Leona Kjer

Leona Kjer, 105, of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, October 25, 2009, at the Pioneer Retirement Community in Fergus Falls. She was born July 24, 1904, in Waldorf, Minnesota, the daughter of Lewis and Edith (Janike) Bluhm. As a young girl she moved to Carlisle, Minnesota with her parents and siblings. She finished her education at the Park Region College in Fergus Falls. Leona met and married her farmer neighbor, Edwin Kjer. They moved to Fergus Falls where they resided their entire lives. They both worked at the Fergus Falls State Hospital until Edwin’s death. Leona then worked at North Union Grocery, Norby’s Department Store, Carpenter Hardware, and did a lot of babysitting. She and Eddie had one son, Durwood, who was wounded in the Korean War. She was involved in all charities and was president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She volunteered at the Regional Treatment Center her entire life, and was a Foster Grandparent, retiring at the age of 90 when the program ended. She was also a lifelong member of The Federated Church in Fergus Falls. Leona enjoyed doing crafts, knitting, tatting, and having a vegetable garden. She made many pillows, and no one left her apartment without one. She was a member of the Senior Citizens where she also volunteered and enjoyed her card parties. Leona gave birthday parties in her honor every year, each one surpassing the previous one. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, her son, her brother, Wilbur Bluhm, and her sister, Arvella (Oscar) Tiseth. Survivors include her sister, Bernita Rian of Elizabeth, her sister-in-law, Edith Bluhm of Moorhead, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation:  One hour prior to the service at the chapel Memorial Service:  11 a.m. Monday, November 9, 2009 at the Pioneer Home Chapel, Fergus Falls Clergy:  Chaplain Harry Olson and Reverend Doug Dent Funeral Home:  Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com