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August 2002

Monday, August 26, 2002
Klevgard, Marette

Sunday, August 25, 2002
Ward, P.D.

Thursday, August 22, 2002
Sollie, Evelyn

Thursday, August 22, 2002
Chell, Doris A.

Wednesday, August 21, 2002
Butler, Frank

Monday, August 19, 2002
Dahlen, Jeffrey A.

Saturday, August 10, 2002
Whitney, Edna

Friday, August 9, 2002
Slotsve, Olive Jeannette

Tuesday, August 6, 2002
Grove, Irene E.

Monday, August 5, 2002
Donaldson, Irene

Irene E. Grove

Irene E. Grove, age 75, of Battle Lake died Tuesday, August 6, 2002 at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Center in Battle Lake.

She was born October 17, 1926 in Nidaros Township, rural Clitherall, the daughter of Thorfin S. and Bessie L. (Underhill) Sandahl. She was baptized and confirmed in the Nidaros Lutheran Church of rural Clitherall. She graduated from the Henning High School in 1945 and attended one year at the Alexandria Technical School for Accounting.

On January 4, 1946, she married Iver Listrom in Vining. Iver passed away on February 16, 1957. Irene married Harold Grove on July 24, 1971 in Alexandria. Harold passed away on October 28, 1995.

She worked for two years with Land-O-Lakes, then two years for Sears Roebuck Co. and then two and one-half years with Shirley’s Real Estate all of Alexandria. She attended the Christian and Missionary Alliance church and was active with the Ladies Aid Group.

She is survived by one daughter, Connie Johnson of Columbia, SC; two sons, Allen (Edna) Listrom of Columbia, SC and Ken (Cyndy) Listrom of Garfield; one step-son, Bob (Kathy) Grove of Willmar; her mother, Bessie Gearhart of Battle Lake; Grandchildren, Sandra (Joe), Allen Jr. (Carrie), Jennifer, Amanda (Case), Ana, Elizabeth, Kristie, Mary Beth, Ashley, Jacob and Jonathon; two step-grandchildren, Robb and Kelly; three sisters, Lillian (John) Groom of Grangeville, ID, Marian (Wilton) Godel and Elaine (Carl) Biederman both of Battle Lake; and two brothers, Rev. Oliver (Ann) Sandahl of Virginia and Gene (Pat) Sandahl of Clitherall. She was preceded in death by her father, Thorfin; and by her husbands, Iver and Harold.

Visitation: Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake and one hour prior to the service

Service: 2 p.m. Thursday at the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, Battle Lake

Clergy: Pastor Mark Hume

Burial: Leaf Mountain Cemetery, rural Clitherall, MN

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake
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Irene Donaldson

Irene Donaldson, 96, of Battle Lake died Monday, August 5, 2002 at the Otter Tail Nursing Home.

She was born October 23, 1905 in Manning, IA to Heinrick and Christine (Sievers) Heesch. In 1911 she moved with her family to Pipestone County, MN where they farmed. She graduated from Pipestone High School in 1922 and then taught country school for several years.

She married Kenneth Reese in 1925. He was killed in an accident in 1937. She married Sextus Donaldson on May 30, 1940. The resided in Sioux Falls, SD until 1950 when they moved to Battle Lake and worked as partners in Rokmar Resort. Later they were employed at Twins Grocery until their retirement. Mr. Donaldson passed away in 1983. She lived at Summit Village in Battle Lake until November of 1994 at which time declining health required her to move to the Otter Tail Nursing Home where she passed away.

She was a member of Eastern Star and enjoyed fishing.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by both husbands; three sisters, Anna Firck, Marie Schaap and Emma Schrum and four brothers, John, Herman, William and Emil Heesch.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service

Service: 1 p.m. Friday at Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake

Clergy: Rev. Don Walker

Burial: Lakewood Cemetery, Battle Lake

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake
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Olive Jeannette Slotsve

Olive Jeannette Slotsve, 97, of Ashby died Friday, August 9, 2002 at the Pelican Lake Health Care Center.

She was born August 6, 1905 in Dalton to John H "Jack" and MaryAnn Elizabeth "Mayme" (Warnke) Gregory. She attended School District 8 in Dalton. She was confirmed November 20, 1920 at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church which was one of the first churches to use the English language instead of Norwegian. Upon completing the eighth grade and with the encouragement of her teacher, she boarded out in Fergus Falls to attend Washington High School for the next four years, graduating in 1924. She stayed for a fifth year in Fergus to attend the Normal Training Classes, becoming the second class to graduate as teachers in 1925. There were 20 students in the class.

Her first school was District 70 in Grant County where she earned $85.00 a month for seven months of school. She taught in rural schools throughout the area for the next few years. Through summer school and continuing education classes she received a degree from Moorhead Teachers College. She signed a teaching contract with the Elbow Lake System in 1957 as a fourth grade teacher. She retired from Elbow Lake in 1970.

On November 21, 1941 she married Lawrence "Polly" Slotsve of Ashby at the parsonage in Dalton with Rev. Joe Melby officiating. They spent their first year of marriage in Texas. Upon their return to Ashby a new home was eventually built by Polly who was a carpenter. She lived in the home until entering Pelican Lake Health Care Center in 1999. Mr. Slotsve died August 31, 1987.

She had a deep, quiet faith and was active in her church in Ashby, now called Peace Lutheran. After retirement, she volunteered many hours with RSVP program at the Pelican Lake Health Care Center. She enjoyed reading, knitting and gardening until her health declined.

She is survived by two nieces, Pamela Gregory Johnson and Janice (Gary) Mickelson both of Fergus Falls; five nephews, Myron (Norma) Slotsve of Lakeville, Henry (Ardis) Slotsve of St. Paul, Keith Gregory of Fergus Falls, Mark Koefod of Ashby and Darrell (Eunice) Koefod of San Jose, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence and a brother, George Gregory.

Visitation: Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Nilson Funeral Home in Ashby and one hour prior to the service at the church

Service: 2 p.m. Thursday at Peace Lutheran Church, Ashby

Clergy: Rev. Carl Ulrich

Burial: Pelican Lake Cemetery, Ashby

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby
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Edna Whitney

Edna Whitney, age 91, of Fergus Falls died Saturday, August 10, 2002 at the Pioneer Retirement Community in Fergus Falls.

She was born October 31, 1910 to Fred and Louise (Nordman) Hanneman in Erhards Grove Township, MN and moved to Carlisle Township where she grew up and attended school. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church where she was also a member.

She married Fred Schmidt and farmed in different areas moving to Fergus Falls in 1952. She worked at the State Hospital for twenty-two years and also at the Pioneer Home for several years before retiring in 1980.

Some years later she married Dale Whitney.

In her spare time, she enjoyed knitting and needle work.

She is survived by her husband, Dale Whitney; three children, Clarence of Buse Township, Delores Runningen of Ashby, and Walter of rural Dalton; a half brother, Fred Jr. Of Dallas, OR; a half sister, Donna of Portland, OR; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Engvald and Alvin (Swede) Hanneman; and a step-mother, Ruth Hanneman.

Services: A private Graveside Service is planned at a later date

Burial: First United Church of Christ Cemetery, Fergus Falls

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls
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Jeffrey A. Dahlen

Jeffrey A. Dahlen, 28, of Ashby died Monday, August 19, 2002 at the family farm in Lund Township, rural Evansville.

He was born February 8, 1974 in Red Wing, MN to Raymond and Carol (Loken) Dahlen. He was baptized at United Lutheran Church in Red Wing. He grew up in Ashby where he was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and attended Ashby Public School graduating in 1992. He graduated from St. Cloud State University in 1997 with a teaching degree in history. After substitute teaching for a period of time, he secured a position in his hometown of Ashby. While teaching in Ashby, he pursued his Special Education Degree which he completed in 2001. At the present time he was teaching Special Education in Ashby as well as coaching varsity golf, Jr. High football and basketball. He loved teaching and coaching in Ashby. The staff and students were near and dear to his heart.

He was an avid hunter, golfer and all-around sports fan. He had a passion for history which led him to travel in the United States and abroad. He was very close to his family. His easy-going manner, contagious laugh and listening ear will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

He is survived by his parents, Raymond and Carol Dahlen; sister, Kristin (Christopher) Roley; brother, Jason (Jody) Dahlen all of Ashby; brother, Michael of St. Cloud; nieces, Britney Dahlen, Meghann Roley and Halle Dahlen; nephews, Joshua Dahlen, Ethan Roley and Aaron Dahlen. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; aunts and uncles; cousins and a very special cousin and friend, Kevin Olson.

Visitation: Thursday from 4 to 7 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: 2 p.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
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Frank Butler

Frank Butler, 79, of Battle Lake died Wednesday, August 21, 2002 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, ND.

He was born November 16, 1922 in Rembrandt, Iowa to William and Hazel (Hutchinson) Butler. He was raised by John and Nellie O’Toole in Olivia, MN. On July 27, 1942 he married Helen Scherweit in the Lutheran parsonage at Menomonie, WI.

During WWII he served with the U.S. Army for three years in Europe beginning with the Normandy Invasion. Following his military service they lived in Oriska, Binford, Berlin, Kathryn and Edgeley, ND before moving to Battle Lake in 1971. He worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad which became the Burlington Northern Railroad. He retired in 1982 and spent winters in Mesa, AZ and summers at their Silver Lake home by Battle Lake. Mrs. Butler died August 24, 2000.

He was a member of Trefoldighed Lutheran Church, VFW and the American Legion where he was recognized for over 50 years of continuous service with the Legion. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing and loved crossword puzzles. He truly enjoyed life, his family and especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by two daughters, Carol (Paul) Fredrickson of Ottertail and Colleen (Dean) Nelson of Battle Lake; three sons, Richard (Pam) Butler of Laramie, WY, Ronald (Sandy) Butler of Bemidji and Danny (Linda) Butler of Fargo, ND; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Val Joy of Rochester; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Hoffmann and Dorothy Scherweit both of Casselton, ND and Bernice (Bud) Kipp of Edgeley, ND; foster brother, Leo O’Toole of Mesa, AZ; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A Private family service will be held

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake
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Doris A. Chell

Doris A. Chell, 78, of Fergus Falls died Thursday, August 22, 2002 at the Pioneer Retirement Community.

She was born January 2, 1924 on a farm six miles north of Breckenridge, to William and Amelia (Buth) Bergman. She was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church in Mitchell Township of Wilkin County and was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. In 1929 she moved to a farm in Mitchell Township and attended School District 20 there. In 1934 she moved to Sunnyside Township on the Fencemaker farm where she attended Everdell School for one year and then Sunnyside School, District 23. In 1937 she moved south of Fergus Falls and graduated from the Fergus Falls High School in 1941. She then worked in the Fergus area.

On September 30, 1945 she married Lyle Chell at Trinity Lutheran Church. They lived in Fergus Falls until 1962 when they moved to a farm near Dalton.

In 1975 she purchased Gramp’s Café in Dalton which she operated for 20 years. In 1996 she retired and moved to Fergus Falls. She has been a resident of Riverview Apartments since 1999. Mr. Chell died August 4, 1966.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for most of her life where she was active in Circle, LWML and Bible study. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed reading and gardening.

She is survived by three daughters, Betty Heinen of Minneapolis, Diane (Willard) Tverberg of Virginia, MN and Dorene (Kenneth) Thomas of Maple Grove, MN; two sons, Orlyn (Patti) Chell of Fairbault, MN and Neil (Beth) Chell of Farmington, MN; 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Erma Bergman of Pelican Rapids. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lyle; three brothers, Wilfred, Wilmer and Norman and a sister, Florence Albertson.

Visitation: Sunday 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: 11 a.m. Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls

Clergy: Rev. Roger Lange

Burial: Trinity-Faith Cemetery

Funeral Home; Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls
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Evelyn Sollie

Evelyn Sollie, age 75, of Dalton died Thursday, August 22nd at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, August 27th at 10 a.m. at Kvam Lutheran Cemetery, rural Dalton, with Rev. David Skordahl officiating. The Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements for Evelyn Sollie.
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P.D. Ward

P.D. Ward, 94, of Fergus Falls died Sunday, August 25, 2002 at the Pioneer Retirement Community.

He was born December 23, 1907 in Leon, Iowa to Joseph and Elizabeth (Sullivan) Ward. He grew up in Revillo, SD where he graduated from high school.

On June 28, 1938 he married Marie Catherine Meyer at Annunciation Catholic Church in Revilo. From 1938 to 1968 he operated a Creamery and Locker plant in Revillo. He was very civic orientated serving on the Revillo School Board for over 20 years. He was also very active in the church where he served in various capacities.

He then moved to Storm Lake, Iowa where he worked for Montgomery Ward in refrigeration and small appliances retiring in 1978. While in Storm Lake he helped establish a work place for the disabled. In 1993 he and his wife and son, Mark, moved to Fergus Falls. He has been a resident of the Pioneer Retirement Community for the past year.

He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. He enjoyed hunting pheasants and loved horses and dogs. As a young man he played town team baseball. He was loved by his family and will always be remembered for his great sense of humor and his Irish wit.

He is survived by his wife, Marie of Fergus Falls; four sons, Joe (JoAnn) Ward of Newell, SD, Pat (Susan) Ward of Fergus Falls, Michael (Angela) Ward of Littleton, MA and Mark Ward of Fergus Falls; four daughters, Margaret Mary (George) Jurgens of Fergus Falls, Joann (Mark) Krauseneck of Grand Forks, ND, Susan (Willy) Sloan of Quasqueton, IA and Angela (Joe) Bindner of Cedar Rapids, IA; a cousin, Forrest Ward of Marietta, MN; 25 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Catherine and a great-grandson, Mackenzie Knutson.

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: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Fergus Falls

Clergy: Father Richard Walz

Burial: 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Revillo, SD

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls
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Marette Klevgard

Marette Klevgard, 77, of Fergus Falls died Monday, August 26, 2002 at Lake Region Hospital.

She was born July 9, 1925 near Halma, MN the daughter of Emil and Martha (Wilkens) Williamson. She grew up in the Halma and Lockhart areas attending schools there and graduating from the Ada High School in 1943. She attended the Swedish Hospital- School of Nursing in Minneapolis from 1943 to 1946 graduating with an R.N. Degree. She trained and served as a cadet nurse during WWII. She then worked at several hospitals for many years including the Swedish Hospital and Minneapolis General Hospital in Minneapolis, Bethesda Hospital and Sanitorium in Crookston, Ada Hospital in Ada, Veterans Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital in Fargo, ND, the Fargo Clinic and Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls.

She also was a private duty nurse for Minnesota Senator Norman Larson’s mother in Ada. Her other education included one year at Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis and classes at Moorhead State College and the Fergus Falls Community College. In the 1970's she taught Health Occupations at the Fergus Falls Senior High School. She loved to play piano and was self-taught in playing after a few lessons from Erling Rolfsrud who was a teacher in Lockhart and later became an acclaimed author.

On June 26, 1954 she married Millard Klevgaard at First English Lutheran Church in Lockhart. They lived in Moorhead before moving to Fergus Falls in 1965. Their son, Dana, was born May 24, 1961 and lives in Fergus Falls. Two more sons and two daughters died when born. Mr. Klevgaard died April 4, 1999.

She is survived by her son, Dana of Fergus Falls; a sister, Carol (William) Anderson of Grand Forks, ND and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Millard; four babies; a brother, Marvin; nephew, Randy and stepfather, Oliver Gilbertson.

Visitation: Wednesday from 5 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: 11 a.m. Thursday at Bethel Lutheran Church

Clergy: Revs. David Veum and Chris Anderson

Burial: 3 p.m. Thursday at Ada City Cemetery, Ada, MN

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls