Selmer O. Gullingsrud, 94, Gary, MN died Sunday, September 5, 2010, in the Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley, MN.
Selmer Oliver Gullingsrud was born April 20, 1916 east of Gary, Minnesota the son of Ole and Stina (Ellingson) Gullingsrud. He was raised on a farm and attended county school near the farm. Selmer was baptized and later confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. Petri Lutheran Church. As a young man he farmed with his father before entering the United States Army in 1941. After his honorable discharge he returned to the Gary community where he farmed with his dad. On June 20, 1946 Selmer was united in marriage to Julia Mae Stenson at St Petri Lutheran Church. The couple purchased the farm from Selmer's parents in 1947 and this is where they have made their home and raised their family. Selmer retired from active farming several years ago but they have continued to live on the farm until the past few weeks when Selmer moved into the Twin Valley Living Center.
Selmer enjoyed going to the lakes on Sundays with his family where they would fish and picnic and also going to dances in younger years. Selmer was a member of the American Legion in Gary for years.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Julia Mae, Gary, MN one daughter Sonja (Dennis) Rooks, Fargo, ND, three sons, Norm (Lori), Gary, MN, Larry, Anchorage, Alaska, Dean and his fiancé Kimberly, West Fargo, ND, one brother, Elroy of Youngstown, California, 11 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.
Selmer was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers and 3 sisters.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 11, at 10:30am in the Gary Lutheran Church, Gary, MN. Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 7pm with a Prayer service at 6:30pm at Gary Lutheran Church. Visitation will also be one hour before services at the church on Saturday. Officiating will be Pastor John Ahola with Alden Anderson serving as organist and vocalist accompanied by Nikki Gullingsrud. Also providing special music will be Joel and Kathy Andersen. Pallbearers will be Mike Gullingsrud, John Gullingsrud, Joshua Rooks, Jacob Rooks, Jesse Gullingsrud, Seth Gullingsrud, Kari Natwick, Debi Dahl, Erin Rooks, Sumara Rooks and Stacy Roe. Honorary pallbearers will be all of Selmers great-grandchildren. Military honors will be the Gary American Legion Post #505.
Interment will be in the St. Petri Lutheran Cemetery near Gary.