Allan Stemsrud

Mr. Stemsrud, 87, passed away peacefully at his Pioneer Pointe home in Fergus Falls on Wednesday, November 21, 2007.      Al was born in Dawson, Minnesota on March 24,1920, to the late Dr. Arne Allan Stemsrud and his wife Minnie Stemsrud. He was a graduate of the University of Minnesota and a member of the Zeta-Psi Fraternity. Following graduation, he joined the US Navy as a Pharmacist Mate and was assigned to Farragut, ID with subsequent tours of duty in Portsmouth, VA and Columbus, Ohio.      Upon his return to Minnesota in 1946, he began his career in the pharmacy profession, first working in Albert Lea, then going into business with Bob Emerson and opening "Stem and Em Rexall Drug" in downtown Fergus Falls. Al bestowed quality health care for 39 years to the residents of Fergus Falls and prided himself on the exceptional service he provided. He was a member of First Lutheran Church and the BPOE. Al also made many of the formative decisions regarding the future of Fergus Falls during his twelve years as a city Councilman.      Al loved his family and friends and devoted the best parts of his life raising his children. The love of his life married him fifty-one years ago. The late Joyce Yvonne Stemsrud and Al enjoyed a wonderful life full of traveling, raising children and dinners with friends.      Al was a man of high moral character, tremendous integrity and loyalty to his friends and business associates. He was an exceptionally talented individual. He was an avid gardener who would bring carrots, beans, tomatoes and other vegetables to his friends and family. He was an accomplished bird hunter, fisherman, bowler and an enthusiastic golfer who loved more than the sport itself, time spent with his golfing buddies. His family and friends always loved gathering at the house for the lefse and flatbread he made with Joyce. Al was the epitome of a fine family man who enjoyed great laughter and love, with his wife, children and friends. He had many great successes in life but kept those accomplishments quiet, never boastful. Everyone wanted to be in the company of Al.      Al is survived by his son, Arne Allan Stemsrud and his wife Happy of Steamboat Springs, CO, daughter Jody Stemsrud Hereford and her husband John of Boulder, CO. Al is also survived by his sisters, Betty Burns, Ruth Challender and Marge Copeland. Preceding him in death is wife Joyce, his brother Harold and sister Alice. Al is also survived by several nieces and nephews.      The family would like to thank Paulette Hoebelheinrich and the employees at Pioneer Pointe for the quality care they provided him. In lieu of flowers, the family please requests donations to either the Hillcrest Lutheran Academy or to the Pioneer Pointe. Services: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls Visitation: 5-7 pm Tuesday at the funeral home and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church Clergy: Reverend Matt Philaya and Chaplain Harry Olson Interment: Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls