John Velsvaag

PINE RIVER -- John Velsvaag, age 75, of Pine River, passed away Monday, Sept. 29, 2003, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.

John K. Velsvaag was born May 3, 1928, in Kenosha, Wis., to John and Olga Velsvaag. In 1930, John moved with his family to the Maple Hill area of rural Pine River where he lived on the family farm until his death. He was married to June (Jones) June 23, 1954. He spent most of his adult life working at Durkee Manufacturing Company in Pine River and farming until he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1987. He was an active member of Maple Hill Lutheran Church.

He is survived by June, his wife of 49 years; sons Tim (Katherine) of Burnsville, Minn., and Alvin of Pine River; daughters Serene French of Brainerd, and Sharon Myrum of Copperas Cove, Texas; brother Herman Velsvaag (Delores) of Askov, Minn.; sister Jenny Hansen (Thorwald) of Elbow Lake, Minn.; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one infant brother.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at First Lutheran Church in Pine River with Pastor Bill Schardin officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery followed by lunch at Maple Hill Lutheran Church. Friends may call Friday from 5-8 p.m. at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, and one hour prior to services at the church. Arrangements by Kline Funeral Home, Pine River.