Services for Allen Howard Versdahl
Allen Howard Versdahl, age 86, of Anoka, MN, formerly of Winger, MN, died on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN.
Allen was born on March 22, 1930, in Leonard, ND, to Albert and Ida (Sletmoe) Versdahl. The family moved to Winger, MN, where he attended the Wooded Park and Winger Schools. Allen and was confirmed at Dovre Lutheran Church in Winger. At the young age of 16, Allen was approached by two brothers in town that owned the locker plant. He was about as green as they come, but he accepted the challenge and started in the meat business. Allen started at the bottom and worked his way up advancing to meat cutting. Allen was united in marriage to Delores Skare on December 10, 1951, they had one daughter, Betty. His employment was interrupted when he was drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge, Allen returned to meat cutting in Casselton, ND, but would leave the business in 1963 headed to Minneapolis, MN, to seek better wages. He worked at various Applebaum’s Grocery stores followed by Lunds. After many years of employment with Lunds, he retired and began his woodworking hobby.
Allen set up a wood working shop in his apartment and began making toys, tables, book cases, benches and birdhouses, to name a few. Learning and making changes each day as he worked on his projects. Allen made over 150 birdhouse design refrigerator magnets and seemed to give all of his projects away. He also valued his family and looked forward to the frequent visits from his grandchildren.
Allen is survived by his sister, Doris Olson of McIntosh, MN; two brothers: Norman and Manley both of Winger; son-in-law, Ron Halland of Circle Pines, MN, three grandchildren: Shaun (Brandon) Halland, Sara (Paul) Carlsen, and Eric (Abby) Halland; two great-grandchildren, Emma and Benny Carlsen; four nephews: Terry, Wayne, Mike and Randy; and four nieces: Linda, Nancy, Diane and Lori. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ida; a daughter, Betty; two brothers, Roger and Arnold, one nephew, Brian, a brother in-law, Morris Olson, and a sister-in-law, June Versdahl.
A memorial service was held at 10:00am on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at the Anderson Family Funeral Home of Mahnomen. Inurnment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Winger, MN, at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home of Mahnomen.