Jeanette Clara Enstad

Jeanette Clara Enstad, 94, a resident of Fergus Falls, passed away Monday, November 24, 2014, at Woodland Lodge in Fergus Falls surrounded by her loving family.

Our precious GG was one who made us all desire to be our best selves, in mind and spirit and our attention to details. Her hosting spirit made everyone feel welcome and special.

Born to Herman and Esther Grimme on December 4, 1919 in Dubuque, Iowa. The family moved often but her time with her family left many good memories, a favorite being making homemade Root beer and ketchup both of which remained meal time favorites.

Jeanette went to Granite Falls High School for junior and senior year and graduated in 1938. She also met the love of her life in Granite Falls on the front steps of the church.

She married Merald Enstad on May 18, 1941. They planned to move to Fergus but were stationed in Michigan during the war returning to begin their business in 1945.

She was a member of First Lutheran Church where she and her family were in the choir; she taught Sunday school, was a church council member, circle member, Christ Care and served as church treasurer for 2 years. She was also on the Salvation Army board.

Jeanette was in Kenmore Book club, hospital auxiliary and a member of P.E.O.

Jeanette was an important part of Kiwanis International as a gracious First Lady while Merald was president in 1980-81. They traveled to 36 countries during their time on the board and they met many people all over the world of Kiwanis. Many have remained lifetime friends.

She was a gifted tea party hostess whether it was with her friends in her home or grandchildren and great grandchildren under the willow tree.

Survivors include her son Richard (Nancy) Enstad of Eagan, MN; granddaughter, Jeanette (Timothy) Petersen; four great grandchildren, Katelyn, Caleb, Sloanne and Sofia Petersen of Fergus Falls and sister, Alyce Ellwanger of Sioux City, Iowa. She was proud to be “Aunt Net” to beloved nieces and nephews.

Jeanette has always been a voracious reader. Sewing has been a hobby and she has taught her granddaughter and great granddaughters as well.

Their West Vasa Avenue home of 58 years will always be remembered for its beautiful flowering gardens. She made a transition to the farm with her family where her talents continued to be a blessing to all who enjoyed visiting their cottage. Her transition to assisted living was made easier because the West Vasa home remained the center of family activities as her granddaughter fulfilled her lifelong goal of raising her own family in the home that was so loved. It was a blessing that she found such amazing care at Mill Street and Woodland Lodge.

Preceding her in death were her parents, four brothers, one sister. Her lifelong love Merald and her young sweet daughter Susan Alyce and precious son Thomas William.

In lieu of flowers we would ask that you help us carry on a tradition that GG loved over the years. Please deliver a flower of your choice to anyone whose spirit you can brighten. Sharing your stories would warm our hearts. We thank you for honoring her in this way- she would be so proud.

Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, November 30, 2014 with a 6 p.m. public prayer service at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Monday, December 1, 2014 at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Jennifer Rose
Interment: May 18, 2015 on their 74th wedding Anniversary at Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls