Loretta Bogen

Loretta Bogen, 94, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, March 13, 2010, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls.  She was born December 14, 1915, in Dalton, Minnesota, the oldest of five children born to Ole L. and Selma (Berg) Nelson. When she started first grade in Dalton she spoke only Norwegian. She attended grade school in several towns throughout the area due to her family moving during the depression. She graduated from Washington High School in Fergus Falls in 1936, after taking two years off because of the depression and the need for her to work.  Loretta then worked at the Glende Hotel in Elbow Lake, and at Elton’s Restaurant and the Scott Stores in Fergus Falls.  On August 15, 1942, she married Albin Bogen in Fergus Falls. In 1946 she began working at Otter Tail Power Company in Fergus Falls, retiring in May of 1978 after 32 years. She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Kilo Club at Otter Tail Power Company, a lifetime member of the D.A.V. Auxiliary, and was a long term cancer survivor. Over the years Loretta enjoyed quilting, fishing, spending time at their cabin on Jewett Lake, and especially enjoyed when the grandkids stopped by to visit. Preceding her in death were her husband, Albin, in September of 1983, her parents, a brother, Eldred, and a sister, Mildred Soliah. Survivors include her sons, Richard (Janet) Bogen of Tucson, Arizona, and Dennis (Lois) Bogen of Fergus Falls; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two siblings: Stella Jyrkas of Fergus Falls, and Roger Nelson of Ocala, Florida. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with a 7 p.m. prayer service and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service:   1 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 2010, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in  Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Paul H. Nelson Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens in Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com