Ione Marie McIlravie
Ione Marie McIlravie, 96, of Ashby died Saturday, January 5, 2002 at Pelican Lake Health Care Center in Ashby. She was born August 19, 1905 in Warrens, WI., in a log cabin out in the country, to George and Ruby (Aurebach) Rich. She was baptized in 1910 in Rome, WI. She worked in Minneapolis where she met and married Sidney Roy McIlravie. They were married at the Presbyterian Church in St. Paul on June 16, 1927. They lived in both Minneapolis and Alexandria prior to buying a farm near Ashby. She enjoyed knitting and sewing. She was also a member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby. Survivors include two daughters, Catherine Isabel Marie Ramstad of Alexandria and Lois Kathleen McIlravie Bates of Canastota, NY; a half brother, Dr. Clifton Frank Lawrence of Miami, OK; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ruby Rich, and her husband Sidney McIlravie.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Ashby and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Thursday at Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby
Clergy: Rev. Carol Olson
Burial: Christina Lake Cemetery, Ashby
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby

Glenn A. Johnson
Glenn A. Johnson, 87, of Battle Lake died Monday, January 7, 2002 at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Center. He was born August 24, 1914 in Nidaros Township, rural Clitherall, to Oscar T. and Alma B. (Bredeson) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed at Nidaros Lutheran Church. He attended grade school at District 53 in Nidaros Township, Junior High School at Vining and graduated from the Battle Lake High School. He attended the U of M graduating with a B.S. Degree in 1938. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corp, attached to the 8th Air Force, and served with the 547th Bomb Squadron 384th Bomb Group in Algeria, French Morocco, Sicily, Naples, Foggia, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe during WWII. He was presented the following medals after his discharge: European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with the Arrowhead, Silver Star and four Bronze Stars; Army of Occupation medal with Germany Clasp; Presidential Unit Emblem with Honorable Service lapel button with WWII; WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Purple Heart. After his military service he worked for Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis. He then took a job as Manager of Consumers Coop Oil Co. of Battle Lake for 30 years retiring in 1976 after being disabled. On March 29, 1947 he married Pearl Rix at the parsonage in Nidaros Township. He served 20 years on the Battle Lake Fire Departments with 18 years as Fire Chief. He was a member of Cornerstone Masonic Lodge of Fergus Falls. He served two terms on City Council and as acting mayor for two years. He worked with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He served two terms on the Battle Lake School Board. He was an ambulance driver for three years for the city of Battle Lake. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake and served several terms on the church board. He was a life member of VFW Post 874 and a life member of American Legion Post 357. He has traveled all 50 states plus England, France, Germany, Italy, Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Norway and Sweden. He is survived by his wife, Pearl; a daughter, Pam (John) Reed of Rochester; a son, Wayne (Roxanne) Johnson of Independence; five grandchildren, Brian and Brad Reed, Matthew, Eric and Andrew Johnson; a sister, Arlene (Arnold) Olson of Battle Lake and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Gary Glenn Johnson on June 22, 1998; a brother, Cleve and a sister-in-law, Myrtle.
Visitation: Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 2 p.m. Thursday at First Lutheran Church, Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl
Burial: Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake

Ernest W. Nelson
Ernest W. Nelson, 99, of Evansville died Monday, January 7, 2002 at the Osakis Community Memorial Home in Osakis. He was born May 28, 1902 to Mr. and Mrs. John Nelson at Drayton, ND where he grew up. As a young man he traveled to Minneapolis and became a cook at The Old Soldiers Home and then trained at Dunwoody Institute to become a baker. He met and married Esther Olson of Evansville while working in Minneapolis and they had two daughters, Barb and Irene. They made their home in Minneapolis and then started a bakery in Evansville during the years 1931 to 1933. They sold the bakery to Gilman Heglie and moved back to Minneapolis where he worked in bakeries throughout the area. In 1940 the family moved to his wife’s father’s farm north of Evansville where he farmed part time and worked at bakeries in Alexandria and Fergus Falls. A daughter, Judy, was born in 1944. He was able to remain on his little farm after Mrs. Nelson passed away in 1981 until he was 94 years of age due to the caring concern and watchfulness of his very special neighbors, Burnell, Bonnie, Bridget and Bryce Anderson. He lived in a senior apartment in Ashby for three years and then went to Osakis Community Memorial Home where he was close to his daughter, Barbara. He will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, love of bingo and ice fishing on Lake Ina. His special rolls were a treat which he managed to bake until well into his 90's. The family wishes to express deepest appreciation to the Andersons, Grant County Home Nursing, Dr. Peterson, the wonderful staff at the Osakis Community Memorial Home for their exceptional care of our dad, grandpa and uncle. He is survived by his daughters, Irene Olson of Alexandria, Barbara (Joe) Welsh of Osakis and Judy (Dennis) Mack of Minneapolis; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Esther; four brothers; one sister and two great-great grandsons.
Visitation: Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Evansville and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 2 p.m. Friday at Faith Lutheran Church, Evansville
Clergy: Rev. Irving J. Arnquist
Burial: Mound Grove Cemetery, Evansville
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Evansville

Irene Murray-Andrus
Irene Murray-Andrus, 93, of Minneapolis, formerly of Elizabeth, died Monday, January 14, 2002 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. She was born May 14, 1908 in Friberg Township to Thomas and Katherine Murray. She attended rural school District #193 in Friberg Township. She lived on the family farm and helped her parents farm and also worked at Otter Tail Nursing Home for a number of years. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Maine Township. In 1957 she married Henry Andrus at St. James Catholic Church. They made their home in Elizabeth where she was a member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church. Ten years ago she moved to Minneapolis to live with her family. She is survived by four nephews, Thomas (Donna) Kadel of Coon Rapids, Fred (Bev) Kadel of Minneapolis, Murray (Barb) Kadel of Stillwater and Kent (Karen) Kadel of White Bear Lake; two nieces, Marcine Nelson and Kathleen Drechsel both of Maplewood; 24 great nephews and nieces and 16 great-great nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Katherine Murray; her husband, Henry; a sister, Katherine Kadel; brother-in-law, Floyd Kadel; adopted brother, Francis and wife, Lorraine Murray; niece, Mary Mrnak and two great-nieces.
Visitation: Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 7 p.m. at Brenny Hall in Elizabeth and one hour prior to the service
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Elizabeth
Clergy: Father Richard Walz
Burial: St. James Catholic Cemetery, Maine Township
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Donna Lou Marion "Sweetie" Clausen Woessner
Donna Lou Marion "Sweetie" Clausen Weossner, 77, of Fergus Falls went home to be with her Lord, Sunday, January 20, 2002 at her daughter’s home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born June 15, 1924 the daughter of Henry and Mary (Larson) Clausen in rural Rothsay. She grew up in the Rothsay, Foxhome and Nashua areas where she attended rural school. She graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1943. She had many stories of her childhood days on the farm and about her parents, 11 brothers and sisters and a foster brother. On October 7, 1947 she married Roy Kuntz. They lived in St. Paul for eight years and had two children, Sherry and Greg. She moved back to the rural area and managed the Clausen Café in Nashua. She moved to Elbow Lake in 1960 and owned the Hotel Bar. She married Harlan Weossner on December 18, 1962 at Sisseton, SD. They had two children, Cindy and Mark. In November of 1978 they moved to Fergus Falls. She worked as a waitress at Ten Mile Steakhouse, Home 20 Café and the Viking Café. If she were to choose a favorite word, it would be "family". Her life revolved around her children and grandchildren. Some of her best friends were her sisters and nieces. She also enjoyed people and was always ready for lunch and a good cup of coffee, lively conversation and a good joke. The smile of a child moved her heart as she had compassion for children and animals. She was confirmed in the Lutheran faith and had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For the past 15 years she enjoyed fellowship at Community Bible Church. She had recently moved to her daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Bill’s home. She is survived by two daughters, Sherry (Bill) Gronwold and Cindy (Scott) Rachels of Fergus Falls; two sons, Greg Weossner of Bemidji and Mark (Angie) Weossner of Blaine; grandchildren, Bridget, Billy and Brockten Gronwold, Nathaniel Weossner, Megan Rachels and Matthew and Jessica Garner; one foster brother, Leon Smith of Chenney, KS; five sisters, Evelyn Rediski, Bernice Hennenfent, Vera Clausen, Adeline Homan all of Breckenridge and . Buelah Moore of Fergus Falls; a sister-in-law, Burnette Clausen of Campbell; a brother-in-law, Clarence (Kathleen) Weossner of Elbow Lake and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Mary Clausen; her husband, Harlan R. Weossner; five brothers, Chester, Curtis, Dale, Ervin and Lyle Clausen and a sister, Gladys Bilden.
Visitation: No visitation is planned
Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday at Community Bible Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Patrick Herzog
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Carl Carlson
Carl E. Carlson, 95, of Orwell Township, rural Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at his home. He was born January 10, 1907 in Maine Township to Charles and Bessie (Bjorgo) Carlson. He grew up and attended school in Amor Township. As a young man he moved to Orwell Township where he worked for Charles and Bertha Hitchcock. Through this work and relationship he met and married Viola Hitchcock on November 14, 1929 at the Federated Parsonage in Fergus Falls. Following their marriage they lived for four years in Orwell Township and then moved to Carlisle Township where they lived for six years. They then moved back to Orwell Township where they have farmed and made their home since 1940. Their marriage was blessed with two children, David and Jane. Mrs. Carlson died January 12, 1995. He was a member and Elder at Western Presbyterian Church. He was President of Orwell Farm Bureau, was an Orwell 4-H Club Leader and in 1956 he and Viola were the Farm Couple of the Year at the Red River Shows. He was also a member of the Elks and enjoyed fishing, hunting and going on Utopia Tours. He is survived by a daughter, Jane (Roger) Nelson of Fergus Falls; six grandchildren, Bryan (Jody) Nelson, Susan Nelson and special friend, Dwight Neset, Steven (Karen) Carlson, Lester (Deb) Carlson, Marc (Peggy) Carlson and Jody (Craig) Ecker; 12 great-grandchildren, Matthew Carlson and fiancee, Amber Anderson, Travis Carlson, Lauren Carlson, Joseph Ecker, Jacob Ecker, Dane Carlson, Molly Carlson, Alyse Carlson, Shaylah Thompson, Seth Thompson, Clover Nelson and Bailey Nelson; two sisters, Pearl Decker of Gwinner, ND and Calma Fleming of Bakersfield, CA; an aunt, Ida Christianson of Battle Lake and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Viola; son, David B. Carlson; daughter-in-law, Shirley Carlson; four brothers, Norman, Sanford, Bernard and Adolph; a sister, Julia and two half sisters, Clara and Myrtle.
Visitation: Friday 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. Saturday at Western Presbyterian Church in Western Township
Clergy: Rev. Brad Soenksen
Burial: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Maynard O. Fisher
Maynard O. Fisher, 75, of Ashby, died Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. He was born April 4, 1926 at home in rural Brownton to Edwin and Elsie (Kujas) Fisher. He was baptized in the Lutheran Faith at St. Matthews in Brownton. He was confirmed at Evergreen Lutheran Church in rural Frazee. He was a farmer, carpenter, and an avid sportsman. He was a founder of the Eagle Lake Sportsman Club. He is survived by four children from his first marriage to Gladys (Krueger) Soland, Val (Terry) Fick, Donita Smith, Milo (Carrie) Fisher all of Ashby, and Norman (Candy) Fisher of Ramsey. He is also survived by his brother Harvey (Marie) Fisher of Detroit Lakes; three sisters Lorrinda (Edwin) Schultz of Frazee, Bernice (Vernon) Vidden of East Grand Forks, and Arlene (Marvin) Monson of New York Mills; Brother-in-Law LeRoy Feldt of Frazee; 12 grandchildren, Dr. Carmen (Duane Spielman) Odegaard of Evansville, Conrad (Jennifer) Odegaard of Hoffman, Katrina Smith of Evansville, Crystal Smith of Ashby, Kevin (Dori) Fick of Ashby, Kristyn Fick of Ashby, Kyle Fick of Columbia Heights, Tara Fisher of Moorhead, Tessa Fisher of Mankato, Mike Fisher of Anoka, Nikki Fisher of Ramsey, and Cassie Fisher of Ramsey; 8 great-grandchildren; and special friend Mike Morhman of Evansville. He was preceded in death by his parents; second wife Francis (Gustofson) Fisher; brother Ellsworth; sister Evangaline Feldt; and Brother-in-Law Edwin Schultz. There will be a Fisher Family Reunion on June 22, 2002 in Maynard’s honor at the Eagle Lake Park.
Visitation: Two hours prior to the service
Service: 7 p.m. Saturday at Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby
Clergy: Rev. Carol Olson
Funeral Home: Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby

Borghild Berger
Borghild Berger, 96, a long-time resident of Fergus Falls, died Friday, February 15, 2002 at the Broen Memorial Home. She was born April 22, 1905 in Dalton, the first child of Ole O. and Carrie (Brandvold) Sageng. She spent her early years at the family farm home in Dalton. In 1925 she married Harry Berger. During their early years of marriage, they farmed in the Dalton area. Mr. Berger died in 1972. A skilled seamstress, she was employed for many years by J.C. Penny and by Fergus Falls tailors, Karl Clausen and Alfred DiLorenzo. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where she was an active participant in her Circle’s charitable quilting and sewing projects. With a love of gardening, she maintained her own home until entering Broen Memorial Home a few years ago. She is survived by her children, Ethelyn Soland of Fergus Falls and Robert (Eleanor) Berger of Seattle, WA; sisters, Mathilda Sageng of Fergus Falls and Evangeline Burton of St. Paul; loving nieces and nephews, many friends and special friend and care giver, JoAnne Rustad. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harry; brothers, Karl and Richard Sageng; sisters, Maria Lunnis, Olga Jacobsen, Dagny Ehlers and a grandson, Charles Soland.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service
Service: 2 p.m. Monday at Light and Life Auditorium, Broen Memorial Home
Clergy: Revs. Marv Abrahamson and Ed Starkey
Burial: Sarpsborg Lutheran Cemetery, Dalton
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Arthur Stanley Peterson
Arthur Stanley Peterson, age 72, of rural Battle Lake, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer Monday evening, February 18, 2002 at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls. He was born on April 9, 1929 in rural Vining to Sankey and Alma (Floen) Peterson. He was baptized in Vining and confirmed in the Grue Lutheran Church of rural Ashby. He attended rural School Districts 67 and 1 in Otter Tail County and then continued his education at the Battle Lake Public School until he started farming with his father. In 1955 he entered the U.S. Army, serving two years, and was stationed in Korea. After his discharge he enrolled at the Wahpeton Science School where he studied plumbing. On March 10, 1962, he married Karen M. Stangvik at the First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake. He was employed with Dieseth Construction and then drove milk truck for Harold Miller Trucking. After this, Art and Karen started dairy farming and later grain farmed, and during the summer months he would work road construction with Karold Evavold Construction and Eagle (Jake Henneman) Construction. He enjoyed work, visiting, and was a family man who especially enjoyed his granddaughters. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church and had served on the Church Board. He had also served several years on the Battle Lake Creamery Board and the Clitherall Township Board. He is survived by his wife, Karen; one daughter, Kari (Mark) Miller and granddaughter, Deidre of Battle Lake; one daughter-in-law, Lori Peterson and granddaughter, Samantha of Brandon and granddaughter, Crystal Peterson of Alexandria; five sisters, Corinne (Arthur) Wentzel of Fergus Falls, Francis (Armond) Grage of Fridley, Lucille Eckhardt of Erhard, Marjorie (Virgil) Smith of Dent, and Arlene Carlson of Plymouth; one sister-in-law, Marcella Peterson of Fergus Falls; and by a very special person in Art’s life, Kurt Maethner of Battle Lake. He was preceded in death by one son, Todd in 1988; parents, Sankey and Alma; one brother, Milton; one sister, Alice, and two brothers-in-law, George Eckhardt and Lowell Carlson.
Visitation: Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl
Burial: Church Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake

Joan Elsie Gjerness
Joan Elsie Gjerness, 71, of Fergus Falls died Saturday, March 2, 2002 at her home. She was born January 1, 1931 in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of Paul and Elsie (Christophersen) Larsen. From infancy through High School, she was an active member of the Second Evangelical Free Church of Brooklyn, NY. On December 17, 1949, she was united in marriage to Rev. Omar Gjerness, pastor of the nearby Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Free Church (now known as 59th St. Lutheran Church). The couple served churches in Brooklyn, NY, Billings, MT and Pasadena, CA, before moving to Fergus Falls to serve the Seminary of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren in 1962. From the beginning, she was a model pastor’s wife, who taught Sunday School, played piano, sang in the choir and was active in all phases of the Lord’s work. She cultivated deep friendships from coast to coast and abroad. At one time, she served as the National President of the Women’s Missionary Fellowship of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren and in that capacity was listed in Who’s Who in Religion in America. She worked for Esso Petroleum (now Exxon) at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, at Bullock’s Department Store in Pasadena, CA, and worked for 22 years in three different capacities in the Fergus Falls School District. Her passion was to serve God and to serve people. She loved the Lord, loved her family, loved beauty, loved flowers, loved music, loved people and loved children. That love was returned by hundreds of friends throughout her life and was especially evident during her illness, when she was showered with greeting cards, phone calls, assurances of prayer and flowers from near and far. As a teacher’s aide in Fergus Falls she will be remembered fondly by many of the young people of Fergus, as well as by the people she worked with. She was also known for her exquisite Norwegian hardanger needlework, an art handed down to her from her mother-in-law, Mollie. Her hardanger is proudly displayed from coast to coast, and will remind us for many years of her patience, her passion, her steadfastness and her kind loving spirit. Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts that can only be stitched together by the love of our Savior. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Sandra (Gleason) Archer of Deerfield, Ill. She is survived by her husband, Rev. Omar Gjerness; four children, David Gjerness of St. Louis Park, MN, Melinda (Dan) Gardner of Eau Claire, WI, Craig (Christine) Gjerness of Richfield, MN and Peter (Kimberley) Gjerness of Golden Valley, MN; three grandchildren, Katelyn Gardner, Kelsey Gardner and Bo Gjerness; a sister, Carolyn (Ken) Walker of Fullerton, CA as well as seven nephews and eight nieces.
Visitation: Monday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home and resuming one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday at Bethel Lutheran Church
Clergy: Revs. David Veum and William Colbeck
Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Albert Jacob Kiser
Albert Jacob Kiser, age 85 of Maine Township, rural Battle Lake died Tuesday, March 5, 2002 at the Otter Tail Nursing Home. He was born on June 28, 1916 in Valley City, ND, the son of Nicholas and Louisa (Becker) Kiser. He was baptized in the Catholic Church in Valley City and at the age of two years he moved with his family to rural Underwood where he was confirmed in the St. James Catholic Church in Maine Township. Jacob Kiser and Agnes Brietenbauch were married on July 24, 1940 at the St. James Catholic Church. After their marriage, they lived and farmed on Agnes’ family farm in Amor Township. They moved to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin where they resided for a short time before returning to Minnesota where they farmed in Amor and Maine Townships and managed the Underwood Drayline for one year. Jacob and Agnes operated their dairy farm for over forty years. In his later years he enjoyed working with his herd of Hereford cattle. He retired in 1988. Along with his love for farming, he was an avid hunter, fisherman, great baseball fan, and enjoyed the outdoors. He also enjoyed visiting with fellow retired farmers, and going to auction sales. He was a member of the St. James Catholic Church and had served on the school board with Rural School District 22 in Maine Township. He is survived by: his wife Agnes; one daughter, Beverly (John) Needles of Sioux Falls, S.D.; four sons, Lawrence Kiser of Minneapolis, George "Joe" Kiser of Duluth, Michael (Susan) Kiser of Fargo, ND, and Greg (Cindy) Kiser of Echo; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by: his parents; two sons, Mark and Robert Kiser; six sisters, Agnes in infancy, Margaret McCullough, Mary Schweiger, Tracy Kiser, Louisa Nelson, and Dorothy Washek; and three brothers, Bill, Frank, and Rob Kiser.
Visitation: Friday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. with parish prayers at 7:30 p.m. at the St. James Catholic Church and one hour before the service
Service: Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Maine Township
Clergy: Father Paul Folsom
Burial: St. James Catholic Church Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake

Hazel Pearl Vansteenburg
Hazel Pearl Vansteenburg, age 80, of Battle Lake, died Wednesday, March 6, 2002 at her home. She was born May 4, 1921 in Manly, Iowa to William and Bertha (Cookman) Gallion. She went to school in the Manly Public School system and graduated Valedictorian of her class in 1939. She then attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City, Iowa, graduating in the top ten of her class. She married Barton Vansteenburg of Jacobson, MN on September 2, 1943. They farmed in and around the Manly area until buying their farm south of Northwood, Iowa in 1956. Hazel worked as an accountant at various firms in the North Iowa area until moving to Wahpeton, ND in 1974. There she became head bookkeeper for Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative until her retirement in 1988. She and Barton have enjoyed traveling to all 50 states and Europe. They have enjoyed their home on Silver Lake near Battle Lake, and their winter home in Bradenton, Florida. She liked to read and crochet. She made many beautiful afghans. She also wrote stories and poetry when she was younger and once won a prize for a poem she had written. She enjoyed visiting and having her grandchildren and great-grandchildren visit. She was a lifetime member of the Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly, Iowa, and attended the Ottertail United Methodist Church where she was active in the United Methodist Women’s Organization. She enjoyed making crafts for the church bazaar and other events. Her and Barton also enjoyed going to the Battle Lake Senior Citizens Center. Her good meals and sense of humor will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. She is survived by: her husband of 58 years, Barton; one son Jeffrey (Heidi) of Northwood, Iowa; two daughters, Katha (Michael) Neese of Breckenridge, and Raejean (Dan) Toledo of Clovis, New Mexico; nine grandchildren, Tracy & Jennifer Huizel; Krista Huizel; Jaime, David and Kaia Neese; Hannah & Jessica Vansteenburg; and Heather Bruner ; two great-grandchildren, Megan Huizel and Nichole Hobson; two sisters, Violet Vansteenburg and Edna Tietz both of Manly, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: her parents; one infant son; her brother Roy Gallion; and two sisters, Mildred Fread and Lucille Hoyt.
Visitation: Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home, Battle Lake, and Monday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly, Iowa Services: Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home, Battle Lake, and Monday at 11 a.m. at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly, Iowa
Clergy: Reverend Phil Schmidt and Reverend Cumings
Burial: Manly Cemetery, Iowa
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake

Ruth Louise (Houghtaling) Henderson
Ruth Louise (Houghtaling) Henderson, 91, of Underwood, died March 9, 2002 at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls. She was born in Foxhome to Willie V. and Anna Rose (Mussman) Houghtaling on March 18, 1910. Ruth was baptized in the Methodist Church in Foxhome, and also attended school there through the eleventh grade. On August 27, 1927, Ruth was married to Michael Shannon. To this union a son, Robert V. Shannon, was born. Ruth worked at the State Hospital in Fergus Falls. In April 1931, she married Leo (Blackie) Henderson. They were the parents of five children. She helped support her family by working in many homes helping wherever she was needed. On August 28, 1946, Ruth married William (Bill) Henderson in Vergas, where she worked as a clerk in a grocery and small clothing store. In 1954, Ruth and Bill moved to Underwood where she was employed for many years at the Farmers Mercantile Store until her retirement in 1963. In 1993, Ruth moved into Tamarack Manor Apartments where she had many good friends and neighbors. Ruth loved to bake so there were plenty of "Goodies" to go around when she and her friends played cards. She was a member of Royal Neighbors, Underwood Senior Citizens, and the Underwood Harvest Festival Committee, where she loved working on the floats each year. She enjoyed making crafts and crocheting. She was a committed member of Sverdrup Lutheran Church. She was active as a Sunday School teacher, sat on the Church Council, and enjoyed the Ladies Circle. Her favorite times were the times spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed doing housework in her "bare feet", and sending cards for every occasion and waiting for her tulips to bloom in the spring! She is survived by: four sons, Robert (Sonja) Shannon of Rapid City, SD, Weldon "Pug" (Ruby) Henderson and Ronald Henderson, both of Underwood, and Bernard "Fibber" (Joan) Henderson of Audubon; two daughters, Joyce (Robert) Lee and Leatrice Mohs both of Fargo, ND; one sister, Wilma Sanborn of Breckenridge; sister-in-law, Hazel Houghtaling of Fergus Falls; three stepdaughters, Norma (Norman) Davis of Breckenridge, D.I. "Sis" Henderson of Canada, and Shirlie (Merlyn) Valan of Comstock; twenty-one grandchildren; fifty-six great-grandchildren; fifteen great-great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by: her parents; two brothers, Joe and Sherman; two sisters, Alice (Tom) Willemssen and Alta Glander; brother-in-law Harvey Sanborn; her husbands Leo "Blackie" Henderson, and William "Bill" Henderson; son-in-law Alvin Mohs; two grandsons, Jim Lee and Jeffrey Henderson; and a great-grandson Paul Henderson.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2 to 6 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 4:30 p.m. at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls
Service: Thursday at 1 p.m. at Sverdrup Lutheran Church, Underwood
Clergy: Rev. Kerri McFarland and Rev. Ron Henley
Burial: Foxhome Community Cemetery, Foxhome
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Emily Earle
Emily Earle, 87, of Fergus Falls died Wednesday, March 13, 2002 at the Knute Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria. She was born September 19, 1914 in Fergus Falls to Albert and Pauline (Lehn) Mandelke. She attended school in Elizabeth and St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church. She then moved with her family to Fergus Falls. On September 5, 1942 she married Richard "Dick" Earle in Lawton, OK where he was stationed while serving in the U.S. Army. Following his military discharge they returned to Fergus Falls. She worked at Montgomery Ward, Park Region Bakery and Our Lady of Victory Catholic Schools along with other various jobs. Mr. Earle died in 1977. She continued to make her home in Fergus Falls until December of 2001 when she moved to Alexandria and entered the Knute Nelson Memorial Home. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, crafts, going fishing and her family. She was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and St. Ann’s Circle and the VFW Auxiliary where she had been past president. She is survived by two daughters, Linda Lorenz of Alexandria and Mary Earle of Fergus Falls; a son, Bill (Janet) Earle of Duluth; two grandchildren, Jessica Earle and Ricky Earle; three sisters, Gert Neubauer of Fargo, ND, Irene (Wally) Wyffels of Banning, CA and Helen Denbrook of Fergus Falls and a brother, Ed Mandelke of Banning, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; a grandson, Jamie Lorenz; sisters, Elizabeth Brendemuhl, Regina Hanson and Dorothy Neubauer and a brother, Joe Mandelke.
Visitation: Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service
Service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Clergy: Father Robert Kieffer and Sister Joyce Leibly
Burial: St. Otto’s Catholic Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Ernest Stolson
Ernest Stolson, 82, formerly of Underwood died Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Cloud. He was born May 19, 1919 in Underwood to Elmer and Mabel (Berge) Stolson. He grew up and attended school in the Underwood area. He entered the U.S. Army August 19, 1941 and served during WWII in New Guinea. Following his discharge from military service on February 12, 1944 he did construction work. He has been a resident of the Veterans Medical Center in St. Cloud for the past 28 years. He is survived by a sister, Doris Bergeron of Milaca and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Viola.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service
Service: 2 p.m. Friday at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Kerri McFarland
Burial: Tingvold Lutheran Cemetery, Underwood
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Kathryn W. Fuder
Joan Kathryn W. Fuder, age 86, of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, April 13, 2002 at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls. She was born on October 3, 1915 in Fergus Falls to Lucius and Ida May (Derick) Zent. She grew up and attended school in Fergus Falls. She later met and married Virgil Baldwin and they had three children. On January 4, 1946 she married Willis Henry Fuder in Brainerd. They lived in Staples, Northern MN, and Erhard prior to returning to Fergus Falls and operating the West Lincoln Grocery. They later moved to California. They returned to Fergus Falls and again operated the West Lincoln Grocery until they retired and moved to Breckenridge. After Mr. Fuder’s death on December 18, 1983, she returned to Fergus Falls where she made her home. She became a resident of the Broen Memorial Home in the fall of 2001. She enjoyed crocheting and making quilts. She is survived by her daughter, Kay F. Oppegard of Woodburn, Oregon; two sons, Gene Baldwin of Fergus Falls and Donald L. (Josephine) Baldwin of Sparks, Nevada; stepdaughter, Darlene Hoff of Rothsay; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; brother, Charles Zent of Roseville; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willis Fuder; two sisters, Janet Glosby and Dorothy Lightfoot; and three brothers, Howard, Frank, and Daniel Zent.
Service: a pivate family service will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Mabel Gran Ulsaker
Mabel Gran Ulsaker, 97, of Battle Lake died Sunday, April 14, 2002 at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Center. She was born April 17, 1904 on the Gran Farm near Campbell, MN to Charles and Gjertina (Nossum) Gran. She graduated from the Campbell High School, then attended Wahpeton School of Science and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. Degree in Education. She taught high school English in Morton, MN and then at Battle Lake in the early 1930's. On June 3, 1933 she married Lawrence Ulsaker. During his 30 year military career in the Army they lived throughout the United States and overseas for three years in Japan. While in Japan, she taught English to Japanese students and was an active volunteer for the Red Cross Gray Ladies during the Korean War. After Mr. Ulsaker retired from the Army in 1958, they moved to Battle Lake and built a home near North Point. During their retirement they enjoyed traveling to India, Pakistan, Africa, Mexico, many countries in Northern and Southern Europe, England, Norway, Hawaii, the Carribean and Mediterranean. Colonel Ulsaker died May 6, 1989. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and after the merger, of First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake. An enthusiastic teacher, she substituted in the Battle Lake Schools for over thiry years and taught German in a country school north of Battle Lake for many years. Many of her students were the children and grandchildren of the students she taught in the 1930's. She gave dramatic readings at church, nursing homes and various groups in the community. She supervised the Girls State Program for Legion Auxiliary for over 40 years, was active in church, Progressive Club and Republican Club. She was also very involved with her family especially the grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and loved entertaining friends and family in their home. In her youth she was a swimming teacher and during her lifetime swam across West Battle Lake three times. She is survived by a daughter, Sonja Peterson of Battle Lake; a son, Larry (True) Ulsaker of Medora, ND; six grrandchildren, Tate (Margarita) Ulsaker, Danik and Alexandra of Moscow, Russia, Karla Ulsaker of Laguna Beach, CA, Trent (Lynette) Ulsaker, Sarah and Lydia of Springfield, IL, Lisa Peterson of Shelburn, VT, David (Tina) Peterson of Eden Prairie, MN and Katy Peterson of Eugene, OR; sister, Elaine (Jim) Halls of Minneapolis and Scottsdale, AZ and two brothers, Kenneth (Betty) Gran of Seal Beach, CA and Ralph Gran of Washington D.C. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lawrence; an infant son Carl; twin infant daughters, Marsha and Maren; two brothers, Conrad Gran and Martin Gran; a sister, Gladys Frazier.
Visitation: Tuesday 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. Wednesday at First Lutheran Church, Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl
Burial: Fairview Cemetery, Wahpeton, ND
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson of Battle Lake

Lucille Norenberg
Lucille Norenberg, 88, of Ashby died Sunday, April 21, 2002 at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls. She was born June 28, 1913 in Eagle Lake Township, rural Battle Lake, to Ole and Inga (Gulseth) Peterson. She was baptized and confirmed at Grue Lutheran Church in Eagle Lake Township and graduated from Fergus Falls High School. On November 3, 1934 she married George A. Norenberg. After their marriage they farmed on her home farm until 1952. They then purchased a home and moved into Ashby where she lived until entering the Pelican Lake Health Care Center in Ashby in July of 1996. She worked at the Pelican Lake Nursing Home, then owned and operated 2 N’s Café in Evansville and later worked at the Gamble Store in Ashby. Mr. Norenberg died September 2, 1965. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, quilting, gardening and making donuts and lefse for her family. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran, now Peace Lutheran Church, Ashby Garden Club, Ashby Homemakers, was a leader in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and also a leader in two 4-H Clubs, Eagle Lake Gophers and the Ashby Twinkies. She is survived by two daughters, Margaret (Gary) Noble of Fergus Falls and Cheri (Jim) Thies of Hudson, WI; three sons, Orland (Donna) Norenberg of Ashby, Ronald (Linda) Norenberg of Park Rapids and Curtis (Nikki) Norenberg of Twin Falls, ID; son-in-law, Roger Skaar of Mankato; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, Tina (Bill) Perrin, Jessica, Alicia and Joyce Knutson of Ashby; Kent (Mary) Skaar and Megan of North Mankato; John (Lisa) Skaar, Nicholas and Samantha of Sheldon, IA; Chad (Kristy) Norenberg, Taylor Smythe, Tristen and Evan of Lancaster, WI; Kimberly Norenberg of Fargo, ND; Tammie Smith and Cody of Hoffman; Kristi (Jon) Smythe, Connor and Keegan of Park Rapids; Trevor Norenberg of Pocatello, ID; Jason (Betsy) Noble of Roanoke, VA; Joshua Noble of Fergus Falls; James Thies of Hudson, WI; Kairsten Thies of Columbus, OH; Tyler and Kayla Norenberg, the children of the late Tracy Norenberg and Kim Anderson of Ashby and a special grandson, Carlos Melgar of Guatemala. She was preceded in death by her husband, George; infant son; daughter, Patricia Skaar; grandson, Tracy Norenberg; a sister and two brothers. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.
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 at the church
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

Luella Boyer
Luella Boyer, 86, a resident of Pioneer Pointe in Fergus Falls died Monday, April 22, 2002 at Pioneer Pointe. She was born December 30, 1915 in Linton, ND, the daughter of Fay Albert and Celia Olive (Quinlan) Harding. After graduating from Bismark High School, she attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks where she met Cyril T. Boyer. They were married October 13, 1936 and lived in Grand Forks, Duluth, MN, Ashland, WI and Minneapolis, MN. During these years they raised four children and she also did secretarial work at an insurance agency. In 1976 they took summer residency at the family lake home on Clitherall Lake after renovating it. They spent several winters in Arizona. In 1999 she moved to Pioneer Pointe in Fergus Falls where she resided until her death. She is survived by two daughters, LoAnn Boyer and Penelope Moghe both of Denver, CO; a son, Douglas (Mary Lou) Boyer of Clitherall; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and a brother, Harry Murrell Harding of Sheridan, WY. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cyril on October 22, 1989 ; a daughter, Michele Boyer on September 12, 1998; two sisters, Thelma and Beatrice and two brothers, Forest and Merritt.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the funeral home. There will be no reviewal.
Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Monday, April 29, 2002 at the Nilson Funeral Home, Battle Lake
Clergy: Sister Char Grossman
Burial: Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Clitherall
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake

Irene Tungseth
Irene Tungseth, 73, of Fergus Falls died Wednesday, April 24, 2002 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, ND. She was born December 9, 1928 in Duluth, MN to Thorsten and Reidun (Olson) Leland. She was baptized and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Brethren Church in Duluth. She attended school in Duluth through her Junior year and graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in 1947. She worked for Minnesota Power and Light at Duluth and in 1959 moved to Minneapolis and worked for Augsburg College in the Business Office. On July 4, 1964 she married Peter Tungseth at Salem Lutheran Brethren Church in Duluth and they moved to the farm in Buse Township, Fergus Falls. She worked for J.C. Penny Co. in the Catalog Department for over 20 years. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and flowers. She also enjoyed her church activities and was a very social person. She was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and was active in ladies’ groups. She is survived by her husband, Peter; two sons, John (Nancy) Tungseth of Fergus Falls and James (Maria) Tungseth of Denver, CO; granddaughter, Alexis; two step-granddaughters, Elizabeth and Kimberly; step-grandson, Christian; "grandchildren" Travis and Emma Sjostrom; two sisters, Mardell (Robert) Lindstrom of Pelican Rapids and Audrey (Walter) Goltz of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; two brothers, Raymond Leland and Phillip Leland both of Duluth; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Thorwald and Donald.
Visitation: Friday 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 at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Revs. David Veum and Ed Monson
Burial: Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Hawley, MN
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Fred Arthur Fogg
Fred Arthur Fogg passed away peacefully on April 22, 2002 at the age of 84. Fred was preceded in death by his wife Olga Marie and is survived by his brother Julius of California. Fred and Olga Marie were united in marriage on April 25, 1944 and had two sons, F. Thomas (Tom) of Tanana, Alaska, and John of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Fred worked as a research scientist for International Business Machines Corporation in Woodstock, New York and later as a professor of mathematics at St. Cloud State College in Minnesota. Following retirement, Fred and Marie lived on Big Chippewa Lake near Brandon, Minnesota. Fred was an independent, learned man who loved to study and read. He was also very passionate about sailing and the sea. A private family service will be held. Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Evansville is in charge of arrangements.

James Schriver
James Schriver, 58, of Fergus Falls died Friday, April 26, 2002 at Lake Region Hospital. He was born November 16, 1943 in Fergus Falls to Walter and Agnes (Vos) Schriver. He attended school in Fergus Falls and Technical School in Fargo, ND. On October 1, 1966 he married Claudia Johnson in Detroit Lakes and they moved to Fergus Falls in 1968. They have two sons and one daughter. He worked in South Dakota, Minneapolis and Fergus Falls. In 1980 he started his truck repair shop in Fergus Falls. Because of health problems he sold it to Jeff Anderson in 2001. He enjoyed deer hunting in Wyoming and Minnesota with his sons and Jason Ott. He also restored antique tractors, his favorites being his John Deere’s. He was a member of Lake Region Pioneer Threshermen’s Association and Greater Minnesota Two Cylinder Club. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. His biggest joy in life was his grandson, Riley, whom he loved dearly as he did his sons, daughter, son-in-law and wife. He was a quiet man of few words but always honest. He is survived by his wife, Claudia; sons, Matt of Thousand Oaks, CA and Dan of St. Cloud; daughter, Andrea (Brian) Wilson and grandson, Riley Wilson of Virginia, MN; sisters, Barb (Gene) Dohrer of Fergus Falls and Judy Schriver of Phoenix, AZ; sister-in-law, Carol (Tom) Cassidy of Bloomington, MN and niece and nephew, Allan and Christen Cassidy of Bloomington. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Agnes and his mother-in-law, Clara Johnson.
Visitation: Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 2 p.m. Monday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Clergy: Rev. Paul Nelson
Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls.

Lucile Von Plachecki
Lucile Von Plachecki, 93, of Battle Lake died Saturday, April 27, 2002 at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Center. She was born April 2, 1909 in Elgin, IL to Ted and Emma Cotton. She graduated from the Elgin High School and attended Lawrence College in Appleton, WI. On January 23, 1936 she married Arthur Edwin Von Plachecki in Elgin and they lived in Oak Park-River Forest, IL. She worked at Lyttons Department Store as a buyer for children’s clothing. She was a member of River Forest Women’s Club and Pan Hellenic Sorority Organization. In 1972 they moved to Battle Lake and in the fall of 1980 moved to Northshore Drive to live with her daughter, Val and George Schmid. Mr. Von Plachecki died in June of 1987. She was a charter member and president of the Battle Lake Senior Citizens Center where she was very involved. She was chosen Outstanding Senior Citizen of Otter Tail County. She was also a member of the Progressive Women’s Club in Battle Lake and Republican Women’s Club. She was very sociable, a lady of fashion and was an excellent hostess who enjoyed giving dinner and cocktail parties. She collected Hummels and played organ and piano for enjoyment. She was very close to her family especially her grandchildren. She is survived by a daughter, Valerie (George) Schmid of Battle Lake; son, Arthur (Margot Von Plachecki of Sherman, CT; six grandsons, Falk Von Plachecki of Coldchester, CT, Michael (Stefanie) Schmid of Minneapolis, John Schmid and Patrick Schmid both of Battle Lake, Erik (Lainie) Von Plachecki of Glastonbury, CT and G.J. Schmid of Pelican Rapids and four great-grandchildren She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Arthur.
Visitation: Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl
Burial: Church Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake