Emogene Marie Etter

Emogene Marie Etter of rural Menahga went home to join the Lord on Sunday, June 13, 2010 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. Emogene was born to Arthur and Margaret (Anderson) Schmidt on September 19, 1933 in Becker Township, Sherburne County, Minnesota where she was also baptized on October 1, 1933. She was confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church on November 19, 1951 and attended District 28 North Menahga School through the eighth grade. Emogene was united in marriage to Louis Etter on September 24, 1949. She and Louis were married for 56 years; he died on December 16, 2005. Emogene worked as a doctor's assistant for Dr. Mortenson for 13 years. She and Louis owned and operated Midway Store for 12 years; she also served as Runeberg Township Clerk for many years. Louis and Emogene farmed on and off all their lives. She was a member Bethany Lutheran Church in Spruce Grove Township attended Vio de Cristo in 1991 and served on many teams. Emogene devoted her life to serving the Lord and her family. Emogene loved being around her grandchildren and great grandchildren and made many homemade gifts for each of them. Above all, she loved visiting with family and friends. She is survived by five children, daughter Eileen and Larry Pederson of West Fargo, ND; four sons John and Elena Etter of Orange Park, Florida; Wayne and Diana Etter of Menahga; Arthur and Mary Etter of Menahga; and David Etter of Menahga; 19 grandchildren, Marta, Karin, Erik, Sarah, Susan, Rachel, Wayne Jr., Robert, Daniel, Jennifer, Lane, Tyrel, Milo, Jackie, Zachary, Nicole, Katrina, Amber and Elizabeth; and 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Frances Torma of Sebeka as well as her sister-in-law, Louise Jannusch of Menahga. Emogene was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother, Arthur Schmidt. She will be dearly missed. Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, June 18, 2010 at Bethany Lutheran Church with Pastor Steven A. Bruer officiating. Shirley Anderson will serve as organist. Special music will be provided by Vio de Cristo and Kris Spadgenske. Congregational hymns will be “Blessed Assurance” and “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” Honorary Pallbearers will be Deb and Mike Sorenson, Matt and Jane Mattick, Carol Ristinen, Bob Bjelkengren and Linda Ely. Active Casket bearers are Eileen Pederson, Larry Pederson, John Etter, Wayne Etter, Art Etter and David Etter. Interment will be at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery.