Ethyl & Francis Lundon

Ethyl Lundon, age 71, and Francis Lundon, age 72, of Mahnomen, MN, died Friday, October 1, 2010 at their home. Ethyl Adell Dunbar was born July 4, 1939 in Twin Valley, MN, to Charles and Helen (Hall) Dunbar. Growing up, she attended school in Twin Valley. As a young lady, Ethyl worked for the Butcher Shop in Twin Valley, before being united in marriage to Francis Lundon. She later worked at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, retiring after 10 years. Francis Leo Lundon was born November 22, 1937 in Mahnomen, MN, to Leo and Kathryn (Broers) Lundon. He attended St. Michael’s Catholic School. On May 24, 1958, Ethyl and Francis were married in Mahnomen. Together the couple made their home southeast of Mahnomen, where they raised their family. In 1965, Francis and his brother, Bill, purchased their first well drilling machine from Orville Espe. This would be the beginning of a lifelong career in water well drilling. He was in business with Bill until the time of his death. Ethyl would pass the time by working cross word puzzles or reading. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting, quilting and embroidery. She had a beautiful voice and could often be found singing along to the radio, especially country songs like those of Patsy Cline. Francis was more of the outdoorsman. He loved hunting, ice fishing, cutting wood, planting trees and gardening. Francis also spent many hours tinkering on things, gunsmithing and taking in the local racing scene. Family was an important part of Ethyl and Francis’ life together. They raised six children and played an active part in their many grandchildren’s projects and activities. Francis and Ethyl are survived by their sons: Jesse (Lynnea) Lundon, Waubun, MN, Shane (Wendy) Lundon, Callaway, MN, and Frankie (Michelle) Lundon, Waubun; daughters, Paula (Robin) Larson, Ada, MN, and Mary (Steve) Kramer, Mentor, MN; 14 grandchildren: Kevin, Scott, Tracy, Brian, Jenna, Neal, Michael, Stacy, Eric, Patrick, Kayla, Derek, Luke and Brittney; one great-grandson, Cordell; sons-in-law, Harold Peterson and Larry Toczek. Francis’ siblings include Bill (Lois) Lundon, Mahnomen, Terry (Bri) Lundon, Fargo, ND, and Betty (Larry) Crane, Mahnomen; and Ethyl’s siblings include, Dennis (Eileen) Dunbar, Clark, SD, Gary Dunbar, Crookston, MN, Beverly Thorson, Hawley, MN, Lois (Bill) Lundon, Mahnomen and brother-in-law, Leo Halvorson, Twin Valley; and several nieces and nephews. Ethyl and Francis were preceded in death by their parents; two daughters, CharlEtte Peterson and SuzAnne Lundon. Also preceding Ethyl was one brother, Ernie Dunbar, and one sister, Eileen Halvorson. Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, October 8, 2010 at 3 pm at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mahnomen, MN. Father Mario Prada was the officiant. Brenda Sørenson was the pianist with Jennifer Kahlbaugh as song leader. Honorary Urn Bearers were all of Ethyl and Francis’ grandchildren. A time of gathering was held Thursday, October 7, 2010 from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 7 pm at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Inurnment was at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen.

Ethyl & Francis Lundon

July 4, 1939 - October 1, 2010