Evelyn Mae French
Joan Evelyn Mae French, 78, a long-time resident of Evansville passed away at Crystal Care Center in Crystal, MN on Monday, May 6, 2002. She was born February 21, 1924, the first of 12 children, to Glenn V. and Mildred (Hackett) Anderson of the Tripoli, IA area. After high school she worked briefly for a family in Detroit, MI before enrolling in a business college in Johnson City, NY. She returned to Iowa, serving as secretary to author Paul Hutchens (The Sugar Creek Gang) until an emergency appendectomy caused her to resign the position. Later she worked as a secretary for a business and then a Christian ministry organization. In her early 20's she enrolled at St. Paul Bible Institute in St. Paul, MN, now Crown College in St. Bonifacius, MN. While a student there she met and became engaged to Flavel M.R. French of Danbury, WI. After their marriage in 1949 they moved to St. John, ND on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, and for several years they were workers with the Christian & Missionary Alliance. Their nine children were born there as was her tradition of cultivating huge vegetable gardens to provide for her family. In 1966 her husband’s employment with the Great Northern/Burlington Northern Railroad brought them to Evansville. Mr. French died in 1982, one day after his 64th birthday. She was a resident of Evansville until April 29th of this year when her children moved her to the Twin Cities to be closer to more family members in her illness. She died of congestive heart failure and other complications of diabetes. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings, Letha, Paul and twins Marilyn and Carilyn (Flodin); and daughters, Berte Jean in 1962 and Leda Grace in 1980. She is survived by sons, George (Arly) French of Danbury, WI and Dr. Charles (Peggy) French of Nairobi, Kenya; daughters, Pat (Arlin) Anderson of St. Francis, Becky (Alan) Gildner of Apple Valley, Mona Mohrmann (Dean) Olson of Erdahl, Lis (Doug) Trouten of Minneapolis and Vangi (David) Kindervater of Tokyo, Japan; 26 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, Aaron and Marissa Mae Mohrmann, Sydnee and Jack Anderson and Gabriel and Jean Pierre Romero; sisters, Lorraine DeLong (Verle) Mason and Loretta Myrhe; brothers, Eugene (Ruth) Anderson, Leslie (Alice June) Anderson, Victor (Margel) Anderson, Wendell (Blanche) Anderson and Kenneth Ellsworth (Karen) Anderson as well as 31 of her 32 nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Evansville and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Thursday at Calvary Covenant Church, Evansville
Clergy: Rev. Nathan Langager
Burial: Mound Grove Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson of Evansville

Mildred Josephine Helle
Mildred Josephine Helle, 95, of Ashby died Monday at the Pelican Lake Health Care Center in Ashby. She was born December 16, 1906 in St. Olaf township of rural Ashby, MN to Adolph and Johanna (Bergstom) Anderson. She was baptized and confirmed at Kvam Lutheran Church by Rev. E Berlie. She attended school in the Ashby area and later worked as a cook at the Northwestern College in Fergus Falls, MN. On January 12, 1933 she married Anton Helle also of rural Ashby. They farmed for three years in the Dalton vicinity. Then in 1937 they moved to her home place. She was an active member in the Kvam Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School for many years and belonged to the Ladies Aid. They later moved into Ashby where she was a seamstress for many years. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she served with the ALCW, Ladies Circles, and taught Sunday School for many years. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, the Ashby Senior Citizens, and enjoyed her flowers and sewing. She is survived by one son, Arlon (Patty) Helle of Omaha, NE; two grandsons, Steve (Deanna) Helle of Huntington Beach, CA and Gary Helle of Omaha, NE; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Anton in 1972; and brothers and sisters.
Visitation: Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Ashby and one hour prior to the service at the church Funeral
Service: Friday at 1 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, Ashby
Clergy: Rev. Carol Olson
Burial: Pelican Lake Cemetery, Ashby
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby

Earl H. Boyum
Earl H. Boyum, age 75, of Battle Lake died Thursday morning at Lake Region Hospital after a long and valiant struggle with lung disease. He was born on July 11, 1926 in Battle Lake to Henry and Elline (Grinde) Boyum. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church. He attended rural school district #34, Battle Lake Public School and continued his education at Morris Agriculture School where he graduated in 1944. After his graduation he farmed until being drafted into the U.S. Army where he served from 1953 to 1955 with the 101st Airborne Infantry Division. After serving with the Army, he returned to farming with his family. While farming he was interested in using conservation practices and enjoyed garden and fruit production. This he continued to enjoy after retiring and moving to Battle Lake. On August 6, 1955, he married Anita Rydland at the First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake. Together they dairy farmed in Clitherall Township until his retirement in 1991 when they purchased and moved into their home in Battle Lake. He was a member of First Lutheran Church where he had served as president of the Church council along with other positions. He was also a member of the VFW, American Legion and served on the Battle Lake School Board from 1978 to 1984. He was very supportive of his community and school activities, and as a young man was a member and President of the Rural Youth Organization. He enjoyed the accomplishments and activities of his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time at the family cabin on Clitherall Lake. He is survived by his wife Anita; five children, Dr. Sonja (Rev. Bill) Meiers, Heidi, Britta and Christopher of Mankato, Allen (Jean) Boyum, Aaron, Brett and Kristen of Battle Lake, Leslie (Sheri) Boyum, Michelle and Nathaniel of St. Joseph, Missouri, Avis (Jeff) Ek, Becky, Dan and Alex of Mantorville, MN, and Beth (Tim) Schendel, Virginia, Mia, Paul, Charlie and Harley of Battle Lake; one brother, Norman (Gladys) Boyum of Battle Lake; and one sister-in-law, Ann Boyum of Battle Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Elline Boyum; one brother, Kermit Boyum and a niece, Martha Rose Boyum.
Visitation: Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake and one hour prior to the service at the Church Funeral
Service: Monday at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl and Rev. William Meiers
Burial: Church Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake

John Jerome Roget, M.D.
John Jerome Roget, M.D. , 77, of Belle Center, Ohio died Friday, May 24, 2002 at the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington, KY. He was born December 29, 1924 in Superior, WI, to John N. and Sarah Catherine (Blake) Roget. He graduated from the Underwood High School in 1942 and then served with the U.S. Army in the European Theatre during WWII. He received his Bachelors Degree from Taylor University in 1952 and graduated from Indiana University Medical School in 1956. He had been a physician in Belle Center since 1958. He married Elma Neumann. On July 1, 1988 he married Joyce M. Rogers at Edgeley, ND. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Bellefontaine, OH, where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. He was also a member of the Belle Center Kiwanis Club, Belle Center American Legion, Pioneer Auto Association/Classic Car Club, American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, former member of the Logan County School Board, Hardin County Armory Restoration Foundation and Petroliana Club. For many years he helped sponsor and organize the Belle Center Memorial Day Parade. He is survived by his wife; sons, Brian (Susan) Roget of Hilliard, OH, Mark (Lori) Roget of Denver, CO and Alan (Micki) Roget of Dallas, TX; daughter, Beverly Czerniak of Farmington, NM; step-sons, Ron B. (Cindy) Rogers and Ed Rogers both of Kenton, OH; grandchildren, Erin, Robin and Michael Czerniak, Ryan, Kyle, Garrett, Hannah, Rachel, Nathalie, Bryce and Victoria Roget and a brother, Rev. Glenn Lord of Underwood. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; one sister and two grandchildren.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Maine Presbyterain Church, rural Underwood
Clergy: Rev. Glenn Lord
Burial: Silent Vale Cemetery with Military Rites by VFW Post 612 and American Legion Post 30 of Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Shannon (Bubba) Houge
Shannon (Bubba) Houge, 29, of rural Fergus Falls died Monday, May 27, 2002 at his home as the result of a farming accident. He was born January 17, 1973 in Fergus Falls to Steven and Diane (Fosse) Houge. He was baptized and confirmed at Stavanger Lutheran Church and graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1992. He attended Moorhead Technical School graduating in 1994. He worked on the Pro-Gold Plant in Wahpeton doing construction and then worked in Valdez, Alaska for Peter Pan Fisheries for two years. He returned to Fergus Falls and worked for Vinyl lite as a glazer welder. He also worked on the family farm and enjoyed raising and working with his Quarter horses. He loved his family and enjoyed visiting and helping others. He had a model car collection and also enjoyed duck and deer hunting, fishing, horseback riding, motorcyles and his Chesapeake dog, Ceder. He was a member of Stavanger Lutheran Church, American Quarter Horse Association, FFA and V.I.C.A. He was an excellent mechanic and very good at running equipment. He was a cowboy at heart. He is survived by his parents, Steve and Diane Houge; grandparents, Clarice Fosse of Rothsay and Sherlock and Marjorie Houge of Fergus Falls; sister, Heidi (Kraig) Kainz of Goodridge; brother, Billy (Tessa) Houge of Fergus Falls; four nephews and nieces, Kiefer, Kaitlin and Daylyn Kainz and Samantha Houge; uncles, aunts and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Frederick Fosse and his uncle, Richard Fosse.
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: 2 p.m. Saturday at Stavanger Lutheran Church, rural Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Arlow Hushagen
Burial: Church Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls.

Russell Lillemoen
Russell Lillemoen, 88, of Wendell died Thursday, May 30, 2002 at the Broen Memorial Home. He was born March 11, 1914 near the Grant-Otter Tail County line, north of Wendell, the eldest of four children to Ralph and Agnetta (Vigen) Lillemoen. He spent the first third of his life working as a farmhand on several area farms, as a mechanic for several area shops and as a route driver for the Wendell Creamery. In the early 1950's he migrated to the San Francisco Bay area in California where he met and married Ruth Van Gerpen in 1954. He worked as an auto mechanic in the Bay area for 25 years while Mrs. Lillemoen provided day care to local children. They were charter members of a Sons of Norway Lodge, begun in San Mateo, CA, and continued to have lasting friendships from that lodge until the present time. They returned to their roots after retirement in the early 1980's, living in Wendell, Windom and again in Wendell until the present. They were members of Rock Prairie Lutheran Church and he was a member of the Wendell Lions Club. Mrs. Lillemoen died October 30, 2001. He is survived by his son, Roger (Ellen) Lillemoen of Roseville; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mark (Lori) Lillemoen and daughter, Courtney Mae of Lake Elmo and Matthew (Ann) Lillemoen and daughter, Erin of St. Paul; adopted son, Kenneth of Redwood City, CA; foster son, Bruce (Donna) Balsan of Pensacola, FL and their children, Tracy and Ian; brother, Clifford Lillemeon of Spokane WA and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Agnetta; his beloved wife, Ruth; sister, Ivydell Koeplin and brother, Harvey Lillemoen.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Monday at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Elbow Lake
Clergy: Rev. Dan Cole
Burial: Church cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Jeffery Saenger
Jeffery Saenger, 36, of Moorhead died Friday, May 31, 2002 near Ulen as the result of a car accident. He was born July 9, 1965 in Minneapolis to Wilson and Mary (Heibel) Saenger. He was baptized at Holy Family Catholic Church in St. Louis Park. He moved with his family to Fergus Falls in 1972 and was confirmed at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1983 and attended Willmar Community College and Fergus Falls Community College. In 1986 he married Kim Lundsetter and they have three children, Trista, Taryn and Tiana. In 1999 he married Kristy Anderson and they have one son, Noah. He managed the Service Department at Fergus Motors and then worked for the Wadena Motor Company in the Service Department. He managed the Rothsay Truck Stop in Rothsay. Then he and Kristy owned and operated Yummy’s Treats & Eats at the Westridge Mall in Fergus Falls. Presently he was Management Consultant for four Cenex Convience Stores in the Fargo-Moorhead area. He enjoyed the outdoors, bow hunting and home remodeling. He had a passion for flying and was an avid reader. He loved his children and family. He is survived by his wife, Kristy of Moorhead; son, Noah; daughters, Trista, Taryn and Tiana; his parents, Wilson and Mary Saenger of Fergus Falls; sister, Sharon (Scott) Deibert of Batavia, IL; brother, Mark (Marla) Saenger of Big Lake; grandparents, Clara Heibel of St. Cloud, Wilson and Millie Thomas of Charleston, SC and Donald Saenger of Maple Grove; nieces, Angie, Shannon, Kelly and Kelsey; nephews, Ryan, Ian, Tyler and Bryce; mother-in-law, Janice Anderson of Erhard and sister-in-law, Kathy (Quentin) Conklin of Horace, ND. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Jennie Saenger; grandfather, Clarence Heibel and father-in-law, Dale Anderson.
Visitation: Tuesday 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: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 207 Vine Street North, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Father Robert Kieffer and Sister Joyce Leibly
Burial: St. Otto’s Catholic Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, 301 E Washington Ave, Fergus Falls

Myrtle Fick
Myrtle Fick, 86, of Ashby died Friday, May 31, 2002 at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls. She was born October 16, 1915 in St. Olaf Township, rural Dalton, to Theodore and Emma (Pederson) Risbrudt. She was baptized and confirmed in St. Olaf Lutheran Church and attended School District #2. She then worked for various families in the area. On June 24, 1939 she married Herbert Fick in Ashby. They lived in Buxton, ND and St. Joseph, MN while he was employed with the railroad. They returned to the Dalton area where they made their home. She worked as a telephone operator and was an Election Judge for the City of Dalton for many years. She also worked as a cook at the Dalton School and then for Medallion Kitchens in Fergus Falls. Mr. Fick died November 2, 1968. She was a member of Our Savior’s Ten Mile Lake Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and was active in the Ladies groups. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, making rugs and needlework. She also enjoyed visiting and talking on the phone. Attending her grandchildren’s activies was her greatest joy and she never missed one of their events. She is survived by a son, Terry (Val) Fick of Ashby; three grandchildren, Kevin (Dori) Fick, Kristyn Fick and Kyle Fick all of Ashby; four great-grandchildren, Shawn, Benjamin, Hunter and Kyle and two sisters, Theoline Holo of Battle Lake and Irene Thompson of Ashby. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Herbert; brothers, Clark and Truman and sisters, Grace, Evelyn, Lorraine and LaVonne.
Visitation: Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 8 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday at Our Savior’s Ten Mile Lake Lutheran Church in Dalton
Clergy: Revs. Duke Lundeen and Wes Moir
Burial: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby

George L. Swenson
George L. Swenson, 74, of Fergus Falls died Sunday, June 2, 2002 at Lake Region Hospital. He was born January 9, 1928 in Fergus Falls, MN the youngest son of V.O.K. and Nellie (Hatch) Swenson. He attended school in Fergus Falls. He graduated from the Wahpeton State School of Science at Wahpeton, ND and also graduated from the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks, ND. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II and also the Korean War. On January 6, 1959 he married Luella "Susie" Marie Norgren at the Little Brown Church in the Vale at Nashua, Iowa. He was employed as a Territory Manager for Amoco Oil for 27 years. He began his training in Fargo, ND, then was transferred to several North Dakota cities and then to Bloomington, MN for 16 years. He retired from Amoco in 1984. In 1994 he and his wife moved back to Fergus Falls. He will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor and his generosity. He believed in the work ethic - he was always busy doing something. He was devoted to his parents and helped them with any physical work they needed to have done. He was also a helpmate for his sister-in-law, Sister Mildred Norgren and he helped her in many ways. He was preceded in death by his parents, V.O.K. and Nellie Swenson; two brothers, Weldon and Ralph Swenson and one sister and brother-in-law, Adeline (Rev. Paul) Lemke. He is survived by his devoted wife, Luella "Susie" of Fergus Falls; one sister, Ethel Mitchell of St. Paul and one brother, Gale Swenson of LaCrescent, MN; one sister-in-law, Margaret Swenson of Albuquerque, NM; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial are preferred to the Billy Graham Crusade or donor's choice.
Visitation: Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service
Service: 2 p.m. Friday at the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Revs. William Malam
Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Miles Gordon Albertson
Miles Gordon Albertson, 94, of Fergus Falls died Friday, June 7, 2002 at the Pioneer Retirement Community. He was born October 7, 1907 to Alfred "Benny" and Elsie (Dahl) Albertson. They lived in the Doran area where they farmed and he attended School District 32 in Bradford Township. In 1921 the family moved to a farm south of Foxhome. He attended the Riverside School District 54 for his last school year. He worked at various jobs and as a farm hand near Jasper, SD. He later moved to Milwaukee, WI where he worked at the Shovel Company and as a blockman for the Portland Cement Company. In August of 1929 he married Irene Rislov in Milwaukee. Later they moved to Foxhome where they farmed and he did many other jobs such as repair work on farm machines and automobiles. During the Depression he worked for the WPA. He did furnace and aluminum work in Fergus Falls. In Wahpeton, ND he worked at the Lillegard Garage. At age 62 he retired from farming and began over the road trucking until age 78. In 1979 they moved to Dalton where they were members of Our Savior’s Ten Mile Lake Lutheran Church. They enjoyed activities with the Senior Citizen’s Group and many years of fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed family and friends. He was a "people person". Irene passed away in 1992. Later He and Genevieve spent several years in Dalton before moving to the Page House in Fergus Falls. They later moved to Riverview Heights. Genevieve passed away in 2001. He then resided at the Ottertail Nursing Home until the fall of 2001 when he moved to the Pioneer Retirement Community. He will be missed! He is survived by seven children, Phyllis (Richard) Tweeton of Moorhead, Virgil (Mary) Albertson of Fergus Falls, Donna Mae (Arthur) Dahlen of LuVerne, Merlyn (Ruth) Albertson of Park Rapids, Janice Dold and Chester Baker of Elko, Darrell (Patty) Albertson of Fergus Falls and Rhonda (Mark) Gasiorowski of Lakeville; 23 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Alice Olson of Barrett and Ella "Mickey" Hoobler of Richland, WA., and a special friend, Florence Bilden. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; parents and three brothers, Rudolph, Norris and Kenneth.
Visitation: Tuesday from 4 to 7 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: 2 p.m. Wednesday at Our Savior’s Ten Mile Lake Lutheran Church in Dalton
Clergy: Revs. Randy Young and Wes Moir
Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Frances Anderson
Frances Anderson, 92, of Fergus Falls died Saturday, June 8, 2002 at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home. She was born February 1, 1910 in Breckenridge to Frederick W. and Agnes (Maher) Johnson She was baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge by Father Gumper and was later confirmed there. She attended Breckenridge Public School graduating in 1928 as Valedictorian of her class. She then attended Moorhead State College for two years and received her teaching certificate. She taught at Hallock and coached the high school girl’s basketball team for five years. In 1937 she began teaching in Fairbault at the Braille and Sight Saving School for the next six years. On August 15, 1942 she married Kenneth Anderson in Minneapolis. While he was serving overseas in the military during WWII she moved back to Breckenridge to live with her father. After her father died in 1953 she and Kenneth moved to East Grand Forks, MN where he worked as a telegrapher. In 1956 they moved to Fergus Falls where they have lived since. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth; two sons, William (Rosalea) Anderson of Garfield and Edward Anderson of Minneapolis; a daughter, Mary (Richard) Lindgren of Barnum; 10 grandchildren, Kristine, Janet, Wendy, Cary, Taylor, Louise, Elizabeth, Valerie, Nicholas and Erica; four great-grandchildren, Ashley, Josh, Jonathan and Justin. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Lucille and two brothers, Bernard and Joseph.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Clergy: Father Robert Kieffer
Burial: St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Breckenridge
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Harold Larson
Harold "Hyde" Larson, 65, of Evansville died Wednesday, June 12, 2002 at the St. Cloud Hospital. He was born September 9, 1936 in Evansville Township to Carl and Lillian (Sauers) Larson. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Evansville and attended school in Evansville. Following school he began working on the farm with his dad. On November 28, 1953 he married Beverly Dahlen. They lived in Evansville Township where he farmed. During his farming career he also worked construction for Cliff Strom Construction in Brandon where he operated heavy equipment. He raised Polled Herfords for many years. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Evansville. He enjoyed flowers, feeding and watching birds, dancing and especially enjoyed listening to Gloria play the piano. He was an honorable, modest man who loved and cared for his family and grandchildren deeply. He is survived by his special friend, Gloria Koplin of Evansville; two sons, Jeffrey (Karen) Larson of Evansville and Bradley (Mary) Larson of Eagen; two daughters, Joni (Dewey) Marusak and Judy (Tim) Kalina both of Alexandria; 11 grandchildren, Chad, Erin and Travis Larson, Derek and Jenna Larson, Heidi, Justin and Brett Marusak, Kristen, Gretchen and Carly Kalina; sisters, Lorraine Stuart of Muskegon, MI, Janice Johnson of Frazee and Wanda (Marvin) Rosten of Fort Morgan, CO and brothers, Ronald (Lois) Larson of Evansville and Dennis (Judy) Larson of Minneapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation: Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Evansville
Service: 1 p.m. Saturday at Faith Lutheran Church in Evansville
Clergy: Rev. Irving Arnquist
Burial: Mound Grove Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Evansville

Emily Haagenson
Emily Haagenson, 91, of Battle Lake died Friday, June 14, 2002 at the Pioneer Retirement Community in Fergus Falls. She was born March 9, 1911 in Eagle Lake Township, rural Battle Lake, to Ole and Gjertrud (Nelson) Juvland. She attended rural School District #6 in Eagle Lake Township and graduated from the Ashby High School in 1928. She took teachers training at the Fergus Normal School and then attended Moorhead State University. She taught in country schools throughout Otter Tail County, Vining and Deer Creek. On June 20, 1948 she married Helmer Haagenson at Bethel Lutheran Church in St. Olaf Township. After their marriage they farmed in Leaf Mountain Township and she was a homemaker in the home. After retiring they moved to their home in Battle Lake. Mr. Haagenson died April 18, 1984. On August 28, 1993 she moved to her niece, Olga O’Donnell’s home by Stalker Lake. She was a member of Leaf Mountain Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, served as Sunday School Superintendent and was active in Ladies Aid. She enjoyed quilting and made quilts for many people. She also wrote poems for numerous occasions. She is survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Helmer; five sisters, Julia Tollefson, Mary Hoff, Olive Knutson, Gunda Juvland, Ella Juvland and an infant sister, Othelia Juvland and a brother, Olaf Juvland.
Visitation: Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake
Service: Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Leaf Mountain Lutheran Church, rural Clitherall
Clergy: Rev. Mark Tiede
Burial: Church Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake

Kasper Braaten
Kasper Braaten, 79, of Fergus Falls died Sunday at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Center in Battle Lake. He was born December 8, 1922 to Andrew and Oline (Aas) Braaten in Aurdal Township where he grew up and attended school. On August 29, 1953, he married Jordis Kvaal in Underwood. Together they made their home in Aurdal Township. He farmed, worked for Medallion Kitchens, and Vernon Jensen Construction. Jordis passed away on October 20, 1988 and he continued to live in their home in Aurdal Township until entering the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Center in 1998. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He enjoyed wood working. He is survived by his step-son, Larnie Danielson of Daytona Beach, FA; nephew, Richard Berge; and one niece, Kathryn Ebert. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three sisters, Grace Olson, Amy Berge, and Geneva; and infant brothers.
Visitation: 1 hour prior to the Service at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Service: Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Stanley Larson
Burial: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Frieda Lother
Frieda Lother, age 94, of Fergus Falls died Sunday, July 14, 2002 at the Broen Memorial Home. She was born January 26, 1908 in rural Berlin, WI, the daughter of Hermann and Louisa (Hill) Boeder. The family moved to Minnesota in March of 1916 settling in the Dalton area, and later moving to the Long Lake area. She attended school in Wisconsin, Dalton, and Long Lake School in Elizabeth Township. She was confirmed in 1924 at the Evangelical and Reformed Church (now the First United Church of Christ) in Fergus Falls. On November 10, 1925 she was united in marriage to Roy Lother. They farmed near Elizabeth and northeast of Fergus Falls before moving into Fergus Falls in 1948. After moving into Fergus Falls, she worked at the Eat Mor Café and at the Viking Café. She enjoyed gardening and growing many flowers in her yard. She also learned to crochet and made many doilies and some large tableclothes. She is survived by two daughters, Leola Lother and Janice Wold both of Fergus Falls; one grandson, Steven Wold of Fergus Falls; one sister, Elsie Stroschein of Fergus Falls; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Roy inJuly of 1964; three sisters, Lena Rocholl, Mary Wahl and Bertha Luebke; brother August Boeder, and three brothers who died in infancy.
Visitation: Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Service: Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at First United Church of Christ, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Tom Gard
Burial: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Edgar Splittstoesser
Edgar Splittstoesser, age 86, of Fergus Falls died Sunday, July 14, 2002 at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls. He was born on May 15, 1916 in Waubun, MN to Albert and Mabel (Birkholtz) Splittstoesser. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Correll, MN and graduated from Correll High School. In 1942, he married Sophie Brue. She preceded him in death in 1969. They lived several places during their marriage. He worked as a ship fitter for Consolidated Steel in Orange, TX, in heating and sheet metal work in Spokane, WA and Watertown, SD. Together with his wife, Sophie and brother, Lloyd they bought South Turtle Lake Resort in Underwood in 1960. He joined the United States Army in February of 1943 and received his boot training at Camp Wallace, TX. He made Corporal and Cadre to train other troops. He was transferred to Fort Ord for advanced training and all Cadre were shipped out of San Francisco, CA, to New Caladonia. He joined the 205th Anti-Aircraft Division in the Fiji Islands. He was then shipped to New Guinea, the Phillipine Islands and Luza. When the war ended, he was shipped back to the United States and was discharged in January of 1946. In October of 1972, he married Gladys Roehl Kraushaar. They continued working the summers at South Turtle Lake and becoming Snow Birds, living at Winter Green Estates, Mission, TX for the past 30 years. He retired from the resort in 1980, eventually moving to Fergus Falls in 1992. He enjoyed golf, playing pool, fishing and creating things with his hands. He is survived by his second wife, Gladys; one daughter, Gloria (Gary) Davisson of Lee Summit, MO; one grandson, Greg Davisson of Kansas City, MO; three great-granddaughters, Haley Jo, Sophie Lynn and Lucy Margaret; one sister-in-law, Vericonia Splittstoesser of Fergus Falls; two nieces, Barbara Barr of Edina and Michelle Splittstoesser of St.Paul; one nephew, Bruce Splittstoesser of St. Paul; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Sophie; two brothers, Harold and Lloyd; one sister, Helen Barr; and one nephew, Duncan Barr. A Private Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

William E. Selander
William E. Selander, age 94, of Lund Township, rural Melby died Thursday, July 18, 2002 at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria. He was born October 3, 1907 to John and Christina (Borg) Selander in rural Melby where he lived all of his life. He was baptized at Mission Church and confirmed at Christina Lake Lutheran Church. On August 23, 1943 he married Bernice Dybdal in Elbow Lake. After marriage they dairy farmed on their farm in Lund Township. After dairy farming, he continued raising crops. He was a member of Christina Lake Lutheran Church, served on the Melby and Evansville School Boards, was secretary of the Lund Fire Insurance Company for 35 years, and also served as treasurer of the Lund Townboard. He enjoyed feeding and caring for their cats, the outdoors and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Bernice; two daughters, Jane (Louis) Grudt of St. Louis Park and Sylvia (Tim) Lund of Richfield; three grandchildren, Paul Grudt and Brian and Heather Lund; and one brother, Clifford Selander of Evansville. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Mildred Larson and Hildur Nelson.
Visitation: Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Nilson Funeral Home, Evansville and one hour prior to the service at the Church
Service: Monday at 2 p.m. at Christina Lake Lutheran Church, rural Evansville
Clergy: Rev. Duane Tollefson
Burial: Christina Lake Cemetery, rural Evansville
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Evansville

Anna Maguire
Anna Maguire, age 96, of Fergus Falls died July 19, 2002 at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls. She was born on October 19, 1905 in Grafton, Iowa the daughter of Carl and Emilie (Glassel) Winkelman. She was confirmed in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton and in 1920 moved with her family to Minnesota, settling in the Battle Lake area. Anna graduated from the Fergus Falls High School and the Normal School. She taught country school for several years in Otter Tail County, lived in Minneapolis for three years before moving to Washington, D.C. where she was employed with the U.S. Government, Dept. of Agriculture. Anna and Alton L. Maguire were married on October 1, 1937 in Washington,D.C. Her husband retired in 1945, when she resigned from her position and they together toured the western United States and British Columbia. They then lived a short time in Colorado Springs, Colo., then San Antonio, Texas before settling in Orlando, Florida. Alton passed away in February of 1961 and after his death she spent the summers in the Battle Lake area and wintered in Orlando until 1989 when she moved to Fergus Falls. She was a member of the Federated Church. She enjoyed traveling and went on several European trips, Carribean cruises and numerous vacations around the United States and had been in every state but one. She also enjoyed helping other people, especially politicians and various charities. She is survived by one sister, Edna Winkelman of Fergus Falls; one brother, Harvey (Leona) Winkelman of Wadena; one niece, Marlene (Don) Pixler of Durango, Colo.; two nephews, Myron (Karen) Winkelman of Wadena and Gary Winkelman of Blue Earth; and one great-niece, Jennifer (David) Adams of Minneapolis. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alton; parents, Carl and Emilie; one sister, Wilma; and one brother, Lloyd.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service Funeral
Service: Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the Light & Life Auditorium at the Broen Memorial Home, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Myles Alexander
Burial: Silent Vale Cemetery, Maine Township, rural Undwerwood
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Robert Baumer
Robert Baumer, 81, of Battle Lake died Monday, July 22, 2002 at his home. He was born June 21, 1921 in Breckenridge to William and Anna (Meyer) Baumer. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Catholic Church in Wahpeton, ND and attended St. John’s Catholic School also in Wahpeton. On November 2, 1946 he married Bess Bechtell in Breckenridge. They were married 52 years. Following their marriage they lived in Wahpeton, ND where he farmed west of Wahpeton for 12 years and also had a roofing business. They moved to St. Paul and lived for 22 years while he was employed in the grocery wholesale business and later for Interior Wood. He retired in 1982 and they moved to Amor Township, rural Richville. Mrs. Baumer died February 25, 1999. In 2000 he moved into his present home in Battle Lake. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Maine Township. He liked farming, gardening and the outdoors. He is survived by two sons, Gerald (Janis) Baumer of Stigler, OK and Robert (Barbara) Baumer of St. Paul; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Donald (Linnea) Brewster of Minneapolis; a sister, Leona Berndt of Wahpeton, ND; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bess; a daughter, Charity Brewster; a son, Gordon Baumer; a daughter-in-law, Gail Baumer; and three brothers, Irvin, Clifford and Gilbert Baumer.
Visitation: Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 7 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. James Catholic Church, Maine Township
Clergy: Father Paul Folsom
Burial: Church Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake

Lillian P. Brumbly
Lillian P. Brumbly, age 93, of Fergus Falls died Wednesday, July 24, 2002 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. She was born August 19, 1908 in Foxhome to George Franklin and Mary Mae (Hromatko) Heidlebaugh. She was baptized on June 13, 1915 by Rev. P.A St. John. at Foxhome Methodist Episcopal Church. She was confirmed and received into membership of this church on September 26, 1920 by Rev. Dirke and was active in Sunday School and Epworth League. She attended grade school in Foxhome and graduated from Breckenridge High School with the class of 1926. She then attended and graduated from Park Region Luther College in Fergus Falls. She worked for Wheelocks Weekly Newspaper in Fergus Falls as a reporter and bookkeeper until Mr. Wheelock retired. She then went to Detroit Lakes where she worked at the Detroit Lake Tribune for several years as Society reporter. At Detroit Lakes she was active in the Business and Professional Women’s Club and served for a time as its president. In an annual press conference she won first place in the Women’s Department for Minnesota Weekly Newspaper, the Detroit Lakes Tribune. She enlisted in the W.A.A.C. (Woman’s Army Auxiliary Corp Air Force) in 1942 and served throughout WWII. She took her six week basic training at Des Moines and then helped open up a seasonal W.A.C. training center at Daytona Beach, FA. She was then sent to the No.1 Airfield at Waco, TX for the remainder of the war. She was a Master Sergeant and was the first woman to enlist in Becker County. After the war she returned to Detroit Lakes and worked at the Tribune for a few years. She married Charles Arthur Brumbly in Compton, California on September 7, 1952. They later moved to Baker, Nevada where she operated a café until she retired and came to Foxhome to make her home with her sister, Ruth. She is survived by three nieces, Marjorie Anderson of Fergus Falls, Elaine Andrews of Foxhome, and Kay Andrews of Phoenix, AZ; seven grandnieces and nephews; twelve great-grandnieces and nephews; and five great-great-grandnieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, on March 29, 1962; her parents; three sisters, Lorraine Scott, Ruth Salmon and Ruby Andrews;and one niece, Shirley Carlson.
Visitation: Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Service: Saturday at 1 p.m. at Foxhome United Methodist Church, Foxhome
Clergy: Rev. Terry Tilton
Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Gerald D. Godwin
Gerald D. Godwin, 87, of Evansville died Friday, July 26, 2002 at Crestview Manor Nursing Home in Evansville where he had been a resident since 1996. He was born September 22, 1914 in Bagley, IA, the son of Fred and Pearl (Martin) Godwin. On March 16, 1935 he married Elnora Hayenga. They lived most of their married life in Minneapolis where he owned and operated his own company called Karpak Co. He designed and patented the first automobile car top carrier along with several other items. After selling his business, he moved to Alexandria, MN and the couple bought Cottage Grove Resort on Lake Andrew which they operated for many years. They spent the winter months in Kerville, TX which became their second home. His interests included golfing, fishing, hunting, traveling, reading and spending time with his family. He also trained his dogs to hunt and to run in field trials. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Robert; his parents; four sisters and two brothers. He is survived by his wife, Elnora; sons, Douglas (Judith) Godwin of Dalton and Howard (Bonnie) Godwin of Quinton, VA; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Godwin of Onalaska, WI; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation: Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Ashby and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday at Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby
Clergy: Rev. Carol Olson
Burial: Pelican Lake Cemetery, Ashby
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby

Helen E. Prischmann
Helen E. Prischmann, age 83, of Fergus Falls died Sunday, July 28, 2002 at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls. She was born July 26, 1919 in Venus, NE to Walter and Bertha (Gentzeler) Darr. She was raised in northeastern Nebraska and graduated from Creighton High School. She was united in marriage to Carl G. Prischmann on April 5, 1942. They farmed in Nebraska until 1956, and then moved to Minnesota and continued to farm near Elizabeth until her husband’s death. After her children were in school, she worked at Lake Region Hospital in Admissions for many years. She also taught for many years and was deeply involved with volunteer work in her community at various places, such as the Food Shelf and Agape, and also with her church. She was widely known and respected in that role. Her love of the Lord was expressed to her family and all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl G. Prischmann in 1979; three brothers, Howard, Neal, and David Darr; and one sister, Doris Volk. She is survived by her four children, Carl (Diane) Prischmann of Fergus Falls, Thomas (Karen) Prischmann of Bismark, ND, Nancy (Arvid) Morken of Mandan, ND, and Daniel (JoAnn) Prischmann of Fergus Falls; seventeen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation: Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls and one hour prior to the service at the Church
Service: Thursday at 11 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. David Veum, Rev. Ed Monson, and Rev. Harland Helland
Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Jerald Owen Hanson
Jerald Owen Hanson, age 56, of Minnetonka, formerly of Evansville, died July 29, 2002 at his residence. He was born March 26, 1946 in Fergus Falls to James and Violet (Ellingson) Hanson. He was baptized and confirmed at Erdahl Lutheran Church and graduated from Evansville High School in 1964, and then served with the US Navy. He married Patricia Osborn and they together had one daughter, Tamara. He later married Donna Novak and they together lived in the Minneapolis and Minnetonka area. He had one stepdaughter, Shannon Novak, and two grandchildren, Cameron and Raena Beth Pelkey. He attended the Fergus Falls Community College and then the Control Data Schooling and became a computer programmer. He had twenty-five years of service with the American Hardware Mutual Insurance Company and had spent the last five years employed with Metris in Minnetonka. He enjoyed visiting with old friends and relatives, bowling, golfing, traveling, playing chess and cards, and also his Gopher season tickets. He was a member of the Eagles and the American Legion Post 234 in Minneapolis. He is survived by his wife Donna; daughters Tamara Hanson and Shannon Novak both of Minneapolis; two grandchildren, Cameron and Raena Beth Pelkey; parents, James and Violet Hanson of Evansville; one sister, Joyce Hanson of Evansville; and five brothers, Neil (Elaine Mortenson) Hanson of Sauk Rapids, Gene (Darla) Hanson and Don (Charlotte) Hanson both of Elbow Lake, Bob Hanson of Elida, Ohio, and Daryl (Pam) Hanson of Fergus Falls; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Henry and Nellie Hanson and George and Clara Ellingson; one infant sister, Joan Carolyn Hanson; and one nephew, Dallas Hanson.
Visitation: Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home, Evansville
Service: Friday at 11 a.m. at Erdahl Lutheran Church, Erdahl
Clergy: Rev. Carol Olson
Burial: Erdahl Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Evansville