Clifford Berglund

Clifford A. Berglund, 94, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Friday, June 29, 2012, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. He was born June 24, 1918 in Eagle Lake Township of Otter Tail County, near Battle Lake, Minnesota, the son of Edwin and Elina (Okeson) Berglund. He received his early education at District #6 in Eagle Lake Township. He then attended Fergus Falls High School, graduating in 1936. After high school he began working for the Norby Department Store. In 1939 he accepted a position with Skogmo Motors Inc., the Dodge and Plymouth and Dodge Truck dealer in Fergus Falls as office manager and parts manager. On December 29, 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces and attained the rank of Technical Sergeant. In January of 1944 he was selected to attend the U.S. Army Air Force Officers Candidate School at Miami Beach, Florida, and upon graduation he received the rank of Second Lieutenant. He served in the South Pacific and was stationed at bases at Leyte and Manila in the Philippines when World War II ended. He was discharged in May of 1946 with the rank of First Lieutenant. On April 8, 1950, he married Ethel Brunsberg in Fertile, Minnesota. They made their home in Fergus Falls. In 1956 Clifford acquired an interest in the Skogmo Motor Company and in 1965 he purchased the business. At that time the name was changed to Fergus Dodge Inc. He operated the business until August 1, 1981, when he sold the business and retired. Following his retirement he and Ethel spent summers at their lake home on Otter Tail Lake and for some years they spent winters in Arizona and Texas. They enjoyed traveling. Clifford was a longtime member of Augustana Lutheran Church, and served terms on the Church Council. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW Post 612, and the BPOE Elks, all of Fergus Falls. Preceding him in death were his wife, Ethel, on January 19, 1994, a daughter, Carol Ann Berglund on November 8, 1957, two sisters, Ethel Berglund, and Grace Brutlag, and a brother, Walter Berglund. Survivors include his son, Steven (Cathy) Berglund of Otter Tail Lake; two grandsons, Kevin and Tyler Berglund of California; and a sister, Harriet Lewis of Texas. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Service: 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Phil Tobin Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.