Selma Hassel, age 87, of Fosston, MN, formerly, Winger, MN, died Thursday, June 26, 2008 at First Care Nursing Home in Fosston.
Selma Berness Prestegord was born July 13, 1920 at her home in Fossum Township, rural Twin Valley, MN, the daughter of Sivert and Borghild (Bottolfs) Prestegord. She grew up on the farm and attended Plentywood Country School near there. As a young woman, Selma helped on neighboring farms, milking cows and baking. She also often played the accordion at local barn dances.

On December 21, 1938 Selma was united in marriage to Sigvard Hassel. The couple made their first home in Goodridge, MN, while helping Sigvard's family operate a café. They later moved back to the Fossum area and began farming. With their young family, Selma and Sigvard then rented farmland in Bear Park Township, where they made their home for several years. After retiring in 1971, they moved into a home in Winger. After Sigvard's death in 1993, Selma continued to live in Winger until entering First Care Nursing Home in Fosston in 2001.

Selma enjoyed music, gardening, baking, and her family. In her younger years, she often played accordion and produced a bountiful garden. She continuously helped on the farm as well as canned her produce. She loved to bake and made wonderful breads to share with family and neighbors. Later, she was always ready and willing to go to a rummage sale to find special treasures. Selma was truly a compassionate and dedicated mother – forever putting her children's needs before her own. She especially cherished each of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Selma is survived by two sons: Conrad of Winger, and Larry (Judy) of Fertile, MN; three daughters: Sylvia (Boyd) Bratager of Erskine, MN, Darlene (Truman) Johnson of Dilworth, MN, and Judy (Terry) Brevik of Erskine; four siblings: Alfred, Martin (Erma), Lenora Locken, and Hilda Grove all of Twin Valley; 20 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers, Lars and Arnold; two sons, Bob and Donald; and a great-granddaughter.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at Faaberg Lutheran Church, rural Gary, MN.

Visitation will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Winger, on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 from 5-7PM, with a prayer service at 6:30PM.
Burial will take place at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery, rural Twin Valley, MN.