Justin M Lerbakken

Justin Melvin Lerbakken (95) of rural Rothsay passed away Monday, April 21st at Rosewood on Broadway in Fargo, ND surrounded by his family.

He was born to Anton and Bertha (Hanakamb) Lerbakken on February 5, 1919 on the family farm in Oscar Township near Rothsay. He grew up on the farm and attended District #61 country school and graduated from the 8th grade. Justin farmed with his father and brothers for many years. In October 1942 Justin served in the US Army (infantry) during World War II in the South Pacific. He spent 19 months overseas and was honorably discharged in 1945. He was the leader of his squad and received many badges, ribbons and medals.

Justin married Delores Beyer of Barnesville on December 15, 1951 at Hamar Lutheran Church in Rothsay. They lived on the homestead in a trailer house for several years until they purchased the homestead, moving into the main farm house. Justin & Delores farmed together for many years. Justin loved farming. He also worked as a carpenter & assembly worker at Beacon Engineering. He retired in 1987 but continued to work various jobs until he was 80 years old. They continued to live on the family farm and in 2009 also had an apartment in Fargo to be closer with family. On April 13, 2012 he moved into Rosewood on Broadway in Fargo, ND.

He was a member of Hamar/New Life Lutheran Church and the VFW Post #4628 of Barnesville. Justin enjoyed reading (especially his newspapers) gardening, dancing and was a loyal fan of the Vikings and Twins. He enjoyed watching news, westerns, old comedies and music shows on TV. He loved pets and had many throughout the years. Justin also loved watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in all of their events and sporting activities. He loved being with his family.

Justin had a wonderful sense of humor and everyone enjoyed his smile and the sound of his laughter. He will be missed always and loved forever.

He is survived by his wife, Delores of 62 years, three daughters, Debra (Harold) Opsahl of Rothsay; Kimberly Lerbakken of Fargo, ND; and Lori (Rob) Anderson of Fargo, ND; and one son, Steven (Robin) Lerbakken of Farmington; seven grandchildren; Brian (Tara) Opsahl of East Grand Forks; Darren Opsahl (fiancée Nicole Borgrud and daughter Veronica) of Moorhead; Kellie Opsahl (significant other Jordan Barry) of Rothsay; Justin Lerbakken and Tyler Lerbakken of Farmington; Joshua Anderson and Karissa Anderson of Fargo, ND; four great-grandchildren; Kaleb Opsahl and Zander Opsahl of Moorhead and Kierra Opsahl and Kyla Opsahl of East Grand Forks and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Anton and Bertha Lerbakken, brothers, Calmer, Lewis, Arnold Reuben, Morris, Elmer, and Alfred, sisters, Alice in infancy and Bernice Varholdt.

Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2014 at New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service on Monday.
Service: 2 p.m. Monday, April 28, 2014 at New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay.
Clergy: Reverend Paul Huso
Military Participation: Barnesville VFW and American Legion
Interment: Hamar Lutheran Cemetery, rural Rothsay
Arrangements with the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls