A. Tysver

Albert “Harold” Tysver, 91, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, February 4, 2010, at the Pioneer Retirement Community in Fergus Falls. He was born January 4, 1919, in Hazen, North Dakota, the son of Albert Francis and Hanna Elizabeth (Watland) Tysver. He grew up on the family farm near Hazen. He was baptized and confirmed in the English Lutheran Church, and graduated from Hazen High School. In 1936 he and his family moved to Sisseton, South Dakota, where he met Muriel Werdal. On June 6, 1943, he married Muriel on the farm near Sisseton. The couple lived there until 1946, when they moved to a farm adjacent to the Swan Lake Church in Dane Prairie Township of Otter Tail County. In 1949 he retired from farming, and they moved into Fergus Falls where he began working at the Fergus Falls State Hospital. In 1953 he established Tysver Nursery and Landscaping. In 1975 the couple sold their garden center, and in 1986 the lawn service was sold. Harold continued as a consultant for landscaping and nursery for many years. He designed and landscaped many of the businesses, churches, and homes in Fergus Falls. Harold kept seven acres of the Tysver family farm, southeast of Fergus Falls. In his retirement years he developed a family park, with God’s help, with prayers for help, and with a lot of hard work. The family park has seven acres of beautiful flowers, shrubs, gardens and trees. This is a family landmark that will be a lasting legacy for many years. He enjoyed having people come out to see his paradise and always had coffee and cookies to share. He truly loved having his grandchildren help him with the work at Tysver’s Seven Acres. He has been a member of Augustana Lutheran Church since 1952, serving as an usher, Luther League Counselor, and on several church boards. He was a member of the Eagles Club, and a life member of the Sons of Norway. He has been a member of the Elks Lodge since 1953, where he served as Exalted Ruler and was active in the Elks Clown Club for 25 years. He participated in over 200 parades throughout Minnesota where, with other clowns, he brought happiness to hundreds of children and adults. He was also active in the Fergus Falls YMCA and the Otter Tail County Museum. Harold was elected and served several terms on the Fergus Falls City Council, and served one year as acting Mayor. He designed and planted Knollwood Memorial Gardens, and was elected President of the Board of Directors for there in 1997. He served as caretaker for the grounds for many years.  He enjoyed fishing, winter skiing, horseshoes and playing bingo, and was a dedicated Minnesota Twins fan.  He was elected President of the Fergus Ski Club in 1965, and won 17 trophies in the Fergus City League for horseshoes. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Muriel in 2003; a son, Stephen in 1979; four brothers, Vern, Donald, Lee, and Leonard; and two sisters, Alice and Esther. Survivors include his son, Harold (Sandra) Tysver, Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida; four grandchildren: Heidi (Dan) Tysver-DiGiovine of New Castle, PA, Tony (Charlene) Tysver of Monroe, VA, Scott (Shana) Starin of Big Lake, MN, and Jeremy (Melanie) Starin of Big Lake, MN; six great-grandchildren: Savannah Tysver and Samantha Harders, Connor and Gavin Starin, Kallie Starin and Dante DiGiovine; sisters-in-law, Audrey Tysver of Appleton, WI and Arlene Tysver of Fergus Falls; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins; and former daughters-in-law, Lynette Starin and Kathy Stenerson. Visitation:  5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at  the church Service: 2 p.m. Saturday, February 13, 2010 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:  Reverend Nancy Monke Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Memorials are preferred to Augustana Lutheran Church or the Pioneer Home Foundation Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com