Russel Fjerstad

Russel Fjerstad, age 66, from Fosston, MN passed away on Monday, September 12th at Essentia Hospital in Fosston. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 17th at 2:00 PM at Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home in Fosston with Rev. Paul Magelssen officiating. Family and friends will gather for one hour before the memorial service at the funeral home, and interment of cremains will be at Brandsvold Cemetery, rural Fosston. Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Fosston is in charge of the arrangements. Messages of condolence may be sent at carlinhoialmen.com.Russel Curtis Fjerstad was born on June 30, 1945 in Fosston, MN to parents Lloyd and Sadie (Carver) Fjerstad.  He grew up in Fosston and graduated from Fosston High School in 1963.   He was married to Karen Gjersdahl in 1964 in Montana where he worked in the oil fields.  They were later divorced.   Russel worked various jobs in Mineapolis for a few years before moving to Duluth where he worked one season on an iron ore boat, then worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator.  His favorite job was running a crane. Russ also loved to tease and wrestle with his nieces and nephews.  He was married to Barbara Orlowski, then was married to Verna Livingood.  These marriages  ended in divorce. Russel loved fishing, riding horse, and playing cards and cribbage. On Monday, September 12, 2011 Russel passed away at Essentia Hospital in Fosston at the age of 66 years.  Survivors include his sisters and brother, Mavis LaVoi of St. Cloud, MN, Robert Fjerstad of Carlton, MN, Janis (Richard) Aos of Gonvick, MN, and Vicki (Wayne) Strom of McIntosh, MN; step children, Todd Bergren of Minneapolis, and Renae Bergren of Duluth; five step grandchildren; six step great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Winton Knudson; brother-in-law, William LaVoi; sister-in-law, Marie Fjerstad; niece, Pamela Aos; and nephew, Kent Fjerstad.