Reverend Berton Reuben Hushagen

Berton died unexpectedly on February 16, 2015 at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls, MN.

He was a child of God, a pastor, counselor, farmer, thinker, poet, writer and perpetual whistler. Born to Anton and Nora (nee Odegaard) Hushagen in Erskine, MN on January 30, 1928. Baptized and confirmed in Grace Lutheran Church. Grew up on farms in Erskine and Gonvick, MN. Entered the Marine Corps and served in the South Pacific. Attended Dunwoody Institute and became a Tool and Die Maker. Studied under a Master Baker at Mission Farms, attended Lutheran Bible Institute, Augsburg College (B.A. Magna Cum Laude), and Luther Theological Seminary (Graduate Degree in Theology). Married Ida (Trudie) Caroline Goebel at Calvary Lutheran Church Golden Valley, MN. Father of 3 children: Brian, Paul, Nora and special “daughter” from Norway, Thora. Served as a student pastor at Bethesda Lutheran Church at Alexandria, MN. Ordained June 1, 1958 at Calvary Lutheran Church Golden Valley, MN. His first parish was St. John’s Lutheran church Montgomery MN. Started a new mission congregation Good Shepard Lutheran church in Sandy Utah, when there were only a handful of Lutheran churches in the Salt Lake Valley. Began his second mission congregation Faith Lutheran Church in Columbus WI. He continued his ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church and Abundant Life Church in Thief River Falls, MN. During his retirement he continued to preach in a number of congregations in West Central Minnesota. He was on the clergy roster of the LCMC. Preaching the Word of God was Berton’s vocation and avocation. He truly cherished all the friendships and relationships he cultivated during his ministry. Family and parishioners knew his playful side; he loved to play volleyball and to hunt. He was also extremely proud of his Norwegian heritage. His life was so full and rich that it is hard to describe who he was and how he touched others in just a few words.

He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and part of a large family. He is survived by the following: his wife, Ida (Trudie) Hushagen; son, Brian Hushagen; daughter and son-in-law, Nora and Eric McDonnell; grandchildren, Reuben Hushagen, Luke Hushagen, Sean Hushagen, Brayden McDonnell; and the Thor and Thora Brekke family of Norway. Sisters and brothers: Verna Ellsworth, Marlice and John Gilmore, Inez Hushagen, Naomi Moe, Arlow and Isabelle Hushagen, Iola Person, Joanne and Orlin Lachelt, Norris and Cheryl Hushagen; sister-in-laws, Karleen Hushagen and Helen Goebel; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by parents, Anton and Nora; by son, Paul; by brothers, Lester, Raymond, Arvid and Orville; and by sisters, Norma Linstroth and Orpha Iseminger; brothers-in-law, Cy Ellsworth, Leroy Iseminger and Jim Goebel.

Memorial Service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine, MN on May 23, 2015 at 2 p.m. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Erskine.