Fondly Remembered…

Francis Buer, passed away October 9, 2022, at the age of 103. Frank was born on March 8, 1919, in Brookings, South Dakota, to parents Nicholas and Susan (Hampel) Buer. At age two, he moved with his family to the farm in Providence Township, Lac qui Parle County, where he grew up, raised his family, and celebrated his 100th birthday prior to moving to the Care Center. Frank was baptized and confirmed at Florida Lutheran Church of rural Canby, and later joined the Garfield Lutheran Church. He attended District 24 country school through eighth grade and then two years at West Central School of Agriculture in Morris. On March 24, 1946 Frank married Jeane Anderson at Louisburg Lutheran Church. To this union 11 children were born. Frank was a proud farmer and dedicated husband and father. He was active in his church, farm organizations, and Sons of Norway. He had a love for horses and antique cars and trucks. He loved music, especially old time polkas. He learned to play the accordion and harmonica by ear and was often accompanied by Jeane with her violin. Frank was very kind and caring to everyone he associated with. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. He loved to reminisce about his earlier years and had an exceptional memory. He was always committed to assisting with the needs, interests, hobbies, school activities and work of his wife and children. Frank is survived by 10 children, 28 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, along with numerous other relatives.

Ronald Hervey ’48, age 91, of Wheaton, passed away December 5, 2022, at Sanford Hospital in Wheaton. Ronald was born January 22, 1931 in Tecumseh, Nebraska, to Ralph and Mary Hervey. He started school there and then moved to a farm in Clifton Township east of Wheaton in 1942. He attended country school half a mile south of the farm, and he graduated high school at West Central School of Agricutlure in Morris. This is where he met Ila Mae Hormann. They were married on August 11, 1949. The couple had four children. Ron and Ila were married for 70 years and one day until her death in 2019. Ronald served on Clifton Township for eons until he aged out. They appreciated his leadership and bookkeeping skills. He was a gifted mechanic and constructed many, many grain bins for over 30 years. From his farm, he also sold and traded Chaparral snowmobiles and Conklin products. He was the local “go to” for fixing Nipco heaters. He served as deacon for the Presbyterian church where they worshiped until the church closed. He also helped with construction of the Presbyterian Church and Wheaton elevator. Ron started farming as a youngster under his father’s wing. He celebrated the fact that his wife was his main helper on the land he farmed and loved for so many years. He was proud to have finished up his farming years by assisting his son, lastly running the combine and doing tillage at age 90. Ronald is survived by two sons, two daughters, and nine grandchildren.

Charles Trygestad, age 80, of Bellingham, passed away on November 5, 2022 at the Madison hospital. Charles was born at the Ebenezer Hospital, Madison, on August 7, 1942, to Nakor and Lilas (Mattson) Trygestad. Charles was baptized and confirmed in the Louisburg Lutheran Church. Charles was a lifelong resident of Perry Township in Lac qui Parle County. Charles lived on the Trygestad homestead that was purchased by his grandfather, Lars, over a century ago. As an only child, Charles enjoyed playing with his many cousins, riding his bike, playing with his dog, Daisy, and horse, Smokey. Life was fun on the farm. Wandering the fields with his dad, Nakor, and Uncle Lewis taught him how to appreciate and care for the earth. Charles attended West Central School of Agricultural for two years in Morris, so he could be home to help farm in early spring. He graduated from Bellingham High School where he enjoyed basketball. Charles remained lifelong friends with classmates from both schools. In his late teenage years he joined the National Guard to serve his country for four years. On March 10, 1962, Charles married Fran Rose Mork at Faith Lutheran Church, now known as the Prairie Arts Center, in Madison. They raised three children. He taught his family to have high standards in work, faith, and community. The land was his prized possession. Charles served 39 years as the Perry Township clerk: 1974-2013. As township clerk he was honored to work the elections for our country and take care of ditches and roads for his neighbors. Charles served on the Louisburg Elevator Board and the Louisburg Lutheran Church council. He was a supporter of the local fire department, the Lac qui Parle County fair, and other community activities. Charles enjoyed music and reading farm journals and daily newspapers. His favorite entertainer was Elvis Presley and he made eight trips to Las Vegas to attend his concerts. John Deere was his favorite machinery. Buicks were his favorite car and he drove a Chevy pickup. In 1986, Chuck developed multiple sclerosis. Over the years his body slowly deteriorated and his physical work life stopped. When Grace Haven Assisted Living opened in Madison, Chuck became a resident for nine years to get help with care. He came to the farm daily. Chuck moved to the Madison Healthcare Center two and a half years ago for additional care. He remained involved in farming through journals, conversations, and coffee at “Our Place Cafe” in Bellingham. He enjoyed listening to the daily markets and making phone calls to the elevator. Charles is survived by his wife of 60 years, their three children, eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild, three sisters-in-law, two brothers-inlaw, and many nieces and nephews.

Paul M Jensen ’54, of Willmar, formerly of the Belgrade area, died October 18, 2022, at Carris Health Care Center and Therapy Suites in Willmar at the age of 88. Paul was born September 13, 1934, near Belgrade, on the farm, the son of Miller and Karen (Spaahheden) Jensen. He grew up on the farm and graduated from the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris. Following graduation, he returned to the family farm, where he farmed with his parents before serving in the United States Army 1957-59. Upon his discharge, he returned to the farm eventually purchasing it from his parents. Following an invitation to a singles group, Paul met Phyllis Jones, and they were married on January 22, 1994, at Green Lake Free Lutheran Church. Paul and Phyllis moved into Willmar, where they made their home together. Paul was extremely active in the Belgrade community serving on the Crow Lake Free Lutheran Church Board, Crow Lake Cemetery Board, as well as the township board. Paul didn’t slow down upon moving to Willmar where he was active at Green Lake Free Lutheran Church and along with Phyllis were active members of Senior Citizens where he enjoyed playing pool and cards. For many years, Paul was a member of several bowling leagues in the area. Paul is survived by three children; nine grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Douglas R. Payne ’54, died February 28, 2023, at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis. He was the son of Alvin B. and Matilda A. Payne (Schoen) and was born May 9, 1936 in rural Chippewa County. He married Marion M. Morlock in Benson on September 20, 1958. He attended rural school and the West Central School of Agriculture at Morris and graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Agriculture in 1960. He served two years in the U.S. Army, including a tour in West Germany. He retired from International Multifoods Corp. after 35 years of service in various capacities while living in the U.S., Venezuela, Canada, and Mexico. While in Mexico he was president of La Hacienda S. A. de C. V. (a livestock feed company) and after he retired, he served for 10 years as a member of the board of directors of FEMAC S.A (a Mexican holding company.) Douglas was a member of Alpha Zeta (honorary agriculture fraternity) and served on the board of directors of feed manufacturers associations in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Venezuela. He enjoyed flying, fishing, hunting, golf, and traveling throughout the world with his wife. Douglas is survived by his wife of 65 years, one brother, and many nieces and nephews.

Dale W. Peterson ’54, age 86, of New London, entered into heaven’s glory on February 21, 2023, at Trails of Orono Assisted Living in Orono. He was born November 18, 1936, on the family farm outside of Sunburg. He was the oldest son of Walter and Melvina Peterson, with his identical twin, Dallen, born shortly after. He was a proud 1954 graduate of the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris and then served “behind a typewriter” for the Army, while stationed in California at the end of the Korean War. Dale married his high school sweetheart, Neola Ruby Hanson, on November 23, 1957, and had one daughter. They relocated to Minneapolis where he began his business sales career at Lakewood Cemetery. In 1973, Dale and Neola owned Dawn Valley Memorial Park in Bloomington, and then moved back to West Norway Lake in 1979 and owned New London Interiors. About the same time, Dallen started Merry Maids and Dale soon joined him as executive vice president in charge of franchise sales and marketing. Dale absolutely loved his time working alongside Dallen, traveling the world with Merry Maids for more than 20 years. When Merry Maids was sold to Service Master, he continued on and spearheaded Caring Companions by Service Master. He served in numerous civic and professional organizations, but was most proud of his work as the building chair of First Lutheran Church of Norway Lake, chairman of the New London Memorial on main street, and serving as the New London American Legion finance officer for 20 years. Dale is survived by his wife of 65 years, one daughter, three grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, four brothers, and three sisters.

Richard Storck ’55, of Greenfield, passed away suddenly November 17, 2022, at the age of 84, with his wife by his side. Rick was born on January 13, 1938, in the family farmhouse in Swan Lake Township in rural Stevens County, to Anthony and Thelma Smith Storck. He was the youngest of four children and grew up on the family farm. Growing up, he was active in 4-H, winning many awards. He attended grade school in Swan Lake Township in the District 40 schoolhouse. He graduated high school at the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris. He entered the U.S. Navy in January of 1956. After engineering school, he was assigned to the USS Gilmore stationed out of Key West, Florida. He received an honorable discharge three years later. In 1961, he was married to Elaine Overson of Donnelly. They had five children together. In 1962, he was hired by the Minneapolis Police Department, where he worked as a patrolman, an investigator, a member of the SWAT team, a driver for Minneapolis Mayor Charles Stenvig, and held the position of lieutenant in many departments, including the arson/bomb unit, robbery unit, and property crimes unit. He retired from the Minneapolis police force in 1997 after 35 years of service. During this time, he also served for the Greenfield Police Department, ultimately serving as chief of police for six years. In 1992, he was appointed to the Greenfield City Council and went on to serve there for 10 years. In 1991, he married Joyce Stevens Anderson and became stepdad to her three children. Throughout his life, he supplemented his income with many parttime jobs including being the entrepreneur for Dick’s Record Racks, rode for a motorcycle escort service, sold for Shaklee Products and Holiday Magic products, worked security for Embers, the Torch Bar, Target Center, and the Metrodome, including the World Series and the Super Bowl. He was very involved in the Hanover and Rockford Lions for more than 50 years, even receiving the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for dedicated humanitarian services. He was also involved in the Greenfield and Rockford Historical Societies, the mentorship program at Rockford High School, ushering at church, and the Fenton Club. He traveled extensively all over the world, including Europe, almost all 50 states, and two safaris in Africa, as he was an avid hunter. He owned a unique railroad car hunting shack in Motley, which caught the interest of Channel 11’s Minnesota Bound and the Star Tribune, both creating features on it. He is survived by his wife, five children, three stepchildren, nine grandchildren, one brother, and his former wife.

Paul Douglas “Doug” Glesne ’56, age 83 of Sunburg, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Carris Health – Rice Memorial Hospital, Willmar. Doug was born on November 13, 1938, in Willmar, to Clarence and Thelma Rime Glesne. He was baptized and confirmed at the West Norway Lake Lutheran Church. Doug attended country school at District 29 in Norway Lake Township, rural Sunburg. He continued his education at the Brooten High School and graduated from the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris. He joined the Minnesota National Guard and served eight years. During that time, he began farming with his father and his uncle Reuben Glesne. Farming became his lifelong career. On July 1, 1961, he married LaVonne Kosse. To this union four children were born. They were later divorced. In 2000, Doug met Ardis Knight, which started a lifelong companionship. He was an active, lifelong member of Hope Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council, cemetery board, and as an usher. He also took part in the annual lutefisk dinner. He was also a member of the New London American Legion, NRA, American Quarter Horse Association, American Coon Hunters Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the Crow River Riders Saddle Club. Doug spent many summer Sundays competing in western events at horse shows and racing horses at the local county fairs. One of his pastimes was raising Chesapeake Bay Retrievers in which he took pride in sending them all over the United States. Another pastime was coon hunting with his sons and grandsons. Doug’s real passion was working with cattle. The spring and fall cattle drives were his favorite times, being in the lead as they moved the cattle from home to pastures and then pastures to home with the horses. He was an avid fur trapper, duck hunter, deer hunter, and fisherman. His annual vacation was spent at deer camp at Comstock Lake and Spider Lake in northern Minnesota with family and close friends. While he always had a passion for country music and dancing, he found his love for singing while he and Ardy wintered in South Texas. He participated in karaoke any chance he could and started singing in church. A proud moment for him was being asked to sing at his granddaughter’s wedding. Doug’s Norwegian heritage was very important to him and was evident in his noticeable accent and fluent ability to speak Norwegian. The University of Oslo made a video of him and several others in the Sunburg area while they were here studying the Norwegian language spoken by the local residents. Doug is survived by his loving companion, Ardis, two daughters, two sons, 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, one sister, one nephew, four nieces, several great nephews, great nieces and cousins. He is also survived by Ardis’s children and grandchildren.

Charles Wesley Swendsrud ’59 passed away November 19, 2022, at the age of 81. He was born February 22, 1941, to Clifford and Bessie Mark Swendsrud in Fergus Falls. He attended District 7 grade school in Tumuli Township and West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, graduating in 1959. He was a member of the National Guard from 1959-1964, serving at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. On November 18, 1961, Charles married the love of his life, Joan Henderson, in Dalton. He was employed at the Dalton Creamery from 1956 until 1960 and Mark Sand and Gravel from 1961 to 1965. He was also employed at Otter Tail Power Company in Morris and Hallock as a lineman, and as a service representative in Park River, North Dakota, and Argyle. He retired in Fergus Falls as a dispatcher in 1998. Charles was a member of Our Savior’s Ten Mile Lake Lutheran Church in Dalton, where he was baptized, confirmed, and married. He was also a member of the Ten Mile Lake Cemetery Association Board, and the Tumuli Township Board. He enjoyed spending time on the family farm, evening drives, collecting tractors, attending auctions, and shopping Marketplace and the Green Sheet. His greatest joy was his family and the time they spent together. Charles is survived by his wife of 61 years, four children, 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, three sisters and a brother, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.