John E. Nansen

John Edgar Nansen was born on December 6, 1939, near Winger, MN, to Edgar and Agnes Lind Nansen. He grew up and attended school there, graduating from Erskine High School in 1957. He entered the U.S. Army and served in Seattle, Washington. He was discharged in 1961, and continued to serve in the Army Reserve. Upon his discharge, he returned to Winger, MN, for a brief time and then moved to Fargo, ND, where he went to work for F-M Jobbing Company. John married Arlene Olson on June 2, 1962, in Ness Lutheran Church in Gary, MN, and they made their home in Moorhead, MN. John was a kind, gentle and compassionate man with a great sense of humor. He never felt sorry for himself. He was a loving husband, caring father always known as "Pops" to his kids. He enjoyed spending time at the lakes. He liked working with wood and collecting miniature tractors and equipment. He was a Christian who still knew God's presence, even when he was not able to make it to church. He will be especially missed by his faithful friend, Jessie. John is survived by his wife, Arlene, Moorhead, MN; one son, Marti, Moorhead, MN; one sister, Darlene Myron Messelt. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Jeffrey and Jason, and two sisters, Jean Sorvig and Hallis Bakke.