*2016* Clara Purdy CLASSMATE 08.19.16

Clara Ann (Purdy) Gustafson was born on February 29, 1948, in Alexandria, Minnesota to Charles and Agnes (Mrnak) Purdy. Clair was baptized at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. She attended school in Alexandria through the eleventh grade.
Clair was united in marriage to Richard Gustafson on June 11, 1966, at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. To this union the couple was blessed with four children: Rich, Mike, Tim and Tracy. Clair was a homemaker and the rock of the family. She worked at D'Michael B's for the last 22 years as the dishwasher and cleaner earning the name "Clair Bear". She also worked in housekeeping at Super 8. Clair worked hard to provide for her family and would do anything for them.
Clair had three parrots that she loved, along with her dog, Gypsy. She enjoyed watching classic movies like Dark
Shadows and Frazier. Clair was a really good cook and baker and made the best beef jerky. She also enjoyed meeting at the Depot for Bargo. Most of all, Clair loved being with her family, especially spending time with her granddaughter, Pearl whom she named "Stink Pot".
Clair died on Friday, August 19, 2016 at Sanford South University Hospital in Fargo, ND at the age of 68. She is survived by her sons, Rich, Mike and Tim (Serena) Gustafson and daughter, Tracy (fiancé, Randy Gertner) Gustafson all of Alexandria; grandchildren, Mike Trahms, Samantha Gustafson, and Pearl Gustafson; two new born great-grandsons; brothers, Alvin and Charles Purdy both of Alexandria; half-sister, Frances Fox of Yankton, ND; brothers-in-law, Elverne (Ona) Gustafson of Benson; nephews, Jessie, and Joey; and niece, Shannon Purdy. Clair is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Agnes; and husband, Richard Gustafson.
Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM on
Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria with Reverend Geoff Gronewold officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Interment was at Benson City Cemetery in Benson, MN.

 

 

*2016* Deb Krueger > Father 07.30.16

 Donald Herman Krueger, age 92, was born May 18, 1924 in Faribault, MN to Herman and Mary Krueger. He was raised in Morristown, MN and graduated from High School in 1942. Don enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and was stationed in Attu, Alaska with the Hospital Corps. In 1945, Don was transferred to serve at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, DC. It was here that Don met the love of his life, Winifred. They married in 1946. Donald received his Pharmacy degree in 1951 from NDSU, moved to Alexandria, MN and began his lifelong profession as a pharmacist at Rexall Drug. Don and Wini had three daughters between the years of 1949-1962. Don purchased the drugstore in 1965 and continued to expand services in the community. Don helped the hospitals with their pharmacies and was a consultant at Bethany and Knute Nelson nursing homes. In 1982, Don introduced the "Unit Dose System" to Knute Nelson Home. In 1988, he sold the drugstore to Thrifty White, worked part-time for Thrifty for 2 years and then fully retired in 1990 after 36 years in pharmacy.

Don was on the First National Bank board of directors, past president of the Jaycees and Chamber of Commerce, dedicated member of American Legion Post 87 and a lifetime member of Rotary. He was on the Alexandria School board for over 10 years. Don also supported both Douglas County Hospice and Knute Nelson Hospice. The people who provide this end of life service are angels.
Don thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years and continued to serve the community. He was on the board of directors for Central MN Elder Network and actively volunteered with Elder Network. In 2014, Don and his son-in-law Bob participated in the Honor Flight to Washington DC to see the WWII Memorial. It was one of his last trips and the experience was a highlight of his later years. He was one of the first residents at Knute Nelson Grand Arbor Senior living and enjoyed a wonderful circle of new and old friends.
Don lived life to the fullest up until his last day. He sought refuge in nature and was known as "The Guide" to those who joined him on his yearly fishing trips to Canada and duck hunting opener. He did not allow his failing health to make his world smaller. Don lived each day abundantly. His mind remained sharp, his wit bright and his laughter contagious. He always had a story to share and was interested in the stories of others. He was loved, respected and our anchor in life.
Don passed away peacefully in his home on July 30th, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife: Winifred, his parents and brother. He is survived by his daughters: Deborah, Leslie (Bob) and Tracy (Tom). Grandchildren: Melissa (Chad), Christa (Joe), Molly (Michael), Maggie (Brian), Shannon, Shelby. Great-grandchildren: Jordyn, Isaac, Will, Josie and Benny. He also embraced his step-grandchildren: Mary Kay (Patrick), Joe and step great-grandchildren: Vivian and Oliver.
The family requests memorials to Elder Network of Alexandria and Knute Nelson Hospice.
Don's complete obituary is posted online at www.andersonfuneral.net

        

 

 

67/68 2016 Golf Scramble

Classmates:     

This is an invitation to play in our annual golf scramble.    JULY 16th

Where:  Alex Golf Club
When:  July 16th, Saturday    10:00 A.M (come a little earlier before the putting contest starts) , first tee
                                            off is at 11:00 a.m.
Cost:  $45 green fees - includes cart.  $15.00  for contests and prizes (not optional). 
Prize ceremony:  After the golf (about 4:00 p.m.  At the Golf Club patio.
Eddy's Interlachen:  Reservations 5 - 5:30 p.m.


Notes:    Spouses may play (we have had two to three each year)
            - Last year,  everyone who attended the prize ceremony won a prize,  may not happen again, but
              we will have lots of good prizes.
         
            - Everyone is invited for the social at Eddy's (5 p.m. and beyond)

Paul Newhouse > Wife 04.13.16

   With family at her side, Joyce Irene Newhouse, age 66, passed away at St. Cloud Hospital on April 13th, 2016, She was born in Mountain Lake, MN on September 18th, 1949 and grew up in Osakis, MN. Joyce graduated Osakis High School in 1969 and then attended and graduated from Alexandria Technical College with a legal secretary degree. She met her husband Paul and they married in December of 1970. Joyce spent one year in Washington State with her husband who was in the military. They moved back to St. Cloud, MN in 1971. They then had two children, Melissa and Michael, and moved to Alexandria, MN where her and her husband worked for Newhouse Machinery Company until they retired in the year 2000. They have enjoyed traveling the country for the last sixteen years. She loved to read books and visit family. Preceded in death by her brother Jerry Stenke, parents Fred and Irene (Heintz) Stenke, and Evelyn and Julian Newhouse. 

 

She is survived by husband Paul Newhouse, daughter Melissa, son Michael, and grandson Lucas. She is also survived by her sister Jeanne (David) Sawatzky and brother Rod (Laurie) Stenke.
Funeral service was held at Anderson Funeral on Saturday April 16th followed by Burial service at Kinkead Cemetery beside Julian and Evelyn Newhouse.
Thank you everyone for condolences and love during this difficult time.

 

Janet Christenson > Sister 02.05.2015

       Ruth L. Christenson age 58 of Alexandria died on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at her home. A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Inurnment will be at Kinkead Cemetery followed by a gathering for family and friends at Ruth's Home.
In lieu of flowers, Ruth requested donations to the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, to be designated for Camp Mak-A-Dream scholarships. Address is: 4604 Chicago Ave; Minneapolis, MN 55407


Ruth Leslie Christenson was born in Olivia, Minnesota on July 31, 1956, the third child of Llewellyn "Bud" Christenson and Thelma (Hausken) Christenson. She was baptized in the Lutheran church at Hector, Minnesota and was confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. She graduated from Jefferson Senior High School in 1974. After attending Concordia College for two years, she transferred to Moorhead State and received a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education in 1979. Ruth taught elementary physical education in Thousand Oaks, California. She earned a computer programming degree from Alexandria technical school and worked for Midwest Data company in Willmar for 26 years, beginning as a computer programmer, and later as manager of product development and integration. She worked full time for Home Depot for almost a year until chemotherapy for her cancer made it impossible for her to continue. She then returned to live in Alexandria and joined Calvary Lutheran Church where she had attended services for many years with her parents.

Ruth was an active person who played sports in high school, on college teams, and on recreational teams as an adult. She played softball, basketball, volleyball, and field hockey. Ruth was all conference in college field hockey. She loved weight lifting. In 2014 she and her teammates were invited back to Moorhead state and were honored as trailblazers for women's collegiate sports. She honored her mother and others by completing the three day 60 mile Susan G Komen walk for breast cancer. She enjoyed the outdoors, walking with her two dogs, Nido and Pupen on the trails near her home.

After her cancer was diagnosed, Ruth attended conferences sponsored by FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), an organization for women with genetic mutations that increase the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. She also participated in The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, completing three years of walks for fundraising, and receiving a fundraising award for her efforts. Ruth attended Camp Mak-A-Dream in Montana in 2013 with other women from around the nation who were suffering from ovarian cancer. In 2014 she was one of three chosen as an Honorary Survivor by the Douglas County Relay for Life.

Ruth was a quiet person who thought before she spoke and whose words were kind. She was practical, steadfast, loyal, sensitive, forgiving, and compassionate. She suffered without complaint. She was strong, physically, mentally, and spiritually. She reached out to people in her quiet way and made and nurtured friendships wherever she went. Ruth cherished the support of her friends from Camp Mak-A-Dream, some of whom preceded her in death. She was close to everyone in her family - a loving sister, niece, cousin, aunt, and great aunt.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and grandparents, two uncles, two aunts, and two cousins. She is survived by her siblings and their spouses, Janet (John) Rahm, Steven (Sally) Christenson, and Peter Christenson; her nephews John (Kelsi) Rahm and Peter Christenson, and two great nieces, Freya and Solveig Rahm. She also precedes into eternal life her godparents, Dodie and Herm Talle, and other dear aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, including her long time friend and companion Kathryn Porter.

Celebrate life and rejoice that Ruth is with The Lord.

Donald Steen > Mother 02.01.2016

   Mrs. Ruth Anna Steen of Alexandria, Minnesota passed away at the age of 100, on her birthday, February 1st, 2016. Ruth was born to Alfred Jacob and Anna (Swedberg) Berglund, immigrants from Sweden, on February 1st, 1916 on a farm in La Grande Township, Douglas County, near Alexandria, Minnesota.
Ruth was raised on the farm and attended public country school for one year. In 1926, she was transferred to the School for the Deaf in Faribault, Minnesota, and graduated from that school in 1938. In the following fall, she was offered a job as a seamstress for the school and worked there for nine years. In 1947, she quit her job and came home to Alexandria to take care of her mother.
On February 14th, 1948, she was united in marriage to Olaf Peter Steen, who was a brick layer for many years until his death in 1963. They had three children, sons Philip and Donald and a daughter, Deanna.
Ruth was employed as a cleaning lady at the Viking Motel in Alexandria in 1960 and worked there until her husband Olaf’s death. Ruth went back to work later. In 1971, she started to work at Douglas County Hospital, first in the laundry for four years and later in the dietary department where she worked until her retirement in 1983. In Ruth's retirement, she traveled and spent more time with her children and their families which she enjoyed very much. She also went with a group of Christians from Christ Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota, on their trip to Israel in 1985. Ruth enjoyed the sightseeing and walking in the areas where Jesus walked. It was a very interesting tour.
Ruth was a member of the Alexandria Assembly of God Church and was active in Women's Ministries. She also enjoyed the "Work & Share’s" for years. Ruth also enjoyed singing with the choir and performing solo’s in sign language. She got saved in 1948.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Olaf; parents, Jacob and Anna; sisters, Lillian, Julia, Myrtle, and Elizabeth; and brother, Axel. She is survived by sons, Philip (Joan), Donald (Harriett); daughter, Deanna (Olen) Rainey; six grandchildren, Shawna Williams (Vince); Nicole (Andrew) Snyder; Valerie Steen; Peter (Katie) Steen; Treis (Jodi) Rainey; Marissa (Michael) Raguet; eight great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn Williams, Blake Williams, Gavin Williams, Alethea Steen, Job Steen, Lilias Steen, Eleanor Snyder, Sabrina Snyder; one sister, Mabel; many nieces and nephews.
Ruth wrote her own obituary around 1990.

A funeral service will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the Living Waters Church in Alexandria, MN at 11:00 AM. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 5, 2016 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN and also one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Pallbearers will be Wayne Lee, Merv Roggow, Alan Berglund, Douglas Strand, Vince Williams and Michael Raguet. Musicians will be, Peter and Katie Steen and their children and Jody Englund, and Pastor Sam McKay officiating. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net

http://www.andersonfuneral.net/obituaries/Ruth-Steen-2/#!/Obituary

Donald Affeldt > Mother 01.31.2016

 

   Elderoine “Elly” Sordahl, age 91, of Willmar and formerly of Alexandria, died Sunday morning, January 31, at Bethesda Pleasant View Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 4, at the Calvary Lutheran Church Chapel in Willmar. Interment will be at Cloverleaf Memorial Park. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Elderoine “Elly” Margaret Sordahl was born on June 21, 1924, in Raymond, Minnesota, the daughter of George and Hulda (Martin) Kluver. She grew up in Alexandria, received her education there and began working as a nurses aide at the Starbuck Hospital. In 1947, Elly married Delbert John Affeldt. They made their home in Alexandria where she worked as a homemaker. In 1964, Delbert died. In 1975, Elly was married to Maynard Sordahl and they made their home in Willmar. Elly worked as a cooks helper making the school lunch at the Willmar Jr. High. In 1978 Maynard died and Elly then began working fulltime at Juba’s Deli. She was also a volunteer grandma for the Willmar schools. She was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church and the V.F.W. Auxiliary. Elly enjoyed reading, watching TV and flower gardening.

She is survived by four children, Donald Affeldt of Corcoran, Shirley (and Gary) Kluver of Alexandria, Michael Affeldt of Willmar and Judy (and Brian) Gislason of Willmar; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Also surviving is one brother, Arnold (and Bernie) Kluver of Kenosha, WI., and one sister, Donna Camberlan of Denver, CO., besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; one son, Ronald in 1973; four brothers, Gordon, Larry, Reuben and Harold; and her special companion, Robert Holland.

http://www.petersonbrothers.com/obituaries/Elly-Sordahl/#!/Obituary