James Svendsgaard

James W. Svendsgaard, 84, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Friday, June 01, 2007, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls. He had been a resident of the Minnesota Veterans Home the past two and a half years. He was born May 3, 1923, in Elizabeth Township, the son of William and Florence (Perkins) Svendsgaard. During World War II he served his country as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard. On August 20, 1950, he married Idella Marquardt and they made Fergus Falls their home. He worked as a residential carpenter until his retirement in 1982. Jim was an avid gardener and cribbage player, and he enjoyed making bird houses during his retirement years. He was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and a lifetime member of the VFW. Preceding him in death were his sons Scott and Richard. Survivors include his wife, Idella; six children: Larry (Doreen) of Fredericksburg, VA, Dale (Bev) of Fergus Falls, Marybeth Potts of Wheaton, MN, Roger (Rachael), and Paul, of Fergus Falls, and Kristi Ulland of Buffalo, MN; a brother, Warren of Erhard, two sisters: Lily Wahl and Alice Hovland, both of Fergus Falls; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation: One hour before the service at the church Service: 1 p.m. Thursday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:     Reverends Paul Nelson and Kate Bruns Interment: Tonseth Lutheran Cemetery, rural Erhard, MN Funeral Home:     Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Military Participation by Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 and the American Legion #30 Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com