Oliver Grandalen

Oliver Joseph Grandalen, 94, of Portland, ND passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday June 25, 2016 at Altru hospital in Grand Forks. He was born on November 24, 1921 to Sarah (Flaten) and George Grandalen at the family farmstead near Portland. He was baptized, confirmed, and a lifetime member of Aurdal Lutheran Church. Oliver attended Viking Country School #3. Oliver married Delores K. Olson on October 8, 1950. They lived in rural Portland and continued the family farming tradition. Oliver and Delores raised six children. Oliver was very active in his church and community. He served on numerous boards including Clerk Treasurer of Viking Township, School Board of Viking Township, Director- Farmers Union Oil Company, Director-Shelly Farmers Creamery, Trustee of Aurdal Church Cemetery Committee, member of Heritage Center and Senior Citizen Center. His passion was farming and driving farming equipment. He even recently helped his son Lyle chisel plow last fall at the age of 93. He also enjoyed playing cards, woodworking, fishing, hunting, reading, having coffee, and socializing. Along with his many hobbies and talents Oliver was bilingual, able to speak fluent Norwegian. He especially loved spending time with family and friends, almost always making people laugh. He is survived by his wife, Delores, of 65 years; his children: Diane (Bernie) Nath of Utah, Wayne of Grand Forks, Shirley (Paul) Bakken of Grand Forks, Joanne Hanson of Iowa, Beverly (Steven) Cornelius of Portland, Lyle of Portland; nine grandchildren: Aaron, Sean, Tina (Jake), Carrie (Bryan), Valerie, Bradley, Jon (Nikki), Lexie and Holly; eleven great grandchildren; one great great grandson; sister: Agnes Basol and many nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by all. Blessed be the memory of Oliver Joseph Grandalen. Visitation: Will be from 5–7 PM on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service at the Luther Memorial Home Chapel and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service: 2:00 PM Thursday, June 30, 2016 at the Aurdal Lutheran Church in Portland, ND. Burial: Will be at the Aurdal Cemetery in Portland, ND.