Merell Dalluge

Merell “Bud” Wayne Dalluge passed away on October 16, 2011 at the Lakeland Hospice House in Fergus Falls after a courageous five month battle with pancreatic cancer. Merell was born January 27, 1926 at home in rural Fergus Falls, the third of eight children born to Paul and Ganellia (Knudson) Dalluge. He grew up on the family farm near Fergus Falls, except from 1937 to January 1942 when the family moved near Emmetsburg, Iowa. There they farmed before moving back to the family farm near Fergus Falls. Bud joined the United States Army on June 12, 1944 but was honorably discharged after 7 months and 10 days due to a medical condition. Bud married Berniece Schoening on September 23, 1946 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. They lived in Fergus Falls where he worked at the Red River Flour Mill and the Packing Plant. In December 1950 they moved to the family farm in Fergus Falls Township where they lived until July 20, 2004 when they moved back into Fergus Falls. Bud and Berniece were blessed with four daughters, Beverly, twin daughters Dianne and Delaine, and Sharon. Bud enjoyed visiting with people and always had a twinkle in his eye and a great sense of humor. He had a big heart and was always willing to help people out without expecting anything in return. He loved his family and was a wonderful husband and loving father. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bud enjoyed playing horseshoes, cards, and putting together jigsaw puzzles. In later years he enjoyed word circle books and hand held games and watching T.V. Bud was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He was a former board member of Country School District #1407 and the Elizabeth Creamery. Bud had his special “adopted” children, Betty, Paul, Lori and Gregg. Bud and Berniece recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on September 23, 2011, with family and friends. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ganellia, three brothers, Caroll, Virgil and Joris, and two sisters, Janit and Joyce. Bud is survived by his wife, Berniece; daughters, Beverly Runningen and Sharon Haugrud of Fergus Falls, Delaine (Mark) Anderson of Alexandria, and Dianne (Thomas) Johnson of Mitchell, South Dakota; two brothers, Marvin (Audrey) Dalluge of Brea, CA, and Harold (Charlene) Dalluge, of Alexandria; six grandchildren: Dawn (David) Savage of Burnsville, Nathan Runningen and Paige Haugrud of Fergus Falls, Christopher Haugrud of Underwood, and Clinton (Stephanie) Johnson and Seth (Amber) Johnson of Sioux Falls, SD; four great-grandchildren: John Runningen, Elijah and Micah Savage, and Hadley Johnson; and several cousins and Godchildren. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service Memorial Service: 1 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2011, at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Clergy: Pastor Thomas Johnson Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens in Fergus Falls Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.