MARLENE JOY BERGSGAARD (EDKINS)

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MARLENE JOY BERGSGAARD (nee EDKINS) Marlene Joy Bergsgaard (nee Edkins), aged 64, of Thompson, ND passed away on Monday, March 25, 2002 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She was at home with her husband and surrounded by family members at the time of her death. Marlene was born to Margaret (Brandson) and Jack Edkins in Swan River, MB. She lived in Clearwater, MB for most of her childhood. In 1954 she moved to Winnipeg to attend Manitoba Technical Institute where she completed course work in stenography and accounting. From 1956 to 1959 she held positions at Midwest Paper Co. and Heind and Dulck Paper Co. During this time she developed lifelong friends. Marlene married Del Bergsgaard on October 29, 1960. They lived in East Grand Forks, MN, Grand Forks, ND, and for the last 24 years of their life together they lived in a quiet country setting just south of Grand Forks. While in the Grand Forks area Marlene worked at the ND ASCS office, then as a manager of Medical Records/Transcription at the Rehab Clinic, and finally in the same position at Altru Hospital. She celebrated her retirement in April of 2001. Marlene was an avid curler, bringing her Canadian flair to the Grand Forks rinks. She also loved to garden, sharing each harvest with family and friends. Marlene loved travelling. She and Del explored many places throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Marlene loved to spend time with family and friends at reunions and celebrations. She was blessed to be able to attend several of these during her last summer. She was active in her church. Some of Marlenes other hobbies included golf, softball, reading, knitting, crocheting, quilting, looking after her grandchildren and laughing. She is survived by her husband Del; her mother Margaret, Clearwater, MB; brothers, Don (Ann), Cartwright, MB, Morris (Betty), Lac du Bonnet, MB, Doug (Bonnie), Pinawa, MB; son Darren (Linda), Grand Forks, ND; daughter Paula (Richard Lucius), St. Cloud, MN; and stepdaughters, Monica (Rudy Tikkmen), Superior, WT, Cheryl (Bob Nelson), Rochester, MN, and Pamela Laurvick, Thompson, ND. Surviving her also are 10 grandchildren who loved their Grandma and will miss her. She was preceded in death by her father Jack Edkins. In lieu of flowers, hug someone, or send memorials to Altru Hospice Program, Grand Forks, ND whose staff helped Marlene and her family make a difficult time go more smoothly. Memorial service was held March 28 at 2:00 p.m. in East Wally Lutheran Church, rural Thompson, ND, located approximately 5 miles east of Thompson, ND. Interment will be at Maddoch Vicking Church, Maddoch, ND, at 2:00 p.m. on April 4. A memorial service will be held in Clearwater United Church, Clearwater, MB at 2:00 p.m. on April 6. Graveside service to follow, Clearwater Cemetery.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 30, 2002