Martha Kjono

Martha E. Kjono, 90, formerly of Rothsay, died Wednesday, August 6, 2008, at the Pelican Valley Nursing Home in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. She was born November 18, 1917, in Elizabeth Township of Otter Tail County, the daughter of August and Ida (Drews) Boese. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Elizabeth. Martha grew up on the family farm, and attended school District #37 of Elizabeth. On April 7, 1940, she married Leonard Kjono at the St. John parsonage in Elizabeth. They farmed in Friberg Township for several years. In 1950 they purchased a farm in Oscar Township where they raised their four children. She was a homemaker and also helped with the dairy farming. In 1980 they moved to Rothsay where she was active in the Rothsay Senior Citizens and Partners programs, and enjoyed her many friends there. In 1998 she moved to Fergus Falls and in 2006 to the Pelican Valley Health Center. Martha loved spending time with her children and grandchildren at her home. She was a member of Hamar Lutheran Church, where she was active in the Ladies Aid and Circle, and the VFW Auxiliary. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Leonard; three brothers, Rudy, Eddy and Raymond Boese; a sister, Emma Newborg; and a daughter-in-law, Nancy Kjono. Survivors include her children: Merlin (Barbara) Kjono and Larry (Donna) Kjono of Fergus Falls, Carol (Alan) Thormodson of Hanska, and Allan (Nancy) Kjono of Elizabeth; eleven grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; a sister, Edith Skogen of Fergus Falls; three sisters-in-law: Eunice Ault and Gertrude Mahlum, both of Wolf Point, Montana and Clara Boese of Fergus Falls; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation:  5-7 p.m. Friday with a 7 p.m. prayer service at the Olson Funeral Home, and  resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service:  10:30 a.m. Saturday at New Life Parish – Hamar Building in Rothsay Clergy:  Reverend Paul Huso Interment:  Hamar Cemetery in Rothsay Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com