Reverend Blikstad

Reverend Paul Philip Blikstad, 85, of Fergus Falls, formerly of Salem, Oregon, died Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at his daughter’s residence in Fergus Falls. He was born October 18, 1923, in Fergus Falls, the son of Einar and Clara (Christofferson) Blikstad. He grew up in Fergus Falls, graduating from high school in 1941. He then attended Augsburg College and graduated from the Lutheran Brethren Seminary of Fergus Falls in 1946. On October 16, 1948, he married Olive L. Egstad at Bethel Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Throughout his career he was involved with the Lutheran Brethren Church in many capacities: planting new churches as a field secretary of the Eastern District, serving as a missionary in Japan, and pastoring churches in Lynnwood, California; Northwood, North Dakota; Portland and Eugene, Oregon; Vancouver, Washington; and Salem and Buena Vista, Oregon. In addition, he taught school in several places and coached basketball, served as principal of Salem Academy, and was a high school counselor in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Paul loved sports - as a participant, a spectator, and a coach, and he passed that passion on to his children. Music was an important part of his life, traveling in 48 states singing in a quartet. He hosted a radio program in Salem for 16 years. He and Olive were gracious hosts, opening their home to many people. He was a history buff and loved to travel. He was also an avid gardener. Preceding him in death were his parents; two sisters, Evelyn Ebner and Ruth Wells; two brothers, Dan and Vernon Blikstad; and two grandsons, Eric Parker and Joseph Undseth. Survivors include his wife, Olive Lois Blikstad of Fergus Falls; seven children: Priscilla (Graham) Parker of Richland, WA, Phoebe Pierce of Sisters, OR, Phyllis (James) Thun of Phoenix, AZ, Paul (Jennifer) Blikstad of Bend, OR, Stephen (Pamela) Blikstad of Beaverton, OR, Jonathan (Beth) Blikstad of Cape Coral, FL, and Lois (Steve) Undseth, Fergus Falls, MN; 33 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Visitation:  5-7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with a 6:30 prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Service:   11 a.m. Monday at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:Reverend Ed Monson Interment:Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com