Services for Ernest Roragen
Ernest Roragen, age 91, of Moorhead, MN, formerly Bejou, MN, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at Eventide in Moorhead, MN.
Ernest Stanley Roragen, the son of Peder and Ella (Handeland) Roragen, was born on April 30, 1925 at home in Bejou Township. He was baptized and confirmed his faith at Faaberg Lutheran Church in Rindahl, MN. Ernie attended school at Bejou and Mahnomen High School. Following a serious accident, Ernie’s dad had an extended hospitalization and was unable to farm. Ernie quit school at age 15 to take over the farming operation.
On November 12, 1949, Ernie was united in marriage to Lucille Barlund at Dovre Lutheran Church in Winger. The couple lived on his parents’ farm for two years, then purchased his grandparents’ farmstead, where they made their home until relocating to Moorhead, MN, in 2015.
Ernie loved the farm and farming. Over the years he had both dairy and beef cattle as well as growing a variety of grains. He never shied away from the work that was needed to make a successful harvest. Despite being very busy with his own farming, he was always ready and willing to help a friend or neighbor in need. In 1969, Ernie went back to school and successfully obtained his GED. He was proud to have completed his education.
In retirement, Ernie continued to enjoy farming on a smaller scale with gardening and mowing lawns. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He taught his grandchildren to drive in the fields using the Datsun pickup. In his free time, Ernie enjoyed reading, listening to old time music and coffee time with friends at the local cafes. He enjoyed traveling and took many trips with family and friends, including a Scandinavian tour. Ernie was a proud husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. His memory will be cherished.
Ernie’s family is truly thankful for the wonderful care provided by staff at Eventide on 8th and Hospice of the Red River Valley. Words cannot express the gratitude they have for each of the tender and loving people that surrounded Ernie at the time of his need.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Lucille of Moorhead; three daughters: Nancy (David) Kruse of West Fargo, ND, Jane (Robert) Iverson of Glyndon, MN, and Sandy Olson of Lakeville, MN; two sisters, Pearl Uhlir of Pelican Rapids, MN and Esther Braget of Crystal, MN; four grandsons: Brian (Jessica Camara Saenz) Iverson of Logrono, Spain, Brad (Sarah) Iverson of Bloomington, MN, Darren (Alicia) Kruse of West Fargo, and Justin (Amy Ambuehl) Kruse of Fargo; and five great grandchildren: Max, Elise, Ted, Quinn, and Henry.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Ervin.
A Memorial Service for Ernest was held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou, MN, starting at 11:00am on Monday, April 24, 2017. Inurnment was held at the Bejou City Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen.
Online website: www.andersonfamilyfh.com