Palmer Austvold

Palmer Austvold, 100, of Fergus Falls, went home to heaven to be with the Lord on Thursday morning, May 03, 2007. Since February, he had been a resident of The Haven Manor Adult Foster Care Home in Fergus Falls. He was born January 23, 1907, in Pope County, south of Glenwood, Minnesota, the youngest son of Nels and Betsy (Olson) Austvold. He attended the Glenwood Public Schools and graduated from the Minneapolis College of Music with a diploma in Piano Tuning. On November 24, 1937, he married Adeline Stange from Herman. He had been a long time resident of Fergus Falls, since the mid-1930's. Palmer will be remembered by his family most of all for four things. First, that he was a Christian. He loved God and had a personal relationship to his Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. He was ready for heaven, for he knew that Jesus had died for his sins and he had made peace with God years ago. He was an active member for many years at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and for years he taught Sunday school. Second, he will be remembered by his love for his family. He was married to Adeline for 60 plus years. He had a wonderful marriage. He was proud of his son and his daughter-in-law Kathy, and for the fact that they are Christians and are in full-time ministry. Third, he will be remembered for his love for music. For over 50 years he tuned and repaired pianos in western Minnesota. He loved Christian hymns and classical music. Later in life, when he could not read the music, he would play his favorite music from memory. His home was a home filled with music, since Adeline taught piano for over 25 years. Finally, he will be remembered for his love of life. He loved to fish at Swan Lake. He loved to be with people and had many friends at the Senior Center. He loved to travel and meet new people. He loved to read the local paper. He loved to walk and he had his independence, for he lived in his home until he was 99 years old. He drove his car until his 99th birthday. He saw that everything was a gift from God and he had a positive attitude towards life because of it. He will be sorely missed here, but heaven has welcomed a new resident. He is home at last, no more health issues, no more pain. Preceding him in death were his parents; three sisters and four brothers; and his wife, Adeline, who died in 1998. Survivors include his son, Steve (Kathy) Austvold; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Memorials may be given to Hospice, ReachGlobal (EFCA International Mission), and to The American Bible Society. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 1 p.m. Monday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Clergy: Reverend Paul Nelson. Interment: Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery in Fergus Falls.