Myrtle M. Walswick, age 98, of Mahnomen, MN, died Friday, September 30, 2011 at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Myrtle Marie Kortgaard was born near Faith, MN, on September 13, 1913 the third of four daughters, to Ole and Carrie (Christenson) Kortgaard. At the young age of five, Myrtle moved with her family to Mahnomen. She attended school in Mahnomen and graduated as the Valedictorian of the class of 1932. Following high school, Myrtle attended Moorhead State College and received her teaching certificate. She began teaching in rural schools in Mahnomen County.


On February 25, 1938 Myrtle was united in marriage to Cupid Walswick. The couple made their home in Mahnomen and raised four children. When the kids were older, Myrtle went back to Moorhead State and earned her Bachelors Degree in 1967 and furthered her education with a Masters Degree in Education and Math. Myrtle began teaching at Mahnomen Elementary and also became certified to teach Special Ed. In addition, she worked as a Title I teacher at Mahnomen Public and St. Michael's Catholic School, retiring in 1983.

Over the years, Myrtle remained very energetic. She was quite active at First Lutheran Church teaching Sunday School, singing with the choir, quilting and helping out with the Ladies Aid. She also volunteered at the Food Shelf and worked at the Mahnomen County Fair registering exhibits for several years. Myrtle enjoyed traveling, playing cards, writing poetry, embroidering and crocheting afghans for family and friends. She held memberships with the Mahnomen Garden Club, Bridge Club and Crochet Club.

Her husband of 54 years, died in 1992. Myrtle continued to live in their home with the beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. After several years, Myrtle moved into Welle Apartments where she made her home until April of 2009 when she moved into the Mahnomen Health Center.

Myrtle is survived by her children: Sandra Berglind, Ada, MN, Kristi (Glenn) Ollila, Burnsville, MN, and Paul (Carol) Walswick, Halstad; daughter-in-law, Patsy Walswick, Eau Claire, WI; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one sister, Clara (Jim)Borstad Wilkins, Spokane, WA; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Robert Walswick; sisters, Alice Buchholz and Gertie Eraker; and most recently her son-in-law, Karol, "Bud" Berglind.

Blessed be the memory of Myrtle Walswick.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, October 4th at 10:30 am at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen with Pastor Tom Pairan officiating. Special music will be provided by Janet Guertin, Kari Olson and Dan Berglind. Diane Spaeth will play the organ. Serving as pallbearers will be Myrtle's grandchildren and spouses and the honorary bearers include Cupid and Myrtle's good neighbors.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Monday, October 3, 2011 at Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home, Mahnomen and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery, Mahnomen.