Luther Halstensgard, 62, Fertile, MN, passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023, at his residence in Fertile.
Luther Allen Halstensgard was born on August 19, 1960, in Crookston, MN to Duane and Estelle (Flatten) Halstensgard. Luther graduated from Fertile-Beltrami High School and went on to attend the East Grand Forks Area Technical Institute for Nursing.
On July 4, 1992, Luther married Marilyn Payment at Polk County Roadside Park and they enjoyed many happy years together.
Luther was a nurse for 39 years and retired 3 months ago. During his time as a nurse, he worked in the Crookston ER, at the Fertile nursing home, and spent several years as a Polk County medical examiner. He was the first face patients and their families saw when they were experiencing big life-changing moments. In these moments of other crises, he had a wonderful gift of always staying calm and kind and knowing exactly what to do. Luther was that kind face, or a rock, or the soft place to land for anyone who needed him. He was there when people passed at the nursing home, and he also sat with his own son and grandmother as they went to heaven. He was a believer in God and considered it an honor to be there for someone’s last breath. This is one reason why he was so well-loved in his community, he took care of them, and they loved him for that.
One of Luther’s greatest joys in life was watching his grandchildren grow up. Even if they were a little mischievous at times, they always brought him pride and happiness. Maybe even more so when they gave their parents a run.
Luther could talk to anyone. He enjoyed small talk. He could sit at the Fertile Fair or at the Fertile nursing home and talk to anyone who passed by. He loved friendly conversation. He was a funny guy and always had a quick response for everything. Even when people might not have understood his humor. He always thought himself hilarious! He also enjoyed collecting baseball cards, working with scrap iron, and knitting.
Luther is survived by his wife, Marilyn, Fertile, MN; children, Amanda (Taavi) Korpi, Solon Springs, WI, Christine Halstensgard, Duluth MN and Elizabeth Halstensgard, of Fertile, MN; 4 grandchildren; Milo and Maija Korpi, Aiden Pope, and Amelia Halstensgard, brothers, Dave (Barb) Halstensgard, New Brighton, MN, Bruce (Mary Jo) Halstensgard, TegaCay, SC, Jonathan Halstensgard, Cambridge, MN, and Chau Lam, Ngoc Lam and Phat Phan, all of San Diego, CA; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his son, James Halstensgard; and father, Duane Halstensgard.
Funeral: 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Halstensgard Farm, 3872 320th Avenue, Fertile, MN. Everyone is welcome. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket. We will be outdoors.
Visitation: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, June 9, 2023, at Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home, Fertile, MN, with a prayer service to begin at 7:30 PM.
Interment: Concordia South Cemetery, Fertile, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.eriksonvikfh.com
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home
Fertile, Minnesota
