James Aslak Bergerud

James Bergerud, 87, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, March 13, 2016, at Pelican Valley Nursing Home in Pelican Rapids.

He was born June 20, 1928, in Fergus Falls, the son of Martin and Gina (Boe) Bergerud. James grew up in Aastad Twp and attended School District 1447. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1946. After high school, he worked for Ebersvillers Implement and for Chester Bergerud at Fergus Electric. In addition, he farmed the family farm with his brother Elmer for many years, retiring in 1988. Thereafter, James and Sylvia started a Bed and Breakfast called “The Bergerud B’s - Bed, Breakfast and Bakery”.

On October 1, 1950, he married Sylvia Grotte at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. The couple lived on the farm until September 2010, when they moved to Park Gardens.

James enjoyed gardening, lawn mowing, wood cutting with Richard Soliah and hunting. He was a member of the Sons of Norway and the “Heimskringle Kor”, Aastad town board, Otter Tail County Historical Society, Farm Bureau, Male Orpheum Chorus and active member of the Aastad Church, where he was a former custodian.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife; two sisters, Corrine Soliah and Marian Chase; brothers, Elmer and Harold, who died in infancy.

Survivors include his children, James (Wanda) Bergerud and Mark (Sheila) Bergerud, both of Fergus Falls; eight grandchildren, Jesse, Erica, Rachel, Brandon, Brady, Christian, McKenzie and Isaac; and three great-grandchildren, Daidre, Sophie and Avery.

Visitation: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 1 p.m. Monday, March 21 at Aastad Lutheran Church, rural Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Ed Monson
Interment: Aastad Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls