Watch Maynard's Video Tribute
Maynard Walvatne, age 76, of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, March 6, 2014, at Sanford Health in Fargo.
Maynard O. Walvatne was born on July 4, 1937 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of Otto and Martha (Sethre) Walvatne. He attended school in Fergus Falls, graduating from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in 1955. Maynard went on to attend the Wahpeton State School of Science, graduating in 1957 in auto repair. After graduation, Maynard worked at Fergus Nash Motor Company, Southside Repair, and managed the Conoco gas station. In 1959 he operated Walvatne Sinclair Service. He opened his own business, Walvatne Auto Repair, in 1963.
On June 24, 1961, Maynard married Patricia Bjerkebek at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Fergus Falls.
After basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, he spent time as a flight line mechanic in the North Dakota Air National Guard. He was involved in beginning the Inspiration Lutheran Brethren Church in Breckenridge, MN, serving as elder there as well as an elder later at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls.
In his spare time, Maynard enjoyed golfing, horseshoes, traveling, and meeting with morning coffee men ("The Senate") at his repair shop. He and Pat have volunteered at the Broen Memorial Home for over 12 years, assisting with music and helping each week with Sunday services.
One of Maynard's greatest enjoyments in his later years was to get up early, drive to the shop, and fire up the wood stove. "The Senate" would then gather for an hour of fellowship and coffee.
Maynard is survived by his wife, Pat of Fergus Falls; five children: Pamela (Cy) Kerber of Chanhassen, MN; Brenda (Michael) Stoen of Fergus Falls; Barbara (Ronald) Erickson of Williston, ND; Rachel (Patrick) Barrett of Shorewood, MN; and Michael (Rachael) Walvatne of Eden Prairie, MN; grandchildren: Tyler, Jenna and Julia Sorensen; Taryn, Malleri and Sarah Stoen; Isaac, Josiah, Ruthanne and Collin Erickson; Patrick, Jr., Abigail and Maggie Barrett; Isaiah, Zadie, Calvin and Xander Walvatne; step-grandchildren: Sarah (Jake) O'Konek, Joe (Kelly) Kerber; step great-grandchildren: Audrey, Zachary, MaKenzie, Elizabeth and Katelyn O'Konek; brother, Obert (Rosemary) Walvatne of Fergus Falls, MN; three nephews and a host of friends.
In addition to his parents, Maynard was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Doug Sorensen; grandsons, Jared Stoen and Matthew Sorensen.
Memorials preferred to the Church of the Lutheran Brethren and Broen Home.
Memorial Service: 1 PM Monday, March 10, 2014 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.
Visitation: 4 – 6 PM Sunday, March 9, 2014, with a 5:30 PM prayer service at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls. Visitation resumes one hour prior to services at the church.
Clergy: Rev. Ed Monson and Rev. Dr. Eugene Boe
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls
Condolences: GlendeNilson.com