Minda Bertilrud

Minda M. Bertilrud, 86, of Fargo, North Dakota, died on Monday, November 30, 2015 at Eventide Care Center in Moorhead, Minnesota, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Minda was born in Teien Township on July 6, 1929, and was the daughter of Elias B. and Florence V. (Brenberg) Herseth. She was raised in Teien Township of Kittson County, Minnesota, not far from Drayton, North Dakota, was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and was a member of Skjeberg Lutheran Church. Minda attended country school as a young girl and was a 1947 graduate of nearby Kennedy High School. She went on to attend Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education and Biology. After graduation, she worked as an extension agent and later began her teaching career in Badger, Minnesota, as a high school Home Economics teacher. On December 16, 1955, she married Selvin H. Bertilrud at Skjeberg Lutheran Church. The couple resided in Badger until 1958 at which time they moved to Roseau, Minnesota. Minda then taught at the Greenbush High School until she and Selvin opened and operated the Guest House Motor Inn in Roseau for 12 years. In 1975, they moved to Fargo, North Dakota. Minda has always been a leader and active in organizations of interest, including youth groups, Girl Scouts, 4-H Clubs and many school activities. She was also very involved in Home Economics organizations including the North Dakota Extension Homemakers Council, Homemakers Club and Home Economists Club. She was an active member of the Fargo Fine Arts Club – Creative Living section and Study Club of Fargo. Minda was also very involved at Olivet Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Martha Circle. Throughout Minda’s life she enjoyed participating in all these organizations but she truly loved being with her family, friends and was a gracious hostess for many gatherings. Her vivacious energy and bright smile shined through to all who met her. Her curious nature led to many new experiences, travels and, most importantly, valued friendships. She loved to entertain with large buffets or dinners and she always had dessert and coffee ready for visitors at their home or cabin on Little Cormorant Lake. Loving family members include her husband of almost 60 years, Selvin; two daughters and sons-in-law and three grandchildren: Sharlene, Greg and Matthew Larson of Tucson, Arizona; Rachel, Mark, Ashley and Andrew Pederson of Elk River, Minnesota; one sister and brother-in-law: Gloria and The Reverend Paul Mathre of Houston, Texas; one sister-in-law: Jan Herseth of Bayport, Minnesota, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. Minda was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Velma Carlson, and brother, Harold Herseth. May God bless the memory of Minda Marie Bertilrud. Funeral Service will be held at Olivet Lutheran Church, 1330 South University Drive, Fargo, on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Skjeberg Lutheran Church later that afternoon. Memorials are preferred to Olivet Lutheran Church or Hospice of the Red River Valley. Arrangements made by Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center.

 

Service Video