June Versdahl

June Versdahl, age 78, of Winger, MN, died Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at First Care Nursing Home in Fosston, MN. June Elaine Engesether, daughter of Ervin and Bernice (Marsonette) Engesether, was born on June 21, 1934 in Brooks, MN. As a child, she moved Northeast of Winger, with her family. She attended Wide Awake Country School and later McIntosh High School. Following her high school graduation, June worked as a waitress at the Sioux Café and also at the Berge Store. On October 10, 1953 June was united in marriage to Norman Versdahl at Calvary Lutheran Church. The couple was blessed with four children and made their home together in Winger for nearly 59 years. In 1962, June began her career with the United States Postal Service. She spent the majority of her time in Winger, but also served at the Post Offices in Brooks, Fertile, Erskine, and Fosston, MN. In 1983, June became the Postmaster in Winger, a position she proudly held until her retirement in 1999. June courageously battled cancer for the last several years and just days ago entered First Care Nursing Home. June was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church of Winger and helped in many facets of the church. She was especially devoted to the ladies aide and church quilting group. June tenderly referred to her church family as the “Calvary Angels” as they did so much for her. She was also the Clerk of the Winger School, a member of the Homemakers Club, a Lioness, and was active with NAPUS which often had gatherings of local postmistresses. In her spare time, June loved to sew, quilt, and garden. She handmade quilts and table runners for each of her grandchildren and often donated them for church events. She also had immaculate flower gardens and canned her vegetable produce each year. June had many dear friends and loved her outings with “the girls”. They often went shopping, met for lunch, and took morning walks. By far the most important thing in June’s life was her family. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved family events and cherished moments spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by each of them. June is survived by her husband, Norman of Winger; her mother, Bernice LaFayette of Plummer, MN; one son, Randy (Kris) Versdahl of Red Lake Falls, MN; three daughters: Nancy (Dave) Gravalin of Fargo, ND, Diane (Greg) Kaster of Owatonna, MN, and Lorie (Jeff) Engebretsen of Breckenridge, MN; eight grandchildren: Kari (Danny) Gagner, Erica (Alan) Sundby, Sara (Peter) Mathison, Heidi (Chad) Fritz, Brandon (special friend: Camille) Kaster, Justin Kaster, Katelynn (special friend, Dylan) Engebretsen, and Kortney Engebretsen; five great grandchildren: Drew Gagner, Cole Gagner, Natalie Sundby, Caden Fritz, and Beckham Fritz; four brothers: Gerald Engesether of Wichita Falls, TX, Marvin Engesether of Plummer, LeRoy Engesether of Bemidji, MN, and Robert (Chris) Engesether of Fridley, MN; one sister, Sharon (Todd) Riggle of Denver, CO; a sister-in-law, Doris Olson of Winger; and two brothers-in-law, Manley Versdahl of Winger and Allan Versdahl of Spring Lake Park, MN. She was preceded in death by her father, Ervin Engesether; two step-fathers, Leonard Pederson and Howard LaFayette; one brother, Allan Engesether; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Albert and Ida Versdahl; one sister-in-law, Judy Engesether; and four brothers-in-law, John Laniel, Moris Olson, Roger Versdahl, and Arnold Versdahl. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at Calvary Lutheran Church, Winger, MN, with Aage Carlsen officiating. Pastor Terry Olson will read scripture and a special message will be given by June’s granddaughter, Kari Gagner. Serving as organist will be Carol Stordahl with Jean Olson and Sarah Tennessen as vocalists. Serving as pallbearers will be June’s grandchildren: Kari, Erica, Sara, Heidi, Bandon, Justin, Katelynn, and Kortney. All of June’s great grandchildren, friends, and family will be honorary bearers. Visitation will be on Friday, August 31, 2012, at the Calvary Lutheran Church from 5:00-7:00 pm with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00pm. Interment will be at Calvary Lutheran Cemetery.

June Versdahl

June 21, 1934 - August 29, 2012