Jacob Bergeaton Lillestol

Jacob Bergeaton Lillestol Jr, 90, of Fergus Falls, MN, died on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at his residence. 

Jake was born in Wahpeton, North Dakota, the son of Jacob and Gina (Fluto) Lillestol and grew up in Wyndmere, ND, on the family farm. He graduated from Wyndmere High school then proudly served in the Army for two years in the Korean War being honorably discharged in 1955. After the service Jake attended Dakota Business College in Fargo, North Dakota where he met the love of his life, Ardis Bakken. Jake and Ardis married in rural Appleton, Minnesota on April 6th, 1958, they shared a beautiful 66 years together. 

After their marriage, Jake attended North Dakota State University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 1962.  

They settled in Fergus Falls, Minnesota in 1963, to their union they were blest with four children; Susan, Steven, Katherine, and Karen. 

Jake was employed by Ottertail Power in their Treasury Department and retired after 30 years as Treasurer. During his tenure at Ottertail Power, Jake enlisted and served as a Chaplains Assistant in the Air National Guard, retiring after 20 years as Master Sergeant. He was a lifelong member of the Fergus Falls VFW; the Fergus Falls American Legion, and the Wyndmere American Legion. Jake was a member of Gideons for over 50 years. Jake and Ardis were members of Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. 

Jake was proud of his Norwegian Heritage and travelled to Norway six times. In the United States, Jake and Ardis enjoyed their winter trips to Florida for 18 years. Jake was member of the Pebble Lake Golf Course where he got "his" hole-in-one. Jake enjoyed his NDSU Bison football games and was a season ticket holder for years. Jake also enjoyed Lutefisk dinners travelling as far as Fargo to the Sons of Norway for Lutefisk. While Jake had a lot of fun on his many outings and adventures, there was one thing that was better than them all his family. Jake was a proud father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Gina Lillestol; siblings, Jerome (Joan) Lillestol, Beverly (Russell) Janssen, Duane (Arlene) Lillestol and Diane (Richard) Kelly. Jake is survived by his loving wife, Ardis Lillestol of Fergus Falls; four children, Susan (Corey) Johnson of Rapid City, SD, Steven (Keri) Lillestol of Thief River Falls, MN, Katherine (Tim) Rubin of Duluth, MN and Karen (Nate Kaster) Lillestol of Madison,WI; nine grandchildren, Jesse, Erica, Wayne, Matthew, Gabriel, Marisa, Anna, Peter and Grace; 10 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild along with numerous nieces, nephews. 

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Gideons International, PO Box 232, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Visitation: Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 5-7 P.M., with a 6:30 prayer service at the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, with visitation at 10 a.m. 

Clergy: Pastor David Foss

Interment: Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Military Honors: Harold T. Swenson VFW Post 612 & American Legion Post 30

Funeral arrangements entrusted with the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls.