Thief River Falls – Luverne Lindahl, 96, passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
Luverne Clayton Lindahl was born February 6, 1927, to William (Bill) Lindahl and Emma (Braaten) Lindahl in Roseau. They lived in Roseau, Newfolden, Thief River Falls, and Middle River. Luverne was one of six children.
Luverne was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church.
Luverne graduated from Middle River High School in 1945 and enlisted in the US Army. He received basic Training at Ft. Lewis, Washington. He spent his time in the military working at a hospital in occupied West Germany as a medic. He was honorably discharged. After his discharge he went to business school in Minneapolis.
In 1949, on September 5, he married Iva Jean Brenna in Thief River Falls. They were married 58 years. To this union, four sons were born: Greg, Craig, Mark and John.
Luverne and Iva moved to Middle River in 1950 where they ran a tavern and restaurant. Luverne also owned the Standard Oil Station in Middle River in 1954. He worked for Montgomery Wards, then Tunberg Motors (1957-59), before he started his lumber yard career with Central Lumber Company in Middle River in 1960. When they were bought by Robertson Lumber Company in 1963, he moved to Thief River Falls. While working for Robertsons, he managed the first Holiday Station in Thief River Falls. He moved several times with Robertsons, which included East Grand Forks, managing in Drayton, ND, Greenbush, Thief River Falls and finally retiring from Robertsons in 1979.
He and Iva started Lindahl’s Upholstery in 1980. Luverne also sold used cars at this location. This later became Lindahl’s Furniture, which he and his son, Craig, operated until 2021. Luverne loved being in sales and being around people and said many times it was the best job he ever had. Luverne also played drums in some local bands in his younger years and loved music. He could often be heard whistling a tune or singing. Talking about old cars was another of his interests – the 1951 Ford Victoria was among his favorites.
Luverne loved all sports especially the Vikings and the Twins; watching or listening to every game if possible.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Iva Jean; parents; in-laws, Calmer and Sigrid Brenna; several brothers- and sisters-in-law; brothers, Glen and Earl; sisters, Vivian and Wanda along with their spouses.
Luverne is survived by his son, Craig (Marci); grandchildren, Craig Allen, Kelsey (Jamie) Cochran, Sterling Lindahl; great-grandchildren, Ryleigh Kostrzewski, Talon, Breslin, and Isla Jean Cochran; sister, Aldyne; sister-in-law, Sonia (Wayne) Wegge; sister-in-law, Jean Brenna; cousins, Kathy Hanson, Roger Braaten (Shirley); and many nieces and nephews.
Private family graveside services will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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