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November 2002

Thursday, November 28, 2002
Halbakken, Inga

Monday, November 11, 2002
Mark, Wilma E.

Saturday, November 9, 2002
Clemenson, Jason
Stedjan, Sverre "Sam"

Thursday, November 7, 2002
Priebnow, Florence Helen
Skogen, Orris
Donley, Gerald D.

Monday, November 4, 2002
Bickford, Thelma Lucille
Nyreen, Lawrence

Friday, November 1, 2002
Anderson, Evelyn
Lill, Anton

Anton Lill

Anton Lill, 99, of Fergus Falls died Friday, November 1, 2002 at Lake Region Hospital.

He was born May 6, 1903 on the home farm west of Carlisle, MN, the eldest of nine children. He was also the last survivor. His father died in 1922 and as the eldest he spent many years helping his mother raise the rest of the family and run their 300 acre dairy farm. In the early 1930's he moved to Minneapolis to help an uncle with a bottled soda company.

While in Minneapolis, he met and later married Imo Maureene Burrow in 1934. After they were married, they moved back closer to home and rented a farm in Foxhome. There they had two children, Anthony and Michael. After several years of flooding on the Foxhome farm, they purchased a farm near Elizabeth in 1949 where they spent the next 15 years farming and he also worked as a carpenter. He was talented with wood and displayed this through remodeling, cabinet building and toy making.

In the late 1960's he sold the farm and went on to a second career processing turkeys in Pelican Rapids. He worked there well into his senior years and gave the younger staff an example to keep up with. A round of cancer forced his retirement. However, after surgery in Rhode Island and a couple years of family therapy, he returned to the home farm to live with his brother, George and nephew, David Lill who still maintains the original homestead.

He is survived by a son, Michael (Pat) Lill of Warwick, RI; a daughter-in-law, Inger Lill of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren, Gary Lill of Sarasota, FL, Melissa Muzzy of Coventry, RI, Patricia Maher of Providence, RI, Michael Lill II of Warwick, RI and Annette Hinckley of Attleboro, MA; four great-grandchildren, Julia, Katherine and Joseph Muzzy and Ashely Lill; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Anthony, Jr.; a grandson, Paul and brothers and sisters, Agnes Carlson, George Lill, Wencil Lill, Martha Glorier, Sylvester Lill, Catherine Snowbeck, Marcellus Lill and Margaret Lill.

Visitation: Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service

Service: 2 p.m. Thursday at the Pioneer Retirement Community Chapel

Clergy: Father Richard Walz

Burial: St. Elizabeth Catholic Cemetery in Elizabeth

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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