Nealand "Neal" E. Morstad

Neal E. Morstad, 98, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, December 11, 2014, at the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls.

Nealand Ellsworth Morstad was born July 27, 1916 to Julius and Sarah (Hanson) Morstad at Wall Lake. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church where he has been a life member. He attended grade school and high school in Fergus Falls, graduating in 1934. Neal attended Moorhead State College and also Business School. He was employed by Seven Up Bottling Co. until 1942 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

He was married to Laverne Anderson on October 6, 1940. After joining the Navy he was sent to San Diego where he trained to be a pharmacist mate. In 1942 he was sent overseas and served on a sub chaser with the 7th Fleet in the South Pacific for two years. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1946 he returned to Fergus Falls and had the opportunity to join N.F. Field Abstract Company. In 1952 he purchased shares in the company and managed it for 30 years. His partner was Cyrus Field who advised him that if you give good service and treat your employees with respect, you will do well. Neal practiced that all of his business life. His sons, who now own the company, have appreciated his knowledge of Otter Tail County and the title business in general.

Neal was a past president and member of the Minnesota Land Title Association; served as chairman of the United Way Fund Drive; member of the Preservation Committee, the Elks Lodge, the VFW, American Legion and the Pebble Lake Golf Course. He was a life member of First Lutheran Church and sang in its’ choir for over 60 years.

Neal loved sports, including golf, which he played into his 90’s. Having been a basketball and football player as a Fergus Falls Otter in the 1930s, he enjoyed attending ball games, especially when his sons and grandchildren were participants. He had a great memory and could quote you scores of games he played in years ago.

He was an optimist, loved life and had a great sense of humor – full of jokes and stories. He and Laverne, the love of his life for 75 years, traveled to Scandinavian countries, all over the United States and spent winters in Arizona, where he enjoyed golf, playing bridge and ballroom dancing.

Neal was a friend to everyone – he loved his special time with his family. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Andrew, Clifford and Julian; sisters, Mabel Prentice, Ella Mae Robbin and Ruth Murphy.

Neal is survived by his wife, Laverne of Fergus Falls; sons, John Morstad of Mesa, AZ, Tom (Barbara) Morstad of Fergus Falls and Gold Canyon, AZ, Jim (Tracy) Morstad of Fergus Falls; grandchildren, Pat (Trista), Matt (Lauren), Alex, Erin and Mike Morstad; great-grandchildren, Patrick, Marea, William, Maxwell and Mayson Morstad; as well as nieces and nephews.

Neal will be remembered for his sense of humor, his goodness, love of life, music and family.

Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church Choir in Fergus Falls.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Monday, December 15, 2014 at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Saul Stensvaag
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls
Arrangements: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls