Wallace Stigen

Wallace M. “Wally” Stigen, 83, a resident of Wahpeton, ND, formerly of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Sanford Palliative Care in Fargo, ND. He was born April 15, 1928, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of A. Math and Emma (Iverson) Stigen. He grew up in Fergus Falls, graduating from Fergus Falls High School. In June of 1950 he married Gloria Dahl at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Wally joined Otter Tail Power Company in 1946 at the age of 18, as a construction crew timekeeper. He later worked as a service representative trainee, purchasing department employee, accounting assistant, and office manager. During his long career with Otter Tail, he worked at Fergus Falls, Oakes, ND, and Langdon, ND. In 1971 he was named division manager at Wahpeton, ND, where he has remained. He was named a vice president in 1987 and senior vice president in April 1992. Wally was active in civic and community organizations. He held leadership positions in the Wahpeton Downtown Development Corp., the North Dakota Energy Council, the Wahpeton Chamber of Commerce, the Wahpeton Community Development Corp, and the Greater North Dakota Association. He received the North Dakota Governor’s Leadership Award, the Power Use Meritorious Service Award, and the Community Leadership Award from the Greater North Dakota Association. In 1986 he was named Wahpeton Citizen of the Year. Wally was very proud of his yard, and enjoyed spending time at his lake home, going for pontoon rides. He also liked to read a lot. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, four brothers, one sister, and a granddaughter. Survivors include three daughters: Dawn (Dennis) Howitz of West Fargo, ND, Laurie (Scott) Stiller and Lisa (Mike) Althoff, both of Wahpeton; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his mother-in-law, Jennie Dahl. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at Bethel Lutheran Church, Wahpeton, ND Clergy: Reverend Julë Ballinger Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery in Fergus Falls, Minnesota Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.