Ardell B. Kvernen

Ardell Kvernen, 82, Portland, ND died Tuesday, October 9, 2007, at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville, ND. Ardell was born February 4, 1925, in Steele County to Oscar and Julia (Domier) Kvernen. He attended country school near Portland and graduated from Portland High School in 1944. From 1944 to 1946 he served in the US Army during WWII and was stationed at Corregidor in the Philippine Islands. He married Irene Dahl in 1948. He farmed and later worked at the Portland Farmers Elevator. From 1964 – 1970 he was elevator manager in Petersburg, ND. In 1970 they moved back to Portland where he was elevator manager until his retirement in 1987. Ardell was a member of Aurdal Lutheran Church of Portland where he served on the church council. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and also a member of the VFW. Over the years, he touched many lives and will be remembered for his kindness to others, his sense of humor, and his ready smile. He is survived by his wife, Irene, Portland; daughters Joline (Richard) Reiten, Jamestown, ND, Sharon, Fargo, ND, and Sheila (Dale) Tretter, Fargo, ND; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Avis Karlstad, Mayville, ND; two brothers, Duane (Rose) Kvernen, Portland, ND, and Orion (Sylvia) Kvernen, Mayville, ND; and sister-in-law, Ruth Kvernen, Portland, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Raymond. Memorials preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley. Visitation Friday, October 12, 2007 from 5 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 6:30 PM, at Baker Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Funeral Service at 2:00 PM Saturday, October 13, 2007 at Aurdal Lutheran Church, Portland, ND. Burial: Aurdal Cemetery, rural Portland, ND.