Marjorie Kantrud

Marjorie Kantrud, 89, of Battle Lake died Sunday, September 26, 2010 at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Center.

Marjorie Delia Nelson Kantrud was born May 17, 1921, near Erie , ND , the only child of Harry and Pearl (Mitchell) Brown. As an infant, she was dedicated in the Church of God in Erie , ND . Marjorie grew up on their farm in the Red River Valley and graduated from Erie High School in 1939. She continued her education at Concordia College in Moorhead , MN , where she majored in English, Physical Education and Economics and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in 1943.

After teaching at Battle Lake High School for 2 years and at Little Falls High School for a year, Marj was married to Harold V. Nelson on June 15, 1946, in the First Baptist Church in Fargo , ND . They made their home in Clitherall where their daughter, Pamela, and son, Barry, were born and raised. Marj was employed as a part-time postal clerk for 19 years in Clitherall where her husband was postmaster and later rural mail carrier. In 1961, “Mrs. Nelson” returned to teaching English and health full time at Battle Lake High School until her retirement in 1980. She enjoyed every one of her students to the utmost. Marj and Harold were wonderful dancers, they loved playing bridge, traveling together and enjoyed spending their winters in central Florida where Harold suddenly passed away in November, 1987.

On June 21, 1989, Marj and, long-time family friend, Juel Kantrud were married in Las Vegas, NV, and they continued life at their Clitherall Lake home, traveling and wintering in Florida and Arizona for 16 years. Juel died in January, 2007, at their home. Reading and “books” were Marj’s passion until her eye sight failed the last few years. She very much enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, attending Progressive Women’s Club and Bible Study Club, and she loved listening to music, especially gospel music. Spending time with family and friends was very meaningful to her. During her last 3½ years, Marj truly enjoyed the friendly life at Lakeview Villas in Battle Lake and at Good Samaritan Nursing Home. In spite of her many health afflictions, Marj never complained and always had a beautiful smile for family, friends and staff, never wanting to “be a bother” to anyone.

Marj was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Pearl Brown, her husband, Harold Nelson, her second husband, Juel Kantrud.

Marjorie is survived by her daughter, Pamela (David) Trites of rural Clitherall, her son, Barry Nelson of Craig, CO; 7 grandchildren: Stacia Trites Corona, Bruce Trites, Benjamin Trites, Brent Nelson, Eric Nelson, Jennifer Nelson and Lisa (Jared) Munro; 5 great grandchildren: Francisca, Valentino & Zufan Corona, Delilah Hanson-Nelson, and Millie Munro. Also surviving are stepsons David (Sandy) Kantrud of Casa Grande, AZ, and Jim (Deb) Kantrud of Jamestown, ND, 5 step-grandchildren, Sherri (Chris) Heller, David (Rochelle) Kantrud, Erik Kantrud, Mike Kantrud and Kimberly Kantrud, and 4 step-great grandchildren, Carina and Avery Heller, Connor and Cassie Kantrud.