Clarice Rund

Clarice (Mrs. Thomas) Rund, age 91, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, November 30, 2009, at her home in Fergus Falls under the care of Lakeland Hospice.  Clarice Evangeline Bergerud was born December 20, 1917, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of Malvin and Elevine (Thorson) Bergerud.   She grew up on the Bergerud farm in Aastad Township. She was baptized, confirmed, and a lifelong member of Aastad Lutheran Church. Clarice attended Washington High School in Fergus Falls and graduated with honors. Following high school she attended Dakota Business College in Fargo and upon graduation she went to work for Peterson-Biddick Co. in Wadena. She continued there until her marriage to Thomas Rund on October 26, 1941. They settled in Aastad Township on a farm originally belonging to her Thorson grandparents. Thomas and Clarice recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this fall. Tom and Clarice were blessed with three children, Shirley (Carmen) Gravning, Jeanette (Carl) Nelson, and Stanley (Beverly) Rund; six grandchildren: Michelle (Al) Swanson, Tamara (Bob) Rick, Kimberly (Greg) Satrom, Allison (Chad) Bagby, Jesse (Lisa) Rund, and Johanna Vosen.   After their children were grown Clarice went back to secretarial work, working first at Fergus Dairy and then as secretary to Mr. Langlie, director of elementary schools in Fergus Falls. Clarice held this position until she and Tom retired in 1981. Clarice had a very strong faith in her Lord and was a lifelong servant of the church. At Aastad Lutheran Church she held many positions including Organist, Sunday School Teacher, Bible Class Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, and as multiple officers in the Ladies Aid. Clarice loved to garden and travel. It was not uncommon for Tom and Clarice to plant in excess of 800 flowers every spring. After retirement Tom and Clarice set out to see the world traveling to many distant countries like England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Norway, China, Philippines, Egypt, Morocco, and multiple places in the United States. Another passion of Clarice’s was documenting family history for coming generations. She worked very hard at putting together genealogy books for her ancestry, including; Rund, Engerbretson, Bergerud, Thorson, and Sorhus families. Before Clarice lost her sight she enjoyed doing things with her hands:  playing the organ, knitting, crocheting, rosemaling, crafting, and playing cards.  Clarice was preceded in death by her parents, Malvin and Elevine Bergerud, a grandson Jesse Rund, and a son-in-law Carl Nelson. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Tom, her three children, five grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all. The family of Clarice Rund would like to say a special thanks to all the wonderful healthcare providers from Lakeland Hospice and New Dimension Home Health Care for all of their loving care and kindness. Visitation: 5 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with a public prayer service at 6:30 p.m.; visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 11 a.m. Friday, December 4, 2009, at Aastad Lutheran Church, rural Fergus Falls Clergy: Rev. Dan Cole Burial: Aastad Lutheran Church Arrangements: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com