Lars Hamre, age 96, of Twin Valley, MN died Tuesday, November 27, 2012 in the Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley.

Lars Hamre was born December 7, 1915, the son of Edward and Rosa (Nelson) Hamre near Fertile, MN. He grew up on the family farm south of Fertile and attended country school in that area, graduating from Fertile High School with the class of 1934. As a young man, Lars farmed with his family. On October 14, 1938 Lars was united in marriage to Evelyn Dokken in Ada, MN. The couple lived on several farms in Norman County before purchasing a farm east of Twin Valley where they operated a grain and dairy farm for the next 40 years. Lars was a township Assessor in Norman County for many years, a job that he truly loved, continuing even into his retirement. In 1984 Lars and Evelyn sold the farm and moved into Twin Valley and in 1999 they moved into the Normandy. Lars became a resident of the Twin Valley Living Center in December of 2006, which he called home until the time of his death. Evelyn, his wife of over 70 years, died March 2, 2009.

Lars was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and a former member of First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. Lars was an avid Twins fan as well as an outdoorsman where he enjoyed bird watching. He was known for planting trees and growing beautiful vegetable and flower gardens. Lars' favorite pastimes also included doing jigsaw puzzles and enjoying a cup of coffee with his friends. For many years Lars could be found checking on local residents while delivering meals on wheels. Lars loved spending time with his nieces and nephews, but he truly treasured the time he spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lars is survived by his sons, Lamont (Kathy) Hamre of Clive, IA and Dr. Merlin Hamre of Anchorage, AK; a daughter, Ramona (Dr. Larry) Halvorson of Grand Forks, ND; sisters-in-law, Lois Dokken of Fosston, MN, Catherine Dokken of Moorhead, MN and Ila Gast of Eugene, OR; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, three sisters and five brothers.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, December 3, 2012 at 11:00 AM in Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Officiating was Pastor Anne Pairan with Danette Gwin serving as organist and Karen Bergstrom and Julie Thornton serving as vocalists. Pallbearers were Dr. Jeffrey Hamre, Michael Hamre, Adam Halvorson, James Halvorson, John Halvorson, Katie Halvorson, Lars Hamre, Celeste Hamre, Britta Hamre and Madison Halvorson. Honorary pallbearers were all of Lars' nieces and nephews.

Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Mahnomen, MN.