Fern Norgaard

FERN IRENE MARIE NORGAARD was born on July 18, 1922, to Harry and Marie (Zimmerman) Ellgen in Lake Wilson, Minnesota. Her family moved to Tyler, Minnesota when she was a young child. She and her three sisters later moved to Lake Benton, Minnesota where she graduated in 1940. Prior to getting married, she babysat for the Faaborg family of Tyler and worked in the bakery. On May 10, 1942, Fern was united in marriage to Arnold Norgaard at Danebod Lutheran Church in Tyler. Their union was blessed with three children, Janice, Gary, and Kathleen, and 62 years of life together. The couple farmed, milked cows, and raised their family in various communities including Tyler (1942-49), Ruthton (1949-61), and Arco (1961-92). They retired in 1992, and moved into Tyler, eventually residing at the Danebod Village. Arnold passed away in 2004. Fern relocated to assisted living in Elkton, South Dakota in 2007, and in 2013, she became a resident of the Stoney Brook Suites in Brookings, South Dakota. Fern’s last move was to The Neighborhoods of Brookview Nursing Home in Brookings in October of 2014, where she passed away on December 6, 2021, at the age of 99 years, four months, and 18 days.

Fern was a member of Danebod Lutheran Church in Tyler. In her earlier years she enjoyed bowling (earning many trophies), crossword puzzles, playing cards with friends and family, ceramics, and flowers. She and Arnold enjoyed traveling and meeting new people.

Fern is lovingly remembered her daughters, Janice (Larry) Peterson of Maple Grove, Minnesota and Kathy (Joel) Koster of Elkton, South Dakota; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold; son, Gary; parents; and sisters, Jeanette (Bud) Elbers, Darlene (Clem) Ziemet, and Harriet (Don) Gedstad.

Blessed be her memory.