Morris Baasen

Morris Baasen, 93, a resident of Barrett, died Tuesday, December 15, 2009, at the Barrett Care Center in Barrett.  He was born December 18, 1915, to Erik and Clara (Melaas) Baasen at his parent’s farm in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at rural Rock Prairie Lutheran Church, Elbow Lake, MN. He attended rural school District 12 in Grant County. Due to his father being injured in a farm accident, Morris had to leave school to work full time on the farm. In 1940 he married Myrtle Fronning at Aastad Lutheran Church. She died of polio in 1946. As a single dad, he was attentive to seeing that his children attended Sunday School and church. He married Avis Pikop at United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake on October 16, 1954. Morris was a farmer, a school bus driver for the Wendell/Elbow Lake district, hauled grain by semi for farmers in the area, did some over-the-road trucking, and drove gravel truck for several road construction companies. In his retirement years he would work with his wife, Avis, on various crafts in his barn. They traveled the U.S. extensively, having visited most of the states, including Alaska, with friends or in their pickup with a topper. They also traveled to Norway where they toured the Scandinavian countries by train. He enjoyed church suppers, especially if they were having lutefisk or oyster stew. Morris’ Norwegian heritage was so much a part of his life. He was very fluent in the Norwegian language. He enjoyed visiting with anyone, anywhere, but it was especially fun if the other person spoke Norwegian.  He was a life long member of the Sons of Norway, and Rock Prairie Lutheran Church where he served as treasurer, custodian, and worked on congregational projects throughout his life He was proud of his family and traveled many miles to attend the major events in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives. He and Avis retired to Fergus Falls in 2001 and they moved to the Barrett Care Center in 2005. Both of them missed life on the farm which was the happiest time of their life together. He is survived by his wife, Avis, of Barrett, and three children: Eugene Baasen of Hutchinson, JoAnn (Frank) Ostby of Lake Mills, IA, and Carlyn (Ron) Nordby of Willmar. He also is survived by his grandchildren: Paul (Julie) Ostby, Kristine (fiance` Mike) Davis, Cheryl (Travis) Crawmer, Ryan (Cindy) Baasen, Julie (Matt) Peterson, Chad (Mimi) Baasen, Peter (Lisa) Nordby, Mark (Betsy) Nordby, and Tim (Wanda) Nordby; many great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Anthony Pikop and Alfred (Mila) Fronning; and a sister-in-law, Edna (Elmer) Guderian. Preceding him in death were his parents; his first wife, Myrtle; and his brothers, Roy and Palmer Baasen. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor's choice. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Service: 2 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 2009, at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Wendell Clergy:  Reverend Dan Cole Interment: Rock Prairie Cemetery, rural Wendell Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com