Obituary of Lois Ann Norsted Fjelstad

Lois Ann Norsted Fjelstad, blessed with 86 years of a life well lived, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Methodist Hospital after a courageous battle with endocarditis. She was born on January 27, 1931 at More Hospital in Eveleth, MN to Edward and Anna (Sodergren) Norsted, their only daughter and their 7th child. Lois grew up in Virginia, MN graduating in Virginia’s Roosevelt High School Class of 1949, and later St. Cloud State University. Lois taught elementary school in Cloquet and Virginia, prior to marrying Per Fjelstad on Dec. 29, 1956 at the United Methodist Church in Virginia, of which they were faithful lifelong members. Lois and Per were blessed with and proud parents of 3 loving daughters Karen (Steve) Kreklau, Laura (Stan) Myrum and Kris (Don) Bushen, all born and raised in Virginia. The Fjelstad’s lived in the home they built in the Vets Addition from Dec. 1956 through Aug. 2004, when they moved to Maple Grove, MN to be near their daughters and families, all Maple Grove residents. Per passed away on Aug. 26, 2014. Lois enjoyed membership in several women’s groups including over 50 years as an Eastern Star, and over 60 years with the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, of which she served as president and other offices several times, as well as co-chairman of the annual style show. She was a former member of the Sons of Norway and was a Girl Scout leader for many years. She delivered meals on wheels, served on church boards and enjoyed helping organize several class of 1949 reunions as well as being class representative for two all class reunions. Lois was a loving wife and mother who created a circle of deep love, faith, stability and harmony within her close family. She was also blessed with many long enduring friendships in her lifetime, including grade school thru college friends, as well as an English pen-pal of over 70 years, who visited her in the U.S. for 3 weeks in 1994. Lois will be especially remembered for her friendly and contagious smile, her love, thoughtfulness and generosity, her talent for finding the perfect gift and her beautiful handwritten notes to keep in touch. She is survived by her 3 daughters and their spouses, 6 grandchildren Michael, Leigh and Abby Kreklau and Annie, Lexie and Brandon Bushen. Four step grandchildren Tyler Bushen and Jeremy (Manessah), Daniel (Jessica) and Jody Myrum. Two step great-grandsons Landon and Gibson Myrum, sisters-in-law Mabel Stromgren, Paula Norsted, Barb Norsted and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Lois was preceded in death by her loving husband of almost 58 years; her parents and six brothers Melvin, Lloyd, Russell, Glenn, Bruce and LeRoy; parents-in-law, Gustav and Thea Fjelstad, and brother- in-law, Glenn Fjelstad. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family, in care of Karen Kreklau, 8661 Upland LN N, Maple Grove, MN 55311. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or the United Methodist Church. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cremationsocietyofmn.com. A Gathering for Family and Friends will be on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 10 a.m., with the Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m., at Crosswinds United Methodist Church, 15051 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55311. Pastor Mike Dyrdal will officiate. Burial will be at Fort Snelling beside her husband.