Maureen Svangstu, 83, died Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, at a health-care facility in Minot.
Maureen was born on Jan. 5, 1926, in Upland Township to Myrtle (Wenstad) and Oscar Gillund. She was raised on the family farm north of Wildrose and attended Upland School and Crosby High School. Maureen was a confirmed member of Glenwood Lutheran church, rural Wildrose.
She married Oscar Svangstu on Aug. 29, 1943, and together they raised six children. The family moved from their farm to Crosby in 1957. She was very involved in her children's activities, including being a scout leader and teaching Sunday school.
Oscar and Maureen moved to Florida in 1973, but moved back to Crosby in 1979 to be close to family. She thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was an enthusiastic spectator at their activities.
Maureen was an active member of Concordia Lutheran Church, Women's Circle, Dames Study Club, and Sons of Norway. She also enjoyed reading, cooking, baking, shore fishing, bowling, curling, card playing and working in her flower garden. She loved taking country drives looking at scenery and wildlife, and especially enjoyed watching hummingbirds.
Those Who Shared In Her Life: son, Robert and Diane Svangstu, Noonan; daughters, Linda Bakewell, Colgan/Fargo, Lana Ferris, Minot, Vicki and Don Haugenoe, Ambrose, and Robin and Timm Pretzer, Velva; daughter-in-law, Kris Svangstu, Noonan; 16 grandchildren, April (Jeremy) Frieze, Kristin (Troy) Underhill, Lynn, Alan, Lee (Debbie) and Mitch (Heather) Svangstu, Brian (Becky) and Brent (Lee) Svangstu, Brooke (Ron) Kessel, Kjell (Heidi) and Troy Ferris, Amber Johnson, Kara Haugenoe, Levi (Shana) Haugenoe, Jennifer Hedstrand and Jade Pretzer and fiance Steve Andrie; 17 great-grandchildren, Sydney, Kennedy, Austin, Brayden, Ella, Colton, Ole, Gust, Svea, Breanna, Ben, Tucker, Cooper, Nora, Rhys, Kyrian and Tate; sister, Carla Kleppen; brother, ElVern Gillund; sisters-in-law, Mary Svangstu, Margaret Tiegen; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by: husband, Oscar; son, Ole; son-in-law, Stuart Bakewell; brother, Orville Gillund; infant sister Elaine; infant brother Arvid; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church in Crosby, with Pastor Rob Garton officiating.
Burial will follow at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery in Crosby.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, at Stakston-Martin Funeral Home in Crosby and also one hour before the service at the church.
Stakston-Martin Funeral Home of Crosby is in charge of arrangements.