenice Dalen and children, Cody and Joseph; Joni (James) Farrell and son, Andrew; Lisa (Rick) Salvesen and children, Brett, Holly, Ingrid and Eric; Betty Gundersen; Steven Gundersen, David Gundersen, Christine Gundersen, Julie Gundersen and Jane Gundersen; three brothers, Leif (Karen) Dyvik of New York, Pom (Elna) Dyvik and Gerhard (Malfrid) Dyvik of Norway and nephews and nieces.
Visitation: Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls
Service: 2 p.m. Friday at Bethel Lutheran Church
Clergy: Rev. David Veum
Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Emma Oien
Emma Oien, 93, of Battle Lake died Sunday, December 2, 2001 at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Center. She was born February 5, 1908 in Everts Township, rural Battle Lake, to Charles and Bertha (Johnson) Lill. She attended school in the Battle Lake area. On December 11, 1924 she married Daniel M. Oien in Fergus Falls. They lived in Battle Lake until 1927 when they moved to St. Paul and owned and operated a sporting good store on Payne Avenue. In 1949 they moved to Mankato and she worked at Queen Frocks clothing store as a sales associate and buyer. In 1961 they moved to Thompson Grove where she worked as a sales associate for Frederick Jackson’s clothing store in downtown St. Paul. She retired in 1966 and they moved to Battle Lake. Mr. Oien died June 28, 1978. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake. She loved to go fishing and also enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by seven grandchildren, Daniel, Daryl, Donald and Dennis Oien, Catherine Unklesbay, James and Robert Welter; 13 great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dan; sons Don and Wesley; daughter, Shirley Welter; brothers, Clarence and Joe Lill; sister, Clara Larson and a niece. Norma Lill.
Visitation: No visitation is planned
Service: 1 p.m. Thursday at First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl
Burial: Trinity Cemetery, Battle Lake
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake

Harold A. Winter
Harold A. Winther, 79, of rural Battle Lake died Monday, December 3, 2001 at his home. He was born October 9, 1922 in Clitherall Township, rural Battle Lake, the son of Henry and Agnes (Sween) Winther. He was baptized on October 29, 1922 and confirmed November 3, 1935 in the Trefoldighed Lutheran Church. He graduated from the Battle Lake High School in 1940. On October 19, 1943 he and Arlene Van Berg were married. She passed away on February 16, 1965. He married Beverly Holey on June 3, 1966. He worked in Humboldt, Iowa for a short time before returning to Clitherall Township where he began farming with his dad on the family farm. In 1966 he started with the Fergus Mill, then Langmo Farms by Mountain Lake and then moved to 14 years of employment with Block’s Turkey Farm by Spicer. In 1995 he retired and moved to Redwood Falls where he lived for 18 months before moving to their present home on Deer Lake, rural Battle Lake. He was a lifetime member of Trefoldighed Lutheran Church and had served on the Clitherall Township Board and the Battle Lake Creamery Association Board. He loved playing cards and in his younger days enjoyed roller skating and deer hunting. He was a great conversationist who would go up and talk to anyone. He enjoyed his family and grandchildren and together with his wife, Bev, they blended their families as though they had always been one. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; 10 children, Bruce (Ilene) Winther of Oklahoma City, OK, Robert (Bev Hurlbut) Winther of Herman, Leslie (Mary) Winther of Prescott, AZ, Bradley (Cindy) Winther of Mission Viejo, CA, Lynn (Cheryl) Holey of Neenah, WI, Darlene (Mick) Michel of Jeffers, Paula (Bob) Steece of Tracy, Brenda (Richard) Norby of Windom, Martin (Jody) Winther of Belgrade and Tamara (Jon) Swenson of Redwood Falls; 32 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and one brother, Charles (Carol) Winther of Kiel, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arlene; son, Gary Holey and brother, Norman Winther.
Visitation: Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Thursday at Trefoldighed Lutheran Church, rural Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl
Burial: Church Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson of Battle Lake

Clara Lund
Clara Lund, 93, of Brandon died Saturday, December 8, 2001 at Crestview Manor Nursing Home in Evansville. She was born July 21, 1908 in Barron, WI to Percy and Mathilda (Thompton) Van Sickle. She moved to the Wrightstown- Deer Creek areas where she attended school and in 1928 moved to the Evansville community. She married William E. Lund on April 12, 1930 at the Lake Chippewa Covenant Church parsonage north of Garfield. After their marriage they lived on the family farm in Brandon Township where she was a homemaker in the home. In 1998 she became a resident of the Crestview Manor Nursing Home. She was a member of Calvary Covenant Church in Evansville where she taught Sunday School and was active in the Ladies Aid. She loved gardening and flowers, and couldn’t get enough flowers. She was a member of the Merry Tillers Garden Club. She enjoyed cooking and had a lot of good recipes. She enjoyed her family and getting together with them, especially for her annual birthday party. She is survived by three sons, Eldred (Marlene) Lund and Dennis (Colleen) Lund both of Brandon and Reece (Mary) Lund of Evansville; a son-in-law, David Klukken of Evansville; 16 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a sister, Jenny Morical of Alexandria; three half-sisters, Pauline (Herb) Sorvik of Shoreview, Ruth (Carmen) Carpenter of Laingsburg, MI and Clarice (Dallas) Torgrimson of Evansville. She was preceded in death by her parents, Percy and Mathilda and step-mother, Tina; her husband, William on September 9, 1963; a daughter, Rosemary Klukken; three brothers, William, Fred and Marion Van Sickle; one grandchild and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation: Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 8 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Evansville and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 11 at Calvary Covenant Church in Evansville
Clergy: Rev. Nathan Langager and Greg Lund
Burial: Mound Grove Cemetery, Evansville
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Evansville

Harriette Ewert
Harriette Ewert, 78, of rural Underwood died Friday, December 7, 2001 at her home. She was born July 16, 1923 in Clitherall Township, rural Battle Lake, to Nels and Bertha (Steen) Scott. She was baptized and confirmed at Trefoldighed Lutheran Church and graduated from the Battle Lake High School in 1940. She taught in Clitherall and Western Township prior to her marriage. On June 6, 1947 she married David Ewert at Trefoldighed Lutheran Church. They farmed in Orwell Township until 1952 when they moved to a farm in Tordenskjold Township where she lived at the time of her death. She worked for twenty-seven years at the State Hospital in Fergus Falls as a Psychiatric Technician retiring in 1985. She was a member of Trefoldighed Lutheran Church, the Ladies Aid and Circle Bible Studies. She is survived by a son, Jerry and Betty Ewert of Underwood; daughters, Darlene and Dan Trainor of Forest Lake, Dianne and Paul Beckman of Underwood, Judy and Danny Jarmin of Minot, ND, Linda Ewert of Oakdale and Becky Weidenbacher of St. Michael; grandchildren, Bryan Ewert, DeAnn and Dave Devine, Laurie Beckman Yetzer and Dan Yetzer, Kara and Amy Beckman, Todd Jarmin, Lorenzo Lopez, Rachel and Blake Weidenbacher; a great-grandchild, Brynn Yetzer; sisters, Alice Siira of Brandon and Ella May and Lou Gorshe of Mullan, Idaho; brothers, Bernard and Shirley Scott of Battle Lake and Anders and Ruth Scott of St. Louis Park. She was preceded in death by her husband, David on May 19, 1999; her parents and her sister, Olga Scott.
Visitation: Sunday from 5 - 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 8 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 1 p.m. Monday at Trefoldighed Lutheran Church, rural Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl
Burial: Church Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake

Irene Schlotfeld
Irene Schlotfeld, 87, of Ashby died Friday, December 21, 2001 at the Pelican Lake Health Care Center in Ashby. She was born March 17, 1914 in rural Pender, NE to John and Mary Ahlers. She grew up and attended school in Belgrade, NE. On November 19, 1943 she married John F. Schlotfeld in Long Beach, CA where he was stationed during World War II. While in Long Beach she worked for McDonnell-Douglas as a wing riveter on bombers. After his military service in the Army, they returned to Belgrade, NE where they farmed. In 1955 they moved to Ashby and began farming. She became a school board member for country School District #1377 and served for many years. She was also on the Board of Directors for the Gold Seal Corporation. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby and the St. Olaf Homemakers. She is survived by her sons, Charles Schlotfeld and Dennis (Susan) Schlotfled both of Ashby; three grandchildren, Jeffery (Jane) Schlotfeld of Casper, WY, Michelle (Jeremy) Leffelman of Cottonwood and Stacy Schlotfeld of Ashby; one great-granddaughter, Hannah Grace Leffelman of Cottonwood and a brother, Raymond (Lucille) Ahlers of Belgrade, NE. She was preceded in death by her husband, John on January 22, 1987; sisters, Helen Wagner, Leona Ahlers and Edna Landers and brothers, George, Walter, Johnny and Onno Ahlers.
Visitation: Tuesday from 4 to 7 pm. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Ashby and one hour prior to the service
Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby
Clergy: Rev. Carol Olson
Burial: Pelican Lake Cemetery in Ashby
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby

Mildred Jorud
Mildred Jorud, 89, of rural Battle Lake died Sunday, December 23, 2001 at her home. She was born July 31, 1912 in Tordenskjold Township, rural Underwood, to Lewis and Martha (Lofthus) Albertson. She was baptized and confirmed in Tordenskjold Lutheran Church and attended school in rural District 162 in Tordenskjold Township. On June 24, 1935 she was united in marriage to Clifford N. Jorud. They together farmed in Eagle Lake Township, Tordenskjold Township until purchasing their present farm in Clitherall Township in 1945. They retired in the early 1970's but continued to live on their farm. Mr. Jorud died on March 28, 1996. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake and was active with the Ladies Aid. She enjoyed gardening, especially flower gardening, sewing, quilting and had made a quilt for each grandchild. She was a family person who especially enjoyed her grandchildren. She is survived by one daughter, Yvonne (Gordon) Lehmann of Battle Lake; three sons, Wayne (Arlene) Jorud of Fergus Falls, Dennis (Becky) Jorud and Daryl (Renee) Jorud both of Battle Lake; eight grandchildren, Jon and Matthew Jorud, Kevin Lehmann, Anna, Ingrid and Laura Jorud, Jill Bangs and Brent Jorud; one sister, Minnie Swensdrud of Dalton and one brother, George Albertson of Underwood. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford; three sisters, Bertha Rieken, Hazel Olson and Lila Mae Amundson; five brothers, Alvin, Orris and Lloyd, Oliver and Albert Albertson and one infant child.
Visitation: Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Friday at First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl
Burial: Church Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson of Battle Lake

Edna Knutson
Edna Knutson, 87, of Ashby died Thursday, December 27, 2001 at the Pelican Lake Health Care Center in Ashby. She was born August 24, 1914 to Elef and Clara (Risbrudt) Knutson at their home in Tordenskjold Township south of Battle Lake. She attended School District #285 in Tordenskjold Township. After her schooling she continued to live on the family farm with her brother, Ted and sister, Bella. Ted passed away in 1966. She and her sister then sold the farm and purchased a home in Ashby in 1968. Bella passed away in 1988 and Edna moved into the Ashby Apartments in 1990. In June of 2001 she entered the Pelican Lake Health Care Center in Ashby. She was a member of Trefoldighed Lutheran Church and enjoyed flowers, handiwork, stitching quilts and crocheting. She is survived by two nieces, Joyce (Ray) Hensch of Doran and Clarice (Virgil) Nelson of Great Falls, MT and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ted Knutson and two sisters, Bella Knutson and Kaia (Ole) Hanson.
Visitation: Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Ashby and one hour prior to the service
Service: 11 a.m. Monday at Trefoldighed Lutheran Church, rural Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. Robin K. Nice
Burial: Church Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby

Scott Turner
Scott Turner, 47, of Ashby died Thursday, December 27, 2001 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria. He was born September 25, 1954 in Red Lake Falls, MN to Maurice and Helen (Gillie) Turner. He graduated from the Cosmos High School in 1972 and the University of Minnesota, Morris, in 1975 with a BA in music education. He taught at Stewart High School from 1975 to 1978, then moved to Ashby where he has taught since. He also worked with his father in the TV/Appliance business from 1964 to 1978. On November 8, 1991 he married Marla M. Moellman and helped raise eight wonderful kids. He was a member of Promise Keepers and served as minister of music at the Nazarene Church in Fergus Falls from 1978 to 1991 and at Christina Lake Lutheran Church from 1991 until the present. He sang and played for hundreds of funerals and weddings and taught numeous students. He is survived by his wife, Marla and their eight children, Ross, Gabriel, Neil, Jay, Morgan, Meredith, Julia and Claire all at home; two sons, Matthew and Phillip Turner of Arizona; a brother, Michael (Ann) Turner of Woodbury, MN; sisters, Maureen (Charles) Schneider of Atwater, MN and Jan Turner of Willmar, MN; nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Turner.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the high school
Service: 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31, 2001 at the Ashby High School
Clergy: Rev. Steve Quernemoen
Burial: Cosmos Community Cemetery, Cosmos, MN
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby

Harold Johnson
Harold E. Johnson, 88, of Battle Lake died Saturday, December 29, 2001 at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Center. He was born December 25, 1913 at rural Albion, Nebraska to Axel A. and Julia (Julsen) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed in the South Branch Lutheran Church, rural Albion, and attended rural school in Boone County, Nebraska. On November 7, 1942 he was united in marriage to Henrietta Merten of Albion. After their marriage they farmed in Boone County until 1949 when they moved to Humphrey, NE where he was employed by the Humphrey Dairy Breeders Association until 1964. In 1964 the couple moved to Battle Lake where they owned and operated Sand Bay Resort until 1982 when they retired. Since moving to Battle Lake he has been a member of First Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Henrietta, of the Good Samaritan Center in Battle Lake; two sons, Meryl (Bonnie) Johnson of Eden Prairie and Alan Johnson of Seattle, WA; two daughters, Elaine (LeRoy) DeMoss of Ottowa, ILL and Ann (Donald) Adams of Owatonna; five grandchildren, Cheryl, Lori, Sean, Natasha and Laura; a brother, LeRoy Johnson of Portland, OR and a sister, Gwendolyn Nelson of Newman Grove, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, two sisters and a daughter-in-law.
Visitation: There will be a Memorial Gathering on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake
Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Lutheran Church, Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl
Burial: Church Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake