Iris Furuseth

Iris Furuseth, 91, died on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at Northome Health Center in Northome, MN.

Sadie Iris Ayers was born on May 5, 1919 to Dake Whitaker and Sarah Elizabeth (Taylor) Ayers. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian Faith. She attended school at Oakridge School and graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls the class of 1936. She attended Bemidji State Normal School and obtained her teaching certificate on August 4, 1942. She had a concentration of classes in music and she played volleyball. She taught at a country school and at Knox Elementary School in Thief River Falls.

She was united in marriage to Paul Oscar Furuseth on April 19, 1946 in Minneapolis, MN. The couple returned to Thief River Falls and built a grocery store on Kneale Avenue and operated that until November of 1951, when they went farming in Sanders Township. She stood by and worked hard with her husband in the farm and later for many years in her husband’s insurance office. She taught at Discovery Place Day Care for several years.

Iris was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid. She taught Sunday School for many years and active in many aspects of the church. She served on the County Welfare Board and the Oakland Park Nursing Home Board. She was a member of the Good Cheer Club. She was an adult leader for the City View 4-H Club. She was a master gardener and enjoyed hiking, some days over 4 miles. Reading was a favorite pastime and she enjoyed many genres. She also enjoyed baking and cooking. Backyard games started after church at Paradise Acres so lunch and supper included feeding many cousins and neighborhood children.

Iris is survived by sons: Peder Furuseth, Denver, CO, Paul Steven (Arlene) Furuseth, Rochert, MN, Edward (Marlys) Furuseth, Warroad, MN, David (Michelle) Furuseth, Northome, MN, Dale (Aleta) Furuseth, Rochester, MN, Lee (Jane) Furuseth, Walker, MN, 14 grandchildren: Amy (Mark) Pagel, Ben (Brenda), Lisa Cullen, Erica (Jeff) Griffin, Sadie (Will) Albrecht, Jason (Rhonda), Chad, Aaron (Anh), Joe (Anna), Alyson (Zach) Simons, Jonathan, Heather, Hilary, Johannah, great grandchildren, Emerson, Alexander, Audrey Pagel, Whitney Furuseth, Steven & Chaz Cullen, Loren & Fisher Griffin, Brodan & Bridgette Jensen, Jaret, Tucker, and Kerigan Furuseth. Several nieces and nephews.

Iris was preceded in death by her husband Paul in 1995, parents, 2 brothers Eldred & Dake Ayers, 2 sisters: Eva Petersen & Ardis Wakefield.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Mark Helgeland officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 P.M. on Monday, February 7, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer service on Monday evening. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

Tags: trf obits, obituaries

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