Niel Hogren

Niel Elmer Siegfried Hogren, 101, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, May 5, 2013, at the Broen Home in Fergus Falls.

He was born June 14, 1911, the youngest of six children to Martin and Anna (Stephenson) Hogren. He grew up in Lynn Center, just south of Moline, Illinois. Niel graduated from high school in 1929. He worked for his dad and uncle painting. During the depression he came to Fergus Falls to work on his cousin’s farm, where he met and fell in love with Eleanor Borowski. Returning to Illinois, they were married in a double wedding at the Lutheran Parsonage in Orion, Illinois. They started their family and lived in Orion for several years, then moved to East Moline. Niel made deliveries for a bakery, worked for a John Deere plant in shipping, and also for Rock Island Arsenal in the middle of the Mississippi River.

In 1944 they moved to a farm near Madelia, Minnesota. In 1948 the family made another move to Mankato, MN where they opened a paint and wallpaper business, Hogren’s Paint Company. Niel was also involved in the Gideon organization, church planting for the Missionary Sunday School Union, deacon and teacher at the Bethel Baptist Church, and he also enjoyed singing in a men’s quartet.

In 1972 Niel and Eleanor retired and moved to Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Retirement lasted for two months before starting work at Dave Siems Decorating. Twenty years later, at age 92, Niel retired once again. Niel and Eleanor were married for over 73 years. Eleanor died May 31, 2006. In the past seven years Niel enjoyed his gardening, fishing, playing cards, and his family. Niel’s children were very involved in his care as he continued to live on his own in Fergus Falls. He was a member of Crossroads Church – formerly known as the First Baptist Church. He enjoyed regular home visits from Pastor and his faithful friends in the church.

Niel was a loving and kind father, a patient, loving and faithful husband, and was loved and respected by many. He is survived by his daughters, Zelda (Curt) Fauth of Hacienda Heights CA, and Rhonda Carroll of Fergus Falls; his sons, Maurice Hogren of Fergus Falls, and Gary (Jan) Hogren of Salem OR; nine grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Niel was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and all his sisters and brother.

Flowers are welcome for the memorial service because Niel loved flowers, nature, and all of God’s creation. Also, in lieu of flowers, you may contribute to the Gideons, PO Box 232, Fergus Falls MN 56538. Notes of love and condolences may be sent to Niel Hogren Family c/o Rhonda Carroll, 20440 Hillcrest Rd, Fergus Falls MN 56537.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2013 at Crossroads Church in Fergus Falls with Dr. Ned Eerdmans officiating. Interment will be at Western Presbyterian Cemetery. Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls assisted with the arrangements.