Signe Barsness

Signe Emilie Barsness, 97, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, November 26, 2011 at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls. She was born February 12, 1914, in Ettrick, Wisconsin, the daughter of Rev. Christian and Harriet (Halvorson) Bestul. She attended Park Region Luther College Academy, graduating in 1932, and then Concordia College, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1936. Following graduation she began her teaching career in Hensel, North Dakota. She then taught History, English and Phy Ed in Nevis, Minnesota from 1936 – 1941, continuing at Elk River, Minnesota where she taught History and Latin from 1941 – 1945. She later taught German and Latin in Underwood, Minnesota, from 1966 until her retirement in 1977. On June 7, 1944 she married Clifford O. Barsness in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Signe was an active member of First Lutheran Church, the Faculty Wives, the Sewing Club and the Reading Club. She enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting, quilting, bird watching, and traveling. Preceding her in death were her husband, Clifford in 1975; her parents, Harriet and Christian Bestul; her brothers, Erling, Harold, and Christian; and sisters, Marie, Harriet, Valborg, and Anna. Survivors include her children: Karin (Larry) Simonich of Mora, MN, Linda (Jeffrey) Anderson of Bellevue, WA, and Richard (Brooke) Barsness of Fergus Falls, MN; grandchildren: Christine (John) McBroom of Rochester, MN, Michael (Heather) Simonich of Moorhead, MN, Christopher (Katie) Anderson of Spokane, WA, and Chelsea Anderson of Fargo, ND; five great-grandchildren: Ian, Joey and Drew Simonich, and Trajan and Zara McBroom; and a sister, Connie Bestul of Fergus Falls. The family prefers memorials to First Lutheran Church or the Pioneer Retirement Community in lieu of flowers. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Service: 10 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2011, at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Saul Stensvaag Interment: First Lutheran North Cemetery in Fergus Falls Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.