Cora Sundseth

cora sundseth

Cora passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2011 and Irvin passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Sheyenne Crossings in West Fargo, ND, both at the age of 96.

Irvin J. Sundseth was born to George and Marie (Gilbertson) Sundseth on June 4, 1914 in Halstad, Minnesota. Irvin grew up and attended school in Halstad.

Cora Foss was born to Bernt and Bertha (Olson) Foss on October 23, 1914 at their farm home in Marsh River Township. She grew up in Marsh River Township and attended Foss School. 

Cora Foss and Irvin J. Sundseth were married in Halstad on December 20, 1941. They moved to Fargo where they farmed in the Rose Creek area. They later farmed in the Red River Valley, living in Waubun, Ada, Halstad, and Ulen before settling in Bemidji, Minnesota where they lived for fifty years.  Irvin worked at the Bemidji Brick Co. and NuPly Corp. and Cora raised and cared for their family. They also owned and operated Crystal Springs Resort on Turtle River Lake and were volunteer Fire Wardens. They were active members of Salem Lutheran Church in Turtle River. Irvin served on the Salem Lutheran Church Council, and was elected to the Port Hope Township Board. Irvin drove many miles from their home to the church in an open tractor regardless of the temperature to be sure the church yard was clear of snow before Sunday morning services. Cora taught Sunday school for a number of years. The Salem congregation enjoyed her delicious homemade doughnuts during coffee after Church services many Sunday mornings. Irvin and Cora returned to Halstad to be closer to family as their health declined. They lived in Hillsboro, ND for a short time prior to relocating to Sheyenne Crossings, West Fargo in April 2010.

They are survived by their children, Jerry Sundseth (Frank Natalie) of Apple Valley, MN; and Pat (Ray) Boyer of Fargo; two grandchildren - Jerry (Sara) Boyer of West Fargo; and Cindy (Erick) Johnson of Moorhead; and three great grandchildren - Blake Boyer, Brooke Boyer and Josh Hamner. Also surviving are Irvin's three sisters, Irene Brandt of Vancouver, WA; Ruth Carlson of Ada, MN; and Marlys (Mick) Hogg of Billings, MT; his two brothers, Doug (Margaret) Sundseth of Redmond, WA; and Joris (Verona) Sundseth of Yakima, WA; Cora's sister-in-law, Thelma (Foss) Sipe of Halstad; and many nieces and nephews.

Cora was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha and Bernt Foss; her sisters, Gunda Moe, Lillian Anderson, Amanda Carlson; her brothers, Clarence Foss, Ordean Foss, Clifford Foss, Milton Foss; her step sister, Clarice; and step brothers, Alfred and Clarence; her brother-in-laws, Pete Moe, Ordean Anderson, Garfield Carlson; her sister-in-laws, Agnes Foss (Ordean), and Ethel Foss (Clifford); and nephew, Gary Foss.

Irvin was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Clark and Merlin; sister-in-law, Gerry (Merlin); brother-in-laws, Henry Brandt and Burdeen Carlson; and niece, Virginia (Brandt) Ford.

Memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley, Halstad North Cemetery, Halstad Lutheran Church, or to Augustana Lutheran Church. The family would like to offer a very special thank you to the Sheyenne Crossings Staff and to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

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  1. StAmant LouisianaMrs. Cora was a beautiful, kind and gentle woman. She was a role model for us all. We will miss her smile. Our love and prayers are with you all.

  2. Cottage Grove OR
    Jerry,
    Rest Eternal Grant Upon Thy Servant, Cora, And May Light Perpetual Shine Upon Her.
    Am sure your many happy memories will sustain you at this, your time of loss.

    Old Larry

  3. Blaine Mn.Cora and Irv were warm and loving people. Our family got to know them when we moved to Turtle River. As kids, Pat and I were inseparable. It was at the Sundseth’s where I was introduced to strange new treats such as lefse,krumkake,rosettes,fattigmand. We had moved from Iowa and never knew how good these strangely named foods could be. Of course, it was Cora’s baking that made them so good. Uff da!, another thing I learned at the Sundseth’s. I will remember them fondly. Together on earth, together in heaven. My thoughts and prayers to Pat and family and Jerry and family.

  4. Northfield MN
    Pat & Ray, Jerry & Frank:

    Sorry to hear about the passing of both your parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will always remember them and I can still picture them in their younger days at the resort. Glad Birdie and I were able to make it to their anniversary party in Turtle River a few years back.

    Take Care and God Bless!

    Clif and Sue (Byers) Gipp
    The Little Sister!

  5. Lakville MN
    I wanted to express my condolences to Jerry. I read the announcement sent to Amy. What a great story! I’m sorry for your loss and know you will miss your parents. At the same time it warms my heart to see a couple married for so long leaving this world within a week of each other. That is a strong statement to the power of love. Take care. Darin Buck

  6. Puyallup WAMy dear Aunt Cora was like my second mother to me. I loved her so much and can hardly wait to see her again in heaven. She was the best aunt anyone could ever have. I will really miss her alot.

  7. Bemidji MN
    We have loved Cora for many, many years. She and Irvin are very dear to us and we are thankful to God for having known them. Our prayers are with Irvin, Pat and Jerry and their families. God bless her memory!

  8. Inver Grove Heights MN
    Please accept our sincere condolences. We enjoyed seeing Cora at the Gilbertson reunions every year. She and Irvin came no matter what. We will miss her this year but will continue to have fond memories of her life while we knew her.

    -Bruce and Linda Karpenko


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