Olida Wigdahl

Olida Wigdahl, 99, of Fergus Falls, formerly of Rothsay, died peacefully Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at PioneerCare Center in Fergus Falls. Anna Olida Gronseth was born June 29, 1912, at the family home in Akron Township, Wilkin County, MN, the daughter of Ole and Anna (Carlsrud) Gronseth. She grew up on the family farm and attended rural school District #5. She was baptized and confirmed at Hamar Lutheran Church in Rothsay, where she remained a member all her life and was involved in many activities. On November 15, 1933, Olida and Alfred Wigdahl were married. They made their home, had two sons, and farmed near Rothsay until 1957 when they moved into town. Olida was a devoted wife and mother, making a warm and inviting home for her family. She delighted in visits with her sons and their families as well as other relatives and friends. Olida made several trips to visit family members in California, Nevada, Arizona and Texas. In 1985 she and her sister spent three months in Taiwan visiting and helping care for her niece's children. She enjoyed many unique experiences of Chinese culture. Olida's strong, quiet faith was expressed in many acts of service and kindness as she cared for family members and friends throughout her life. In recent years, as she was the recipient of much care at Mill Street Residence and Pioneer Care and Cottages, she often expressed her thankfulness and offered her sweet smile. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Alfred, in 1975; a son, Roger; a granddaughter, Amber; brothers, Tony and Eddie; sisters, Inga (Gronseth) Haga, Ella (Gronseth) Rorvig and an infant sister, Ella Olida. Survivors include her son, LaRay, of Debary, FL; three granddaughters, Lisa (Dino) Olivieri of Moorhead, MN, Heidi Miller of Steamboat Springs, CO, and Melody of Cincinatti, OH; five great-grandchildren, Roman and Kendra of Moorhead, MN and Mayana, Nyle and Orion of Steamboat Springs, CO; daughter-in-law, Phyllis Wigdahl of The Villages, FL, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the PioneerCare Center, Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Service: 1 p.m. Wednesday, at New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay Clergy: Chaplain Harry Olson Interment: Hamar Cemetery, Rothsay Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls