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Ruth H. Berge, 84
Died: Tuesday, November 30, 2004, in Eventide Lutheran Home.
Ruth Herdis Berge, 84, of Moorhead, died Tuesday, November 30, 2004, at Eventide Lutheran Home. She was born May 22, 1920 in Estherville, IA, to Rev. Selmer A. E. and Ida (Hatlestad) Berge. Her father's parish work took the family to Fort Dodge, IA in 1925 and Fargo in 1931. Music--and church music in particular--was her passion through a lifetime, and her Christian faith was central to all she did. "A life in music, education, and the church" best describes Ruth Berge, and she distinguished herself in the F/M area as both an organist and teacher of Organ and Music over more than four decades. While yet a high school senior, she became full-time organist for First Lutheran Church, Fargo. She continued this during undergraduate years at Concordia College, where she graduated in 1942 with an A.B. in Music and English. In 1944, she graduated from the University of MI, Ann Arbor, with an M.M. in Organ.
Ruth first served as Instructor of Music at Parsons College, Fairfield, IA, 1944-1945. Then, in 1945, she joined Concordia's music faculty and continued in that dearly-loved position for the remainder of her career, rising to the rank of full professor. Awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, Ruth studied organ from 1950-1951 at the Conservatory of Music in Oslo, Norway. She maintained a vigorous career-long program of continuing education across the U.S. and Europe, including academic and private studies with such renowned organists as Marie Claire Alain.
While also leading courses in music theory and hymnology, organ remained the main focus of Ruth's teaching and she saw her primary role as preparing church organists. She touched thousands at Concordia with her playing and instruction, and spoke with great enthusiasm of her "marvelous, intelligent, exciting and talented students." Many of these went on to successful careers of their own as organists and academic instructors throughout the nation.
Alongside her Concordia career, Ruth's work as a church organist enriched a multitude of lives. Most notably, she became organist at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, in 1958, where she served until 1981. In 1988 she retired from Concordia as well. Even in retirement, however, she remained active in the Red River Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists?of which she was a charter member and repeated chapter dean?and in the life of Trinity Lutheran. She also maintained memberships in Mu Phi Epsilon (music), Alpha Kappa Gamma (education), and U of MI's music alumni association. The Fargo-Moorhead YWCA honored Ruth in later years by selecting her as a recipient in their "Women of the Year Award."
Ruth was preceded in death by her sister, Phoebe Randolph, of Wheeling, WV. She is survived by: one sister, Elsie Berge of Moorhead; one brother, S. Matthew Berge, M.D. of La Mesa, CA, and his sons?Peter Berge and family of St. Paul, MN, Mark Berge of Minneapolis, MN, and Eric Berge and family of Apple Valley, MN; and her sister Phoebe's daughters, Kimberley Loccisano of Yorkville, OH, and Jacqueline Woomer of Ashland, VA, and their families.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to the Ruth Berge or Selmer and Ida Berge Scholarship Funds at Concordia College.
Nona A. Krzyzaniak, 76
Died: Wednesday, April 20, 2005, in Innovis Health System, Fargo, ND.
Nona Krzyzaniak, 76, Moorhead, MN, died on Wednesday, April 20, 2005, in Innovis Health, Fargo, ND.
Nona Ann Weed was born on September 8, 1928, in St. Cloud, MN, to John and Jessie (Jewell) Weed. She grew up and attended school in Fargo, ND, graduating from Fargo Central High School. She attended Moorhead State Teacher's College in Moorhead, MN. Nona married
Dennis Krzyzaniak on August 27, 1949, in Fargo, ND, and they made their home in Ellendale, ND. In 1952, they moved to Brookings, SD, and then in 1962, to Moorhead, MN. Dennis died on December 10, 1989. Nona had been an active member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Moorhead, MN.
She is survived by three sons, Paul (Gabriela), Darmstadt, Germany, Lee (Lori), St. Paul, MN, and Jay (Yvette), Moorhead, MN; two sisters, Nancy Lembke, Carrington, ND, and Martha Schnoor, Portland, OR; eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Roger A. Miller, 57
Died: Tuesday, August, 10, 2004, in his home under the care of Hospice.
Roger A. Miller, 57, of Perley, MN died on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at his home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Roger was born on December 29, 1946 in Fargo, ND to William and Ruth Miller. He grew up and attended school in Fargo, ND. He graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1964. He was in the Air Force from 1966 to 1972. Roger married
Shirleen Nelson on August 2, 1974 in Fargo, ND. Roger worked as a Mechanic for the majority of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Shirleen; one son, Steven (Ann) Miller, Fargo, ND; one daughter, Jennifer (Mark) Rye, Flandreau, SD; four brothers, Hallard (Darlene) Miller, Grand Forks, ND, Verdayne (Carol) Miller, Salem, OR, Mike (Gerry) Miller, Minneapolis, MN, Wayne (Virginia) Miller, South Fargo, ND, and three grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and one sister.
Delores M. Varriano, 71
Died: Sunday, October 31, 2004, in Eventide Lutheran Home.
Delores Marie Varriano, 71, Moorhead, Minnesota, died Sunday, October 31, 2004, in Eventide Lutheran Home.
Miss Varriano was born on September 27, 1933, in Dilworth, Minnesota, where she grew up and graduated from high school. In 1951, she joined the Order of the Sisters of St. Benedict in Crookston, Minnesota. She graduated from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota with a degree in elementary education. Delores taught school in Minnesota, Texas, Idaho, Bogota, Columbia and she also lived and taught in Alaska for several years.
She is survived by six brothers, Carmen (Mary Ann) Varriano, Bismarck, ND; John (Jean) Varriano, Moorhead; Leonard (Carolyn) Varriano, Greeley, CO; Patrick (Donna) Varriano, Lilburn, GA; Anthony (Karel) Varriano, Moorhead; Richard Varriano, Fargo, ND; and seven sisters, Atoinette (Ellis) Freeman, Moorhead; Anna Marie (Lyle) Hornbacher, Oxbow, ND; Philomena (James) Nelson, Moorhead; Elvira (Thomas) Mattioli, Detroit Lakes; Sue Jensen, Orange, CA; Rosemarie (James) Wickum; Elizabeth (Jim) Finn, Windham, NH; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Carmella Varriano, a brother, Cosmo Varriano, and half-brother, Joseph Varriano, Jr.
The family of Delores would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Eventide for all of their loving care.
Sharon Pfeifer, 62
Died: Monday, May 17, 2004, in Innovis Hospital.
Sharon Pfeifer, 62, of Lake Park, MN, died on May 17, 2004, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Sharon was born in Aberdeen, SD, on January 21, 1942 to Theodore and Dorothy Becker. She later moved to Wishek, ND, where she grew up and attended school. On June 9, 1961 she married
Charles "Chuck" Pfeifer. They made their home in Dilworth, MN. Sharon was employed with American Crystal Sugar for many years.
Sharon will be remembered for her beautiful quilt work and attention to every detail. She and Chuck worked together creating many family treasures. They retired to the lakes area in 1997 where they enjoyed their garden, the lake and the beautiful birds. She had her first grandchild last year, Heike, and absolutely adored her. She had also enjoyed many special times with her great-great nephew, Xavier.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore Becker and Dorothy and Cliff Herr, her sister Karla Gross, and half-brother Larry Stevens.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Chuck, a son, Rane (Susan) of Fargo, ND, sister Patricia Hiller of Dilworth, MN, aunt Corene Griffeth of Aberdeen, SD, granddaughter Heike, and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a family and friends service in celebration of her life on Thursday, May 20, 2004, at 1:00 p.m., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN. Friends will gather following the service at 410 Marianne Lane, Dilworth, MN.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley, or a charity of your choice.
Hazel A. Cowden, 98
Died: Thursday, July 8, 2004, in Bethany Homes under Hospice Care.
Hazel Cowden, 98, of Dilworth, died Thursday, July 8, 2004 in Bethany Homes, Fargo under Hospice Care.
Hazel was born on January 21, 1906 in Fosston, MN to Olie and Amanda Olson. She grew up and attended school in Fargo, ND. She was married
to William Cowden on April 28, 1937 in Detroit Lakes, MN. They made their home in Dilworth, MN. She was a homemaker, waitress, and served in many capacities for the Women's Life Insurance Association. She was also an Elder and Sunday school teacher at Dilworth Presbyterian Church.
She is survived by two sons; William (Doris) Cowden, Sherman, TX and Walter (Karie) Cowden, Moorhead, MN, eleven grandchildren, numerous great and great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Jack McMullen, one grandson, Patrick McMullen; three sisters; Lila, Orda, and Stella
Daniel P. Michelsen, 45
Died: Tuesday, April 19, 2005, in California.
Daniel P. Michelsen, 45, Torrence, CA, died Tuesday, April 19, 2005 of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in California.
Daniel Michelsen was born January 3, 1960 in Bismarck, ND to Ernest and Maretta Michelsen.
The family moved to Wahpeton in 1969 where Daniel graduated from high school in 1978. He worked in the family Cable TV business while attending college at UND, graduating with a Masters Degree in Physics.
His love of technical research lead him to work for Dynamics Technology in Torrence, CA where he worked for the past 16 years.
His love for family and friends, his visits each summer and winter, and his many phone calls will be greatly missed.
Daniel is survived by his parents, Ernest and Maretta Michelsen, Moorhead, MN; four sisters, Michelle, Moorhead, MN, Julie (Jeff) Slaby, Moorhead, MN, Fay, Omaha, NE, and Kim, Grand Forks, ND; and nieces and nephew, Sara, Franklin and Cassandra Slaby, Moorhead, MN.
Frank Pliska,
Died: Monday, April 26, 2004, in Seattle, Washington.
Frank Pliska, born December 4, 1910 in Chaska, Minnesota, died peacefully with his family at his side, April 26, 2004, in Seattle, Washington.
Frank is survived by his wife, Pearl Pliska, Lake Park, Minnesota; two daughters, Mary Jones, Covington, WA, and Betty Zima, Kent, WA; two sons, Tom Pliska, Minneapolis, MN, and Mark Pliska, Ronald, WA; twelve grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.
