Jean Rund

Jean I. Rund, 85, of Ten Mile Lake, rural Fergus Falls, was severely injured in a car accident on November 3, 2023 and died peacefully, Monday, November 6, 2023 at Sanford Health in Fargo, surrounded by her family.

Jean Ida (Sperr) was born on December 6, 1937 at home in Donnelly, MN, the daughter of Julius and Florence (Feelhaver) Sperr. She was baptized in the United Methodist Church in Herman and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.

She grew up in the beautiful hills near Inspiration Peak, graduating from Battle Lake High School in 1955. After graduation, Jean continued her education, enrolling in the nursing program at the Wahpeton School of Science in Wahpeton, ND. She graduated as an LPN in 1957 and immediately began her nursing career at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls.

On February 14, 1964, Jean married Eldon Rund at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church. She and Eldon, dreamed of having a farm of their own, so the next several years were spent working in construction and nursing, saving for the purchase of their dream farm in the early 1970s in Stonybrook Township, Grant County.

The couple was blessed a few years later with the birth of their daughter, Natalie, who was born on Christmas Day. After Natalie was born, Jean became a stay-at-home mom, returning to nursing when Natalie started school. She kept up her nursing certification and finished her career with LRH in private nursing.

Becoming a mom was a dream come true for Jean! Til the day she died, Natalie was Jean’s focus, confidant and best friend…her everything. Jean was a dedicated wife and mother and devoted to their rural life. She cooked for the guys in the field; drove to town to pick up parts, helped move trucks and when needed worked alongside Eldon in the field. Late nights were the norm, making for long exhausting days, especially during the years, when she was working at the hospital.

Jean spent many hours during the summer in their garden. She planted, picked and canned; and was known for her crisp dill pickles! In the fall, her mom and sisters would set aside at least a weekend to bake and freeze dozens of apple pies and crisps. By the winter, there were 100’s of jars of delicious produce on the basement shelves.

Jean was totally invested in life. Her family, medical work, farming, church, neighbors, care-giving, travel, lots of coffee, bingo, laughter and wonderful memories shared with her “besties” were things that meant the most to her. Her commitment to community was evident by her participation in professional boards and committees.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Eldon; sister, Elaine “Toots” Schoening; sister-in-law, Ethel Sperr; two brothers-in-law, Robert “Bob” Schoening and Irving Jandt and niece, Barbara Jandt.

Survivors include her daughter, Natalie (Jay) Rund-Rieppel; grandsons, Payton and Jackson Rieppel; sisters, Shirley Jandt, Donna (Norman) Schoening; brother, James “Jim” (Ellen) Sperr; sister-in-law, Diane (Mark) Boen; brothers-in-law, David (Marie) Rund and Paul (Kitty) Rund and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorials are preferred to Rock Prairie Lutheran Church and Red River Valley Hospice

Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, November 10, 2023 at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Elbow Lake, with prayer service at 5:30 p.m. Visitation will resume one-hour prior to the service.
Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Elbow Lake.
Clergy: jerry Peterson, SAM
Interment: Rock Prairie Cemetery, rural Elbow Lake

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com