Jean Marie Svedahl, 81, of Crookston, passed away on Monday, August 8th, 2022, in the Fair Meadow Nursing Home at Fertile.
Jean was born in Crookston on November 21, 1940, one of three children to Henry and Delia (Warner) Fortier. She graduated from Crookston High School in 1958. Jean married Ralph (Bud) Svedahl in Pittman NJ on June 27, 1959. Bud and Jean spent many years living in New Jersey, Montana, and Minnesota before moving back to Crookston in 1989.
The couple’s golden years were spent traveling throughout the country, including a memorable visit to Panama to visit Bud’s sister, Doris, and visiting Alaska with their son, Rich. They also enjoyed going for drives around the greater Crookston area and beyond, taking in the sights of the changing seasons. Jean loved watching sports of all kinds with Bud, whether catching the Twins, Vikings, Wild, and Lynx or cheering on the Gophers. She really enjoyed attending UND basketball games and had season tickets for many years. You could always see her in the stands laughing or cheering on the team. One of her passions was going to auction sales and seeing all her auction friends. They had lots of laughs while bidding on treasures and whiling away the afternoons.
Jean was well known for her dedication as a care giver. She was always willing to help anyone in need and never expected anything in return. She spent many years taking care of her aging mother and other friends/relatives that needed rides or someone to accompany them to appointments. She always made time for people and enjoyed her time with them, never considering it a chore.
Jean is lovingly survived by their son, Richard Svedahl of Havre, MT; 2 grandsons, Aidan and Bridger Svedahl, living in Washington; sister-in-law, Lilah Wang of Fertile, MN; niece, Rose Troller of Fountain Hills, AZ; brother, Theodore Fortier of Underwood, MN; and several other nieces, nephews, relatives, and a host of friends. Very sadly, Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bud, who passed away on June 5, 2020; son, Robert “Rob” who passed away on January 27, 2003; her parents, Henry and Delia Fortier; sister, Maryln Larsen; brother-in-law, David Svedahl; sister-in-law, Doris Hunt; parents-in-law, Leonard and Regina Svedahl; brother-in-law, Cliff Svedahl; and sister-in-law, Kay Svedahl.
Bud and Jean were joined at the hip, and it was hard to watch Jean try to make her way in the world without Bud after he passed. They were best friends and really enjoyed spending time together. They were always on the go and finally one of their nieces gave them a cell phone so people could track them down. Their laughter and zest for living life to the fullest will be missed by everyone that knew them.
Jean’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile for being so accommodating and making Jean’s last days on earth as comfortable and peaceful as possible.
Visitation for Jean Marie Svedahl will be held at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, Crookston, MN, from 12 Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2022. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. that day at the Calvary Cemetery in Crookston with Deacon Dan Hannig, officiating. The service will be livestreamed by going to Jean’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view.
Messages of condolence to Richard and family may be made at www.stenshoel
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