Agnes "Aggie" Hartvikson
April 11, 1917 ~ October 12, 2011
Agnes Hartvikson, age 94, of Fargo, passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at Sanford Health Palliative Care, surrounded by her loving family.
Agnes B. Aarestad was born April 11, 1917, in Juanita, ND, to Torkel and Serina (Tengesdal) Aarestad. She grew up in that area and graduated from school in McHenry, ND. Aggie continued her education in Grand Forks, ND, graduating as a registered nurse from St. Michael's School of Nursing. After a courtship of a few months, and a story worthy of any fairy tale, she married Gordon Hartvikson on November 29, 1943, in Little Rock, AR. In 1946, Aggie and Gordon made their home on a farm near Jamestown, ND. In addition to working on the family farm and raising their four children, Aggie worked at Jamestown Hospital as a pediatric nurse. Following a year in Perham, MN, they moved together for the last time, making their home in North Fargo in 1974. While there, Aggie worked for Eventide Lutheran Home (Moorhead, MN) for ten years, retiring at the age of 70. In February of 1997, Aggie lost her loving husband of 54 years in a car accident. After that, she was fortunate for the good health to live alone at Park Avenue Apartments in Fargo.
Her love for God was unwavering and was the foundation of her life. All of her immediate family and many close family and friends loved and appreciated her God-fearing example.
Aggie was the hub of all important family news and activities. Family was precious to Aggie and she loved to spend time visiting and reminiscing. Children and grandchildren alike would call her for the past and current events of the family, which she would share with remarkable accuracy and recollection.
Over the final days of Aggie's battle, the continual update to family and friends was that she had rallied yet again. To all standing by it was a symbolic reminder of her life of constancy and endurance. She was an example in life of how to live, laugh, and die to self, and ultimately how to die with dignity and peace.
Aggie is survived by her children, Ron (Nancy) Hartvikson of Thompson, ND; Linda "Lyn" (Jim) Sorenson of De Queen, AR; Roberta "Byrd" (Lyle) Overby of Jamestown, ND; and Ann (Rick) Overby of West Fargo, ND; 14 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; her brother, Wilfred (Thelma) Aarestad of Jamestown; her sister in law, Maxine Aarestad of Spring Valley, MN; and brother in law, Orval Sorenson of Alvord, IA. A special recognition of the "only daughter that turned out", Elissa Erickson.
Aggie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gordon; her brothers, Erv, Stan, and Sam; her sisters, Essie Boelter Tiemens and Mertis Sorenson; and grandson, Brent Sorenson.
If you ever visited dear Grandma Aggie,
You saw an odd little sign when you entered her home.
‘Velkommen til vart hjem’ it says
Norwegian for ‘Welcome to our home’.
This sign was quite fitting for dear Grandma Aggie,
For any who came were welcomed inside.
Her home and her heart were warm and bright,
Restful and safe for one’s soul to abide.
No one sought to know you as much as dear Aggie
She had such a keen interest in each one she met.
She’d grill you about your history, your people, your doings
Your testimony, your life, and she’d never forget.
This endeared many people to dear Grandma Aggie
She holds a big place in many a heart
Her interest was pure, not nosey or catty,
And the love of our Father it did impart.
For one thing was sure about dear Grandma Aggie
Her chief interest was in the Kingdom above
And through her great interest in souls of others,
In her we saw proof of the God of love.
So ‘tusen takk’, many thanks, dear Grandma Aggie,
what you left is worth more than gold in sum
For we can trust that our Father and Saviour have met you
with a warm ‘Velkommen til vart hjem’.
H.R.
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Jamestown ND
Ann and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of you mother. She was quite the lady and I know you will have many memories to cherish.
Lora and Jerry Fisher
COURTENAY BRITISH COLUMBIATHO OUR HEARTS HURT AS EACH ONE PASSES, WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR FAITH THAT CARRIES ON.
I WOULD HAVE MET AGGIE WHEN AUNTIE RUBY STREBER AND I VISITED NORTH DAKOTA A GOOD MANY YEARS AGO NOW.
DAN AND I SEND CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE FAMILY.
MY THOUGHTS OFTEN GO TO MY GRANDMA AND GRANDPA HANS AARESTAD, OF THEIR CHILDREN, WE STILL HAVE AUNTIE HELEN AND UNCLE KEN WITH US.
KIND REGARDS,
CAROL AND DANIEL DOUGLAS
texarkana TxKnow there is an empty place in this family’s heart gor isn’t it great to know that Her heart was in the right place!!! Thinking of you at this time. Missed Lyn/Jim in this corner the past weekend but am glad they got to be with her in the end.
Love
Pansy/James
PRayers and blessings to the family and friends of a truly remarkable woman. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on as her family carries the virtues she taught so well. God bless you Grandma Aggie.
Hindsville ARKnow you keenly feel your loss but oh, there is so much comfort to know she is where she prepared her life to go. Like what was told me at my mother’s death – “The sting of death is sin, and that having been removed, the sting has also been removed. Such a comfort.
Beulah ND
I was a classmate of Ann’s at JHS. What a beautiful tribute to your mom. With your mom’s strength in faith as your guide, I know the journey of grieving will be much easier for all of you. My prayers go out to you as you travel this earthly journey without your mother’s physical presence, knowing that her heavenly presence will guide you along the way.
Essexville MIIt is a privilege indeed to add my thots of appreciation for Aggie …. and how many lives her love and faith have touched.Good thoughts to each of you many of whom I have not seen for years but remember with fondness and appreciation. Cleon
Alexandria MnAnn and family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. You’ll be in thoughts and prayers.
JHS Class of 74 U.S.N. Retired
Fargo, ND
Aggie and Gordon were dear friends of mine as neighbors! Her brother and Maxine also were dear friends to me as I when I first came to Fargo I roomed with them and they were very special to me and to my sister there. I shall never forget all the kindness the family has shown to me! My blessings to all her dear family. Carol
Moorhead Minnesota
Linda, Bird, Roberta & Ron,
It was a blessing on earth to take care of your mom at Bethany on 42nd.She knew that her heart was giving out & was looking forward to a life free of pain & growth in the hereafter. I saw much of your dedication to her & she knows the extra love you gave her in her final earthly days.Patsy in PT
San Antonio TXDear Hartvickson Family,
I was a classmate of Ann’s (Jamestown High School Class of 1974.
I never had the opportunity to meet your Mother, but I have been touched by your tribute to her. What a blessing to know that because of her faith, you will see her again. May that promise comfort you and may God surround you with his love and you go on without her.
Las Cruces New MexicoI’m thinking of you all in a special way. She left us all better for her influence she’ll be keenly missed. Just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts/heart with deep sympathy.
Love,
Edith
Bemidji MN
Dear Jim & Lyn,
We have spoken often of you and your families as you shared your vigil these past days. I love reading the expression of fond memories from others and wish I could have know her. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend the service since it is on Saturday. We are never ready to part with our parents but oh the joy of witnessing their faithful lives and knowing they have gone on to a rich reward. Our human hearts weep while the angels in Heaven rejoice.
Janesville WIWe are thinking of your whole families as you lay your faithful Mother to rest. We are glad to have known her and Gordon. With our sympathy.
Paul & Betty Rowland
White City SaskatchewanDear Linda, Ron, Byrd & Ann,
Both Hartley & I would have both loved to be with on Saturday to share memories of your dear mom. Our familys’ friendship goes back for generations, originating in Norway, so we really are like family. I have memories that will be a part of me forever.
Love,
Hartley & Marianne
Weiser IdahoOur thoughts are with each of you, the family these days. Many memories I’m sure are being shared that will keep you in the days ahead. Special thoughts on Saturday, it would be wonderful to be there.
Dear Ron, Linda, Roberta,Ann and families Thinking of you with love and caring thoughts. Precious Memories come as I remember sweet fellowship with your Mom and Dad. They always encouraged us to be Faithful and True to God by word and life. May God’s Presence comfort you all.
Words seem so insufficient to express what Aggie has meant to me, as well as to many. It won’t seem the same to come back to Fargo and not be able to visit her. Thoughts go to all the family. I’ll be with Todd and Vicki on Saturday, and we’ll think of you.
Remembering Aunt Aggie with special memories and love…appreciating the example and pillar of strength that she has always been to us…comfort in knowing that her family will be given the strength needed to get through these difficult days…love and sypathy to all
Seattle WAThinking of you all as you say good bye to a beloved family member and friend. We can be thankful for faithful lives who encourage us.
Aggie has been a special friend to me for many years and I have innumerable memories of her (and Gordon too) that will continue to warm my heart! I feel blessed to have known her.
With love and sympathy to all the family,
Larry
Rochester MN
Thinking of you all. Times of fellowship were sweet. I know that you will have the comfort of the Spirit these days. Do know that we would be with you if we could.
Roseville CAOur thoughts are there with all of you these days. Aunt Aggie & Uncle Gordon were very special to me growing up and I was so glad Pete had a chance to meet at least Aggie, in October 2001 at Roger Slotten’s funeral just after Dad (Warren Foster) died. She will always hold a special place in my heart and it’s nice to think that she’s finished now with this life and has gone on to what she lived so faithfully for all her life. It’s a wonderful inspiration.
Much love to all,
Deena
Thinking of you all these days… Wish we could be with you on Saturday, but we’ll be with you in thought anyway.
Thankful to have known Aggie–my life is richer because of having crossed paths with her.
With sympathy and care,
Charlene
Stillwater MN
To all of Aggie’s special family,
This brings my sincerest sympathy to you all. We loved our times with Aggie when I was in the Fargo field. We appreciated her love for Truth, for God’s people and servants. May you all know the peace God gives. We shall keep precious memories of your dear Mother.
With love and care, Harriet
Fargo ND
We are so thankful that we have had the opportinity to know and love Aggie and her family. We will miss her! We extend our deep sympathy.
Jamestown ND
Byrd, Ann, Ron, Linda and families, our hearts go out to you in sympathy. Love, Ingrid, Gary, Chris and Patrick