Evelyn Anderson
Evelyn Anderson, 80, of Fergus Falls died Friday, November 1, 2002 at her home. She was born October 25, 1922 in Cloquet, MN, the daughter of Hans and Lempi (Hangasmaa) Anderson. She grew up in Cloquet where she attended high school. On June 19, 1943 she married Roy L. Anderson. Residing in Cloquet she worked at the Diamond Match Factory during WWII and then while Roy attended college at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. In 1950 they relocated to Fergus Falls where Mr. Anderson took a position with the community mental health center. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who for many years contributed her time to school, church and community activities including PTA, Cub Scouts, Campfire Girls, Sunday School and Tuesday School. With Roy she attended and entertained at events for the Kiwanis Club, Sons of Norway and Finnish Club. She enjoyed being with family and friends at their Clitherall Lake Cottage and she was often seen taking walks with the family beagles. She also traveled to the Scandinavian countries, becoming interested in the genealogy of family in Finland and Norway. Following Roy’s death in January 1999 she treasured her longtime friendships in Fergus Falls and activities in her homemakers’ group, church circle and Bible study at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Survivors include her son, David (Joy) Anderson of Libertyville, ILL; daughter, Jane Anderson of Rollingstone, MN; granddaughter, Sarah (Ramsey) Donnell of Chicago, ILL; nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her husband, Roy, she was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Raymond, William, Albert, Fred and Arnold. The family prefers that memorials be give to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Visitation: There will be no visitation
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Clergy: Revs. Kate Bruns and Paul Nelson
Burial: Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Lawrence A. Nyreen
Lawrence A. Nyreen, age 45, of Maine Township died Monday, November 4, 2002 at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls. He was born August 1, 1957 in Sioux City, IA to Homer and Bethene Nyreen. He grew up and attended school in South Sioux City, NE. He joined the Army at the age of eighteen where he served for twenty years and was a Gulf War Veteran. On August 4, 1978, he married Gloria Twernbold. In 1995 they moved to the north Battle Lake area. For the past two years they have lived in Maine Township where he started Sarges Small Engine and Repair. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, working with his hands, and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of twenty-four years, Gloria; three sons, Kris (Barbara) Nyreen of New Prague and their two children Jacob and Callie, Travis Nyreen of Alexandria, and Jeff Nyreen of Maine; one sister, BethAnn Nyreen of South Sioux City, NE; and two brothers, Charles Nyreen and Darwin Nyreen both of South Sioux City, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation: Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: Friday at 2 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Amor
Clergy: Rev. James Gronbeck and Intern Pastor Matt Philaya
Burial: Amor Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

Thelma Lucille Bickford
Thelma Lucille Bickford, 91, of Fergus Falls, formerly of Battle Lake, died Monday, November 4, 2002 on her birthday at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls. She was born November 4, 1911 in Hatton, ND, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Ellen (Nelson) Lyche. She was baptized January 8, 1912 and confirmed June 13, 1926 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hatton. She attended school in Hatton graduating from high school there in 1929. In 1930 she moved with her family to Grand Forks, ND, and attended Aaker’s Business College. She was employed as a secretary-bookkeeper. On August 1, 1948 she married Harold Bickford in Grand Forks. With a partner, they owned and operated the B & R Food Centers in Bismarck, ND. In 1959 they sold the business and moved to Minneapolis. In August of 1969 they retired to their home on Silver Lake at Battle Lake. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake where she was active in her Circle and the ELCW. She was also a member of the Everts Birthday Club and Battle Lake Senior Citizens and enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and scrabble. She is survived by a step-son, James (Maryanne) Bickford of Sun City, AZ; a step-daughter, Beverly (Jerry) Kirchner of Loretto, MN; 10 grandchildren; a brother, Charles (Mary) Lyche of Houston, TX and two sisters, Rachel Goodwin of Tempe, AZ and Ione (Orris) Hoff of West Covina, CA; sister-in-law, Evelyn Lyche of Fargo, ND; nephew, Charles (Claire) Lyche III of Fargo, ND and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold; five brothers and three sisters. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the First Lutheran Sunday School.
Visitation: Thursday from 9-10 a.m. with a prayer service at 10 a.m. in the Light & Life Auditorium at the Broen Home in Fergus Falls and also one hour prior to the service at the Church in Battle Lake
Service: Thursday at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl & Rev. Ken Austin
Burial: First Lutheran Cemetery, Battle Lake
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Battle Lake

Orris Skogen
Orris Skogen, 71, of Fergus Falls died Thursday, November 7, 2002 at Lake Region Hospital. He was born February 12, 1931 in Fergus Falls the oldest son of Albert and Britha (Foss) Skogen. He attended School District #22 in Maine Township and graduated from the Morris Ag School in 1948. On October 9, 1954 he married Grace Petersen and in 1956 they began farming in Maine Township. In 1999 they moved into Fergus Falls. Survivors include his wife, Grace; Sharon and Larry Taylor of Kodiak, AK; Cathy and Kirk Soldner of Arden Hills, MN; Dan and Dee Skogen and two sons, Andrew and Noah of Hewitt, MN; Jeff and Mary Jo Skogen of Highlands Ranch, CO; Connie and Trevor Barry and three children, Ashley, Abby and Luke of Vadnais Heights, MN; a brother, Stan (Ardis) Skogen of Fargo, ND; a sister, Irene (Charlie) Lundby of Underwood, MN and nieces and nephews.
Visitation: There will be no visitation
Service: 10:30 a.m. Monday at Maine Presbyterian Church, rural Underwood
Clergy: Rev. Glenn Lord
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Florence Helen Priebnow
Florence Helen Priebnow, 85, formerly of Fergus Falls died Thursday, November 7, 2002 at the Knute Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria. She was born May 6, 1917, the daughter of August and Delinda (Gast) Weinrich in Fergus Falls. She was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church, grew up and attended country school. On January 2, 1938 she was united in marriage to Harvey Priebnow at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Over the years they were blessed with ten children and over 56 years of marriage. After her marriage to Harvey, they lived in Fergus Falls and in 1978 moved to Wendell, MN, moving back to Fergus Falls in 1992. After Mr. Priebnow’s death in 1994, she moved to Alexandria. She was a resident at Knute Nelson Memorial Home since October 2000. She is survived by Richard (Carol) of Buies Creek, NC; Dennis (Marie) Priebnow of Underwood; Linda (Ken) Kloubec of Alexandria; Bruce (Jeanette) Priebnow of Fergus Falls; Brian Priebnow of Alexandria; Sharon Priebnow of Fergus Falls; Peggy (Neil) Peterson of Larimore, ND; 14 grandchildren, Christian Estenson, Kevin, Keith and Kyle Peterson, Kimberly, Kodi and Laura Priebnow, James, David, Adam and Julie Priebnow, Mandy Bernard, Raeann Brosh, Justin Priebnow; four step-grandchildren, Allison, Ryan, Taylor and Dustin and five great-grandchildren, Devon, Austin, Kylie, Kobe and Jacob.
Visitation: Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service
Service: 1 p.m. Saturday at the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Roger Lange
Burial: Trinity-Faith Lutheran Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Jason Clemenson
Jason Clemenson, 22, of Perham died Saturday near Perham as the result of a car accident. He was born May 14, 1980 in Fargo, ND to Steve and Debra (Krebs) Clemenson. He attended Jefferson Elementary School in Fargo. In 1989 the family moved to Little McDonald Lake near Perham. He attended and graduated from Perham High School in 1999 where he was involved in track and football. He attended Wyoming Tech at Laramie, WY specializing in auto body repair. He then worked at auto body shops in Moorhead and Vergas. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and restoring and working on old cars with Wayne. He loved his dog, Ceasar. He is survived by his mother, Deb (Wayne) Bergerud of Richville; his father, Steve (Joey) Clemenson of West Fargo, ND; three step brothers, Colby Juntunen and Chad Juntunen of Fargo, ND and Shane Juntunen of Washington DC; aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Ralph and Rose Krebs and Kenneth Bergerud and a step-brother, Brandt Juntunen.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church of Amor, rural Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. James Gronbeck and Intern Matt Philaya
Burial: Amor Cemetery, rural Battle Lake
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Sverre "Sam" Stedjan
Sverre "Sam" Stedjan, 81, of Fergus Falls died Saturday, November 9, 2002 at his home following a one year battle with cancer. He was born April 6, 1921 in Norway to Aanen and Anna (Aasan) Stedjan. He was raised in Norway and in 1949 came to Brooklyn, NY where he worked as a carpenter. He returned to Norway and married Arna Rosseland on July 11, 1953. They lived in New York until 1986 and then moved to Fergus Falls. He was a charter member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Huntington, NY and was currently a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. He enjoyed wood working, the outdoors and being with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Arna; sons, Erling (Ellen) Stedjan and children, David, Scott and Daniel; Gordon (Loni) Stedjan and children, Sandra, Matthew and James; daughter, Gladys (Tom) Moline and children, Justin, Brandon, Stephen and Derek; sisters, Gudrun, Arnhild and Aslaug and brothers, Thomas and Roar all of Norway. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Sandra. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy Gymnasium Fund.
Visitation: Wednesday 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. Thursday at Bethel Lutheran Church
Clergy: Revs. Ed Monson, Eugene Boe and Bill Colbeck
Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Gerald D. Donley
Gerald D. Donley, age 69, of Fergus Falls died November 7, 2002 at the VA Hospital in Fargo, N.D. He was born November 27, 1932 in Fergus Falls to David and Martha (Guelzow) Donley. He lived in Richville, Amor, and then Underwood where he attended High School. After High School, he enlisted in the Army and served in the Korean War. On January 16, 1959, he married Kathleen Torgusson. They lived in the Fergus Falls area and together they had two children. He worked many years for Mark’s Sand & Gravel and also driving truck over the road. His latest employment was with Kane Transport of Fergus Falls. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and visiting friends and relatives. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his two sons, Jeffrey Donley of Hancock and Kevin Donley of Fergus Falls; one grandchild, Luke Donley; four sisters, Arlyss (Sherrill) Jacobson of Underwood, Ione Dahl of Fergus Falls, Lois Sherman of Richville, and Dory (Larry) Johnson of Maine, MN; and one brother, Duane (Marian) Donley of Richville. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Lucille Zahnow, Fern Barry, and Ruth Umland; and one brother, Melvin Donley.
Visitation: One hour prior to the Service at the Funeral Home
Service: 2 p.m. Saturday at the Funeral Home, Fergus Falls Officiating: Rick Walter
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

Wilma E. Mark
Wilma E. Mark, 91, of Fergus Falls died Monday, November 11, 2002 at the Broen Memorial Home. She was born December 18, 1910 near Adrian, MN the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Visker) Frikken. As a young girl she moved with her family to the Ten Mile Lake area where she attended rural school. In April of 1929 she married John Mark. She worked as a cook at various restaurants and also as a maid at River Inn Hotel. She became a resident of the Broen Memorial Home in May of 1994. She enjoyed sewing and baking wedding cakes for family and friends. She also enjoyed her grandkids and great-grandkids. She is survived by five daughters, Cornelia (Robert) Rogers of Fergus Falls, Elizabeth Anderson and special friend, Robert Thielbar, of Fargo, ND, Dorothy (Ernie) Moen of Fergus Falls, Mary Morris and special friend, Dale Roades, of Pasco, WA, JoAnn Mark and Stan Krajsa of Detroit Lakes; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Ike, Jack and Willie; four sisters, Gertrude, Rolphine, Jennie and Elizabeth; a grandson, Richard Lemke and a great-grandson, Trever Moen.
Visitation: There will be no visitation
Service: 2 p.m. Friday in the Light and Life Auditorium at Broen Memorial Home
Clergy: Revs. Ken Austin and Harland Helland
Burial: Union Cemetery, Elbow Lake
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Inga Halbakken
Inga Halbakken, 94, of Fergus Falls died Thursday, November 28, 2002 at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls. She was born April 23, 1908 in Akron Township, rural Rothsay to Ole and Andrina (Gilbertson) Western. She attended school in Rothsay, and after her schooling she worked at home. On January 14, 1931, she married Earl Halbakken at the Hamar Church Parsonage in Rothsay. They lived and farmed in the Rothsay area. In 1955, they bought and moved to the Western family home south of Rothsay where they lived until 1975 when they moved into Fergus Falls. She has been a resident of the Broen Memorial Home since 1994 where she enjoyed Bible Studies at the Broen Home and all the special services at the Light & Life Auditorium. She was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church and the Gideon Auxillary. She is survived by her son, Erling (Solveig) Halbakken of Fergus Falls; three grandchildren, Lisa (Jerry) Wigdahl of Rothsay, Karen (James) Gallas of Glendale, Arizona, and Brian (Susan) Halbakken of Eden Prairie; six great-grandchildren, Sara (Dan) Keller, Stacy, Shana and Gabriel Wigdahl, and Alysha and Laura Halbakken; one great-great-granddaughter, Cali Keller; two sisters-in-law, Norma Halbakken of Fergus Falls and Julie Halbakken of Rothsay; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl on February 24, 1996; her parents; daughter-in-law, Delores Halbakken; six brothers, Peter, Gilbert, Ingvald, Arthur, Henry and Olaf; and five sisters, Alma, Anna, Mable, Bertha and Clara.
Visitation: Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. and family present from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls and one hour prior to the service at the church Funeral
Service: Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. David Veum and Rev. Harland Helland
Burial: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

Louise Ruth Violet Skistad
Louise Ruth Violet Skistad, 86, of Fergus Falls died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2002 at the Pioneer Retirement Community. She was born November 10, 1916 in Fergus Falls to Hugo and Gunda (Erickson) Noren. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended school in Fergus Falls, graduating as valedictorian of her class in 1934. After high school and during the early years of her marriage, she worked at the Otter Tail County Court House. On October 24, 1943, she married Ralph Sethre Skistad at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. They lived on the Skistad family farm and farmed until his death on October 14, 1981. She moved to the Pioneer Home on December 7, 1999. She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid and the Carlisle Homemakers. She loved mystery stories, remembering birthdays and anniversaries and was a meticulous bookkeeper. Louise is survived by her children, Noreen (David) Stigen of Fergus Falls and children: Jeremy (Sarah) Stigen of West Fargo, ND, Laurissa Stigen of Bozeman, MT, and Sethrena Stigen at home; Gaylen (Shelley) Skistad of Elizabeth and children: Jenny Skistad of Winona, MN, and Wesley Skistad at home. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph Skistad; one sister, Florence Stein Nelson; three brothers, Leo, Roy and Richard"Dick" and one grandson, John Ivan Stigen.
Visitation: Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. with Rev. Harry Olson officiating and the family present from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Paul Nelson
Burial: South Friborg Cemetery, Oscar Township
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls

Wilma H. Wahldieck
Wilma H. Wahldieck, 93, of Fergus Falls died Saturday, December 14, 2002 at Mill Street Residence. She was born August 10, 1909 in Geddes, SD to James T. and Marie (Sidle) Haney. She graduated from Geddes High School and then attended Henderson Beauty School in Cherobee, IA. She was licensed in N.D., S.D. and MN. She owned and operated a beauty shop at Lake Andes, SD. On June 17, 1929 she married Frank Wahldieck at Sisseton, SD and they lived in Lake Andes. In May of 1933 they moved to Breckenridge, where she worked as a beautician in Wahpeton, ND. In 1942 she opened her own beauty shop in Breckenridge which she operated for 19 years. In 1967 they moved to Otter Tail Lake. Mr. Wahldieck died December 6, 1998. She was a member of United Methodist Church in Breckenridge and Richville. She also held offices in the Eastern Star and Zonta Club. She was active in the Minnesota and National Hairdressers Association and volunteered her time to do hair styling for local events such as high school class plays. She enjoyed sewing and making quilts and clothes for her grandchildren, fishing with her husband, playings cards, flowers, cooking and baking. At age 92 she learned how to make lefse even though she was not of Scandinavian descent. She is survived by a daughter, Betty (Joe) Alongi of Olympia, WA; three grandchildren, Jeffrey (Alica) Underberg of Kent, Jennifer Rice of Lacey, WA and Melissa (David) Wrobel of Medford, OR; great-grandchildren, Kurt and Kortny Underberg and Tony and Whitney Wrobel and a sister, Grace Fijala of Geddes, SD. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank; two brothers and three sisters. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the Mill Street Residence Van Fund.
Visitation: Tuesday from 4 to7 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service
Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Terry Tilton
Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Breckenridge
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls.

Loretta Gail Lee
Loretta Gail Lee gave up her long and valiant battle with pancreatic cancer and quietly stepped into eternity December 17, 2002. She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend and her spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved her. Loretta was born at home in Aurdel Township, Ottertail County Minnesota on September 18, 1923 to Gustuv and Ida Boen. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Fergus Falls high school. She married Robert Walter Lee November 5, 1955. They lived in Breckenridge until moving to Moorhead in 1974. She worked in housekeeping at St. Luke’s Hospital, Fargo, North Dakota until they retired to their lake home on Trowbridge Lake, Vergas, MN in 1985. Their yard was filled with the gardens she loved tending and she would rise each morning to greet the beautiful sunrises across the water. They moved into their daughter’s home in Apple Valley, MN in August of 2001. She was preceded in death by her best friend and husband, Bob, her son Ronald, her parents, her twin sister, Lorraine Johnson and her sister Corrine Richter. She will be missed by sons Robert (Marcia) of Seattle, WA and Donald (Sue) of Minneapolis; daughters Judy (Collin) Prochnow of Apple Valley; Debbie Lee of Apple Valley and Kathy (Joe) Hammer of Breckenridge; fifteen grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; brother Kenneth of Fergus Falls, MN; many nieces and nephews and friends as well as her devoted companion, Little Buster. Services of cremation were held this week with a memorial service set for Saturday, December 28th at 1:00 PM at Glende Nielson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, with interment at Knollwood cemetery Fergus Falls. Memorials preferred to either Grace Lutheran Church, 7800 West County Road 42, Apple Valley, MN 55124 or Allina Hospice, 2750 Arthur Street, Roseville, MN 55113.

Gerry W. Thornberg
Gerry W. Thornberg, 58, of Evansville died Sunday, December 22, 2002 at his daughter’’s home in Savage. He was born February 29, 1944 in Alexandria to George and Hilda (Johnson) Thornberg. He graduated from Evansville High School in 1962. He attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1967 with a BA in Psychology. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). After basic training at Quantico, VA, he was accepted into officer’’s candidate school where he earned his commission as 2nd Lieutenant. He completed pilot training at Vance AFB in Enid, OK and was subsequently stationed at Cherry Point, NC. At that time, he married Beverly Beers at Enid, Oklahoma. From 1969 to 1970 he served as a USMC fighter pilot flying an A-6 Intruder out of Chu Lai, Viet Nam. After his tour in Viet Nam, he was stationed at the USMC Air Station in Iwa Kuni, Japan. After returning to the United States, he was stationed at the Meridian Naval Air Station in Meridian, MS where he served as a flight instructor. His service awards included the National Defense Service Medal, the Viet Nam Service Medal with one star, the Air Medal and the Viet Nam Meritorious Unit Citation Cross of Gallantry with palm. He received his honorable discharge from active duty as a Captain in the USMC in 1972. After returning to Evansville in 1972, he began farming the land which has been in his family for over 100 years. He and Beverly were divorced in 1994. Gerry continued farming and also continued his formal education, working on his Masters degree in business. He was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Evansville, where he was in charge of the audio system for many years. He was currently serving his second term on the Evansville School Board. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and playing chess with Chad. He was a devoted father and loved both of his children deeply. He is survived by his daughter, Heather (Wade) Sorenson of Savage; his son, Chad Thornberg of Moorhead; a sister, LaDonna (Norman) Mattila of Garfield and a niece, Rita Rosser of Alexandria. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation: Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Friday at Faith Lutheran Church in Evansville
Clergy: Rev. Irving Arnquist
Burial: Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Evansville

Cheris "Sherry" Elmer
Cheris "Sherry" Elmer, 75, of Evansville died Monday, December 23, 2002 at the Knute Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria. She was born January 2, 1927 in Alexandria to William and Emily (Gran) Sexton. She graduated from the Alexandria High School. On February 24, 1946 she married Ray Elmer in the Episcopal Church at Alexandria. While Ray was serving with the military in Japan during the occupation of Japan, she lived with his parents in Evansville. When he returned from military duty, they built a new home in Evansville where they have lived since. She enjoyed ceramics and doing volunteer work. She loved to bake cakes and would make special cakes for family member’s birthdays and other occasions. She dearly loved her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Ray of Evansville; daughter, Lynn Huseby of Evansville; sons, Randy (Jackie) Elmer and Shane (Cheryl) Elmer both of Evansville and Kim (Debra) Elmer of Eagan, MN; nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Emily Sexton; brother, Bill Sexton; sister, Delores Thompson and a son-in-law, Dennis Huseby.
Visitation: Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Faith Lutheran Church in Evansville
Clergy: Rev. Irving J. Arnquist
Burial: Mound Grove Cemetery, Evansville
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Evansville

Esther Wallin
Esther Wallin, 97, of Battle Lake died Monday, December 30, 2002 at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Center. She was born May 20, 1905, in Bertha, MN to Charles M. and Annie V. (Swanson) Lind. She was baptized and confirmed in Petri Lutheran Church at Eagle Bend. She attended country school in Germania Township, rural Bertha, and graduated from the Eagle Bend High School in 1921. On January 11, 1931, she married Harry Wallin at Petri Lutheran Church. Following their marriage they lived in Battle Lake. At the age of 16 she began teaching in country schools, took summer courses and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree with an emphasis on gifted children from Moorhead State University in 1966. She taught for 50 years, the last 12 with the Barnesville Public School where she taught the Gifted Program with the first grade, retiring in 1971. She enjoyed her retirement, traveling throughout Europe, Russia, Thailand and most of the United States. She also enjoyed reading, sewing, knitting, gardening and her art. She was a charter member of Art of the Lakes and of Battle Lake League of Women Voters. She was also an active member of First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake for over 50 years. She is survived by two daughters, Joan (Matthew) Macheledt of White Bear Lake and Karen (Bruce) Holdt of Clitherall; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, Ted (Sara Mapelli) Holdt of Washougal, WA, Matthew (Su) Macheledt and Kaitlyn of New Richmond, WI, Timothy (Julie) Macheledt and Ryan Hemenway of Champlin, Peter (Susan) Macheledt, Marshall and Ava of New Brighton, Marnie (Darrell) Franze, Erika and Ethan, and Melissa (Lars) Rowe, Jacob and Nathan all of Battle Lake; a sister, Charlotte Bakken of Fergus Falls; many dear nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Annie Lind; her husband, Harry on October 11, 1963; a brother, Hilmer Lind and a sister, Lois Henry.
Visitation: Friday from 1 to 6 p.m. at Esther’s home, 108 W Summit, Battle Lake, and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 1 p.m. Saturday at First Lutheran Church, Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl
Burial: Amor Cemetery, rural Battle Lake
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake

Mary Jensen
Mary Jensen, 53, of Ashby died Tuesday, December 31, 2002 at Lake Region Hospital after an 11 year battle with cancer. She was born February 28, 1949 to Enoch and Tilda (Tobiason) Evavold of Ashby. She was delivered by Dr. Mason Randall in his car near Pebble Lake Golf Course in Fergus Falls. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church of Ashby and graduated from Ashby High School in 1967. She then attended Alexandria Area Technical School graduating in 1968. On June 20, 1970 she married Jerry Jensen at Trinity Lutheran Church of Ashby. She was employed at the Fergus Falls Medical Group for nearly 30 years, eventually becoming Business Office Manager.. She retired in 2000 because of health reasons. She was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church of Ashby where she was a choir member and served as Sunday School Superintendent and Treasurer. She also served on the Ashby Apartment Association Board since its beginning. She loved to bake and was a loyal Vikings fan. For 14 years she and Jerry operated a concession stand that they took to fairs and other activities. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved family gatherings and had many, many friends. She is survived by her sons, Matthew (Megan) Jensen and Michael Jensen and special friend, Nicole Olson, all of Ashby; a granddaughter, Sydney Jensen; sister, LaVonne (Larry) Greenquist of Fergus Falls; brothers, Calvin (Barbara) Evavold of Boulder, CO, Richard (Judy) Evavold of Apache Junction, AZ, James (Bonita) Evavold of Ashby and Daniel (Georgene) Evavold of Moorhead; 13 nieces and nephews; mother and father-in-law, Reuben and Grace Jensen and brother-in-law, Gene (Lynn) Jensen all of Ashby. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry on July 7, 1996 and her parents.
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 Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby
Clergy: Revs. Carol Olson and Barb Spaulding
Burial: Pelican Lake Cemetery, Ashby
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby