Pearl Risner

Pearl Olga Emma Risner, 80, a resident of the Bethany Home in Alexandria and formerly of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, November 18, 2007 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria. She was born March 31, 1927, on a farm near Litchfield, MN, the daughter of Paul and Bertha (Henkleman) Holtz. She grew up on a farm in Meeker County, attending country school and Litchfield High School. On October 4, 1945, she married Robert F. Risner at her home. The couple made their home in Dassel, Litchfield, and Forest City. In 1971 the family moved to Battle Lake where they purchased the Heyes Resort. After they sold the resort they moved into Battle Lake. She worked at Larry's Market. In the mid 1990's she moved to the River View Apartments. Pearl was active in the community and her church. While living in Fergus Falls she was a member of Federated Church and it's Ladies Aid. In Battle Lake she belonged to the Alliance Church where she also taught Sunday School. She was a volunteer at the Center for the Arts and the Otter Tail County Museum, and was the founder of the Parkinson's Support Group established in Fergus Falls in 1998. She was also a local political activist, and belonged to the Republican party. Pearl loved gardening, flowers, and preparing delicious meals for others. She entertained as "Happy the Clown" at local daycares to bring joy and happiness to children - exhibiting her inner child. She was also active in Toastmasters and expressive writing classes. Pearl was a flower who learned to open her petals to allow joy to others - for that made her blossom into her life's bouquet. Preceding her in death were her parents; her sister, Helen Doebler; and two brothers, Vernon and Loren. Survivors include her husband, Robert of Elbow Lake; two daughters: Sally (William) Neal of Hutchinson, and Robyn Foss of Alexandria; two sons: David (Jo) Risner of Glencoe and Kevin (Mary) Risner of Alexandria; 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; her sister, Ruby Holste of Litchfield; two brothers: Howard (Donna) Holtz of Litchfield and Maynard (Shirley) Holtz of Hutchinson; two sisters-in-law: Bertha Holtz and Helen Wakefield; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving is a Godchild, LaDonna Hill. Funeral services will be held at 1 pm Wednesday, November 21 at Federated Church, Fergus Falls with Rev. Doug Dent officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:30 am until time of the service at the church. Interment will be at Rock Prairie Cemetery, rural Elbow Lake.