Mary Gunufson

Mary Gunufson, age 99, of Fertile, MN, died Sunday, September 4, 2011 at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile. Mary Olson was born on the family farm northeast of Fosston on April 13, 1912. Her parents, Peder and Christine (Pederson) Olson, were Swedish immigrants. Mary attended Sunnyside Country School, near her home until 6th grade. By the age of 12 she had lost both of her parents, so she finished 7th and 8th grade in Crookston, MN, where she lived with her older sister. When Mary was 14, she returned to the family farm to keep house for her brother. She did household chores as well as helped with the farm work. Mary was baptized and confirmed at Faaberg Lutheran Church in Rindal, MN. On November 21, 1936 Mary was united in marriage to Johnny Gunufson at the Faaberg parsonage. Together they raised their family of six children on the Gunufson farm north of Rindal. They had one son that died in infancy. Mary and Johnny worked side by side on the farm until retirement. Mary was widowed in 1980, but remained on the farm until 2009, when she entered Fair Meadow Nursing Home. Mary’s true devotion was to her family. She was so proud of them all, but worried about their safety in their everyday activities. Even with her large family, Mary always remembered every birthday and anniversary and took time to send a card. Mary often told stories about her life on the farm, which included milking cows and raising 300 chickens. She enjoyed working in her large vegetable and flower gardens. Mary was a member of Faaberg Lutheran Church and participated with the Ladies activities there. She was a talented organist but amazingly only played by ear. She also spent many hours reading, doing needlework and baking. Mary had many wonderful talents and the sparkle in her eyes will always be treasured. Mary is survived by three daughters: Kathleen (Jim) Krogstad of Fertile, Sharon Lenz of Beltrami, MN and Emelet (Ron) Messelt of Fargo, ND; two sons, Gerald (Carolyn) Gunufson and Wayne (Bertha) Gunufson, both of Fertile; 17 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; two nieces; two nephews; and two cousins. Mary is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sisters; a brother; a son; and son-in-law, Jon Lenz. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 10:30 am at Faaberg Lutheran Church in Rindal, MN. Visitation will be held starting at 9:00 am until time of the funeral. Burial will be in the Faaberg Lutheran Cemetery.

Mary Gunufson

April 13, 1912 - September 4, 2011