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January 2002

Tuesday, January 29, 2002
Fisher, Maynard O.

Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Carlson, Carl E.

Sunday, January 20, 2002
Woessner, Donna Lou Marion Clausen

Monday, January 14, 2002
Murray-Andrus, Irene

Monday, January 7, 2002
Johnson, Glenn A.
Nelson, Ernest W.

Saturday, January 5, 2002
McIlravie, Ione Marie

Tuesday, January 1, 2002
Odegard, Richard

Richard Odegard

Richard Odegard, 61, of Underwood died Tuesday, January 1, 2002 at Merit Care Hospital in Fargo, ND.

He was born March 7, 1940 in Fergus Falls to Gordon and Dorothy (Erickson) Odegard. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church, rural Battle Lake. He lived in rural Battle Lake, and graduated from the Ashby High School in 1958. After graduation he worked at the Ashby Equity and First State Bank of Ashby.

On February 12, 1966, he married Jean Ann Clemensen at Pelican Lake Lutheran Church in Ashby. They moved to Minneapolis where he worked as a bookkeeper for Strich Co-Transport Body, Inc. In 1971 they purchased the Underwood Grocery Store which they owned and operated for 16 years. After selling the store, he was employed in Fergus Falls at Pamida, Cardinal Homes, Service Food and Fergus Tire.

He was in the National Guard for six years. He served as a councilman and mayor of Underwood and was a fireman with the Underwood Fire Department. He was presiding president of the Fergus Falls Community College Spartan Booster Club, was a past president of the Fergus Falls Classic Car Club and a member of the Uninviteds Car Club. He enjoyed driving his 1961 Chevy in parades, loved classic cars, bowling and was an avid sports fan. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and attending their school events.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Jean Ann; children and grandchildren, Bradley (Deb) Odegard and Kelsey and Erica of Fargo, ND, Bryan (Pam) Odegard and Jessica and Ariana of Underwood, Scott Odegard (fiancee, Jennifer Knutson) and Bretta, JoDee, Kassidy, Skylah and Dakota of Fergus Falls; one sponsored son in Haiti, Fred; a brother, Charles (fiancee, Karel) Odegard of Fergus Falls; a sister, Geraldine (Les) Spencer of East Bethel, MN and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Dorothy Odegard; grandparents, Selmer and Alice Erickson and Evan and Olga Odegard.

Visitation: Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Sverdrup Lutheran Church in Underwood and one hour prior to the service on Sat.
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at the Underwood School Gymnasium in Underwood
Clergy: Rev. James Gronbeck and Associate in Ministry, Arvella Lang
Burial: Bethel Lutheran Cemetery, rural
Battle Lake Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls
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Ione Marie McIlravie

Ione Marie McIlravie, 96, of Ashby died Saturday, January 5, 2002 at Pelican Lake Health Care Center in Ashby.

She was born August 19, 1905 in Warrens, WI., in a log cabin out in the country, to George and Ruby (Aurebach) Rich. She was baptized in 1910 in Rome, WI. She worked in Minneapolis where she met and married Sidney Roy McIlravie. They were married at the Presbyterian Church in St. Paul on June 16, 1927. They lived in both Minneapolis and Alexandria prior to buying a farm near Ashby.

She enjoyed knitting and sewing. She was also a member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby.

Survivors include two daughters, Catherine Isabel Marie Ramstad of Alexandria and Lois Kathleen McIlravie Bates of Canastota, NY; a half brother, Dr. Clifton Frank Lawrence of Miami, OK; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ruby Rich, and her husband Sidney McIlravie.

Visitation: Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Ashby and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Thursday at Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby
Clergy: Rev. Carol Olson
Burial: Christina Lake Cemetery, Ashby
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby
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Glenn A. Johnson

Glenn A. Johnson, 87, of Battle Lake died Monday, January 7, 2002 at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Center.

He was born August 24, 1914 in Nidaros Township, rural Clitherall, to Oscar T. and Alma B. (Bredeson) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed at Nidaros Lutheran Church. He attended grade school at District 53 in Nidaros Township, Junior High School at Vining and graduated from the Battle Lake High School. He attended the U of M graduating with a B.S. Degree in 1938.

He entered the U.S. Army Air Corp, attached to the 8th Air Force, and served with the 547th Bomb Squadron 384th Bomb Group in Algeria, French Morocco, Sicily, Naples, Foggia, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe during WWII. He was presented the following medals after his discharge: European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with the Arrowhead, Silver Star and four Bronze Stars; Army of Occupation medal with Germany Clasp; Presidential Unit Emblem with Honorable Service lapel button with WWII; WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Purple Heart.

After his military service he worked for Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis. He then took a job as Manager of Consumers Coop Oil Co. of Battle Lake for 30 years retiring in 1976 after being disabled. On March 29, 1947 he married Pearl Rix at the parsonage in Nidaros Township. He served 20 years on the Battle Lake Fire Departments with 18 years as Fire Chief. He was a member of Cornerstone Masonic Lodge of Fergus Falls. He served two terms on City Council and as acting mayor for two years. He worked with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He served two terms on the Battle Lake School Board. He was an ambulance driver for three years for the city of Battle Lake. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake and served several terms on the church board. He was a life member of VFW Post 874 and a life member of American Legion Post 357. He has traveled all 50 states plus England, France, Germany, Italy, Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Norway and Sweden.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl; a daughter, Pam (John) Reed of Rochester; a son, Wayne (Roxanne) Johnson of Independence; five grandchildren, Brian and Brad Reed, Matthew, Eric and Andrew Johnson; a sister, Arlene (Arnold) Olson of Battle Lake and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Gary Glenn Johnson on June 22, 1998; a brother, Cleve and a sister-in-law, Myrtle.

Visitation: Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 2 p.m. Thursday at First Lutheran Church, Battle Lake
Clergy: Rev. George Dahl
Burial: Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake
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Ernest W. Nelson

Ernest W. Nelson, 99, of Evansville died Monday, January 7, 2002 at the Osakis Community Memorial Home in Osakis.

He was born May 28, 1902 to Mr. and Mrs. John Nelson at Drayton, ND where he grew up. As a young man he traveled to Minneapolis and became a cook at The Old Soldiers Home and then trained at Dunwoody Institute to become a baker. He met and married Esther Olson of Evansville while working in Minneapolis and they had two daughters, Barb and Irene. They made their home in Minneapolis and then started a bakery in Evansville during the years 1931 to 1933. They sold the bakery to Gilman Heglie and moved back to Minneapolis where he worked in bakeries throughout the area. In 1940 the family moved to his wife’s father’s farm north of Evansville where he farmed part time and worked at bakeries in Alexandria and Fergus Falls. A daughter, Judy, was born in 1944.

He was able to remain on his little farm after Mrs. Nelson passed away in 1981 until he was 94 years of age due to the caring concern and watchfulness of his very special neighbors, Burnell, Bonnie, Bridget and Bryce Anderson. He lived in a senior apartment in Ashby for three years and then went to Osakis Community Memorial Home where he was close to his daughter, Barbara.

He will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, love of bingo and ice fishing on Lake Ina. His special rolls were a treat which he managed to bake until well into his 90's.

The family wishes to express deepest appreciation to the Andersons, Grant County Home Nursing, Dr. Peterson, the wonderful staff at the Osakis Community Memorial Home for their exceptional care of our dad, grandpa and uncle.

He is survived by his daughters, Irene Olson of Alexandria, Barbara (Joe) Welsh of Osakis and Judy (Dennis) Mack of Minneapolis; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Esther; four brothers; one sister and two great-great grandsons.

Visitation: Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home in Evansville and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 2 p.m. Friday at Faith Lutheran Church, Evansville
Clergy: Rev. Irving J. Arnquist
Burial: Mound Grove Cemetery, Evansville
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Evansville
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Irene Murray-Andrus

Irene Murray-Andrus, 93, of Minneapolis, formerly of Elizabeth, died Monday, January 14, 2002 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

She was born May 14, 1908 in Friberg Township to Thomas and Katherine Murray. She attended rural school District #193 in Friberg Township. She lived on the family farm and helped her parents farm and also worked at Otter Tail Nursing Home for a number of years. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Maine Township.

In 1957 she married Henry Andrus at St. James Catholic Church. They made their home in Elizabeth where she was a member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church. Ten years ago she moved to Minneapolis to live with her family.

She is survived by four nephews, Thomas (Donna) Kadel of Coon Rapids, Fred (Bev) Kadel of Minneapolis, Murray (Barb) Kadel of Stillwater and Kent (Karen) Kadel of White Bear Lake; two nieces, Marcine Nelson and Kathleen Drechsel both of Maplewood; 24 great nephews and nieces and 16 great-great nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Katherine Murray; her husband, Henry; a sister, Katherine Kadel; brother-in-law, Floyd Kadel; adopted brother, Francis and wife, Lorraine Murray; niece, Mary Mrnak and two great-nieces.

Visitation: Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 7 p.m. at Brenny Hall in Elizabeth and one hour prior to the service
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Elizabeth
Clergy: Father Richard Walz
Burial: St. James Catholic Cemetery, Maine Township
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls
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Donna Lou Marion "Sweetie" Clausen Woessner

Donna Lou Marion "Sweetie" Clausen Weossner, 77, of Fergus Falls went home to be with her Lord, Sunday, January 20, 2002 at her daughter’s home after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born June 15, 1924 the daughter of Henry and Mary (Larson) Clausen in rural Rothsay. She grew up in the Rothsay, Foxhome and Nashua areas where she attended rural school. She graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1943. She had many stories of her childhood days on the farm and about her parents, 11 brothers and sisters and a foster brother.

On October 7, 1947 she married Roy Kuntz. They lived in St. Paul for eight years and had two children, Sherry and Greg. She moved back to the rural area and managed the Clausen Café in Nashua. She moved to Elbow Lake in 1960 and owned the Hotel Bar. She married Harlan Weossner on December 18, 1962 at Sisseton, SD. They had two children, Cindy and Mark. In November of 1978 they moved to Fergus Falls. She worked as a waitress at Ten Mile Steakhouse, Home 20 Café and the Viking Café.

If she were to choose a favorite word, it would be "family". Her life revolved around her children and grandchildren. Some of her best friends were her sisters and nieces. She also enjoyed people and was always ready for lunch and a good cup of coffee, lively conversation and a good joke. The smile of a child moved her heart as she had compassion for children and animals. She was confirmed in the Lutheran faith and had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For the past 15 years she enjoyed fellowship at Community Bible Church. She had recently moved to her daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Bill’s home.

She is survived by two daughters, Sherry (Bill) Gronwold and Cindy (Scott) Rachels of Fergus Falls; two sons, Greg Weossner of Bemidji and Mark (Angie) Weossner of Blaine; grandchildren, Bridget, Billy and Brockten Gronwold, Nathaniel Weossner, Megan Rachels and Matthew and Jessica Garner; one foster brother, Leon Smith of Chenney, KS; five sisters, Evelyn Rediski, Bernice Hennenfent, Vera Clausen, Adeline Homan all of Breckenridge and . Buelah Moore of Fergus Falls; a sister-in-law, Burnette Clausen of Campbell; a brother-in-law, Clarence (Kathleen) Weossner of Elbow Lake and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Mary Clausen; her husband, Harlan R. Weossner; five brothers, Chester, Curtis, Dale, Ervin and Lyle Clausen and a sister, Gladys Bilden.

Visitation: No visitation is planned
Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday at Community Bible Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Patrick Herzog
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls
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Carl Carlson

Carl E. Carlson, 95, of Orwell Township, rural Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at his home.

He was born January 10, 1907 in Maine Township to Charles and Bessie (Bjorgo) Carlson. He grew up and attended school in Amor Township. As a young man he moved to Orwell Township where he worked for Charles and Bertha Hitchcock. Through this work and relationship he met and married Viola Hitchcock on November 14, 1929 at the Federated Parsonage in Fergus Falls.

Following their marriage they lived for four years in Orwell Township and then moved to Carlisle Township where they lived for six years. They then moved back to Orwell Township where they have farmed and made their home since 1940. Their marriage was blessed with two children, David and Jane. Mrs. Carlson died January 12, 1995.

He was a member and Elder at Western Presbyterian Church. He was President of Orwell Farm Bureau, was an Orwell 4-H Club Leader and in 1956 he and Viola were the Farm Couple of the Year at the Red River Shows. He was also a member of the Elks and enjoyed fishing, hunting and going on Utopia Tours.

He is survived by a daughter, Jane (Roger) Nelson of Fergus Falls; six grandchildren, Bryan (Jody) Nelson, Susan Nelson and special friend, Dwight Neset, Steven (Karen) Carlson, Lester (Deb) Carlson, Marc (Peggy) Carlson and Jody (Craig) Ecker; 12 great-grandchildren, Matthew Carlson and fiancee, Amber Anderson, Travis Carlson, Lauren Carlson, Joseph Ecker, Jacob Ecker, Dane Carlson, Molly Carlson, Alyse Carlson, Shaylah Thompson, Seth Thompson, Clover Nelson and Bailey Nelson; two sisters, Pearl Decker of Gwinner, ND and Calma Fleming of Bakersfield, CA; an aunt, Ida Christianson of Battle Lake and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Viola; son, David B. Carlson; daughter-in-law, Shirley Carlson; four brothers, Norman, Sanford, Bernard and Adolph; a sister, Julia and two half sisters, Clara and Myrtle.

Visitation: Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service
Service: 2 p.m. Saturday at Western Presbyterian Church in Western Township
Clergy: Rev. Brad Soenksen Burial: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls
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Maynard O. Fisher

Maynard O. Fisher, 75, of Ashby, died Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

He was born April 4, 1926 at home in rural Brownton to Edwin and Elsie (Kujas) Fisher. He was baptized in the Lutheran Faith at St. Matthews in Brownton. He was confirmed at Evergreen Lutheran Church in rural Frazee.

He was a farmer, carpenter, and an avid sportsman. He was a founder of the Eagle Lake Sportsman Club.

He is survived by four children from his first marriage to Gladys (Krueger) Soland, Val (Terry) Fick, Donita Smith, Milo (Carrie) Fisher all of Ashby, and Norman (Candy) Fisher of Ramsey. He is also survived by his brother Harvey (Marie) Fisher of Detroit Lakes; three sisters Lorrinda (Edwin) Schultz of Frazee, Bernice (Vernon) Vidden of East Grand Forks, and Arlene (Marvin) Monson of New York Mills; Brother-in-Law LeRoy Feldt of Frazee; 12 grandchildren, Dr. Carmen (Duane Spielman) Odegaard of Evansville, Conrad (Jennifer) Odegaard of Hoffman, Katrina Smith of Evansville, Crystal Smith of Ashby, Kevin (Dori) Fick of Ashby, Kristyn Fick of Ashby, Kyle Fick of Columbia Heights, Tara Fisher of Moorhead, Tessa Fisher of Mankato, Mike Fisher of Anoka, Nikki Fisher of Ramsey, and Cassie Fisher of Ramsey; 8 great-grandchildren; and special friend Mike Morhman of Evansville. He was preceded in death by his parents; second wife Francis (Gustofson) Fisher; brother Ellsworth; sister Evangaline Feldt; and Brother-in-Law Edwin Schultz.

* There will be a Fisher Family Reunion on June 22, 2002 in Maynard’s honor at the Eagle Lake Park.

Visitation: Two hours prior to the service
Service: 7 p.m. Saturday at Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby
Clergy: Rev. Carol Olson
Funeral Home: Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby