Milo P. Backstrand

Milo P. Backstrand, 82, of Detroit Lakes, died Saturday, November 12, 2005, in his home.Milo Perry Backstrand was born on April 29, 1923 to Fred and Pearl Skadahl on a farm near Devils Lake, ND. As a young child his mother died, shortly after her death Milo moved to Moorhead to live with relatives, William and Tina Backstrand and their son, Fred Backstrand. He grew up and attended school, graduating from Moorhead High School in 1941. He married Leona Scherbenske in 1947, in Fargo, ND. Leona died in 1976. Milo owned and operated a ceramic tile business until 1972 when he began working for Concordia College. On May 18, 1983 he married Lucille Yde. He retired in 1986. Together Milo and Lucille moved to Lake Eunice in 1986. Milo had a love for music. He played the saxophone in many area bands, including the Band of Faith, Red River Valley Veterans Band, American Legion Band and many more. During Lucille's battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease she was a resident of St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit Lakes. After Lucille's death, Milo became a devoted volunteer with St. Mary's Nursing Home delivering mail and visiting the residents of St. Mary's Nursing Home. He was also an avid fisherman, went out dancing almost every Sunday and also enjoyed playing bingo.He is survived by two sons, Drew Backstrand, Mendota Heights, MN and David Backstrand, Duluth, MN; one brother, Fred Backstrand, Bismarck, ND; one sister-in-law, Ruth Martin, Sun City, CA; and two granddaughters, Kristin and Marissa Backstrand. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Leona who died in 1972, his second wife Lucille, who died in 1995; one brother, Earl Martin; and one sister Gertie Lein.In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN or St. Mary's Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, MN.