Paul Kragness

Paul Orville Kragness, age 96 of Fargo, ND passed away November 29. Paul was born on March 31, 1921, on the family farm in rural Walcott, to Martin and Ida (Borseth) Kragness. He grew up farming, milking cows, and tending to the livestock. He attended school at Eagle Township No. 4 where he graduated from the 8th grade ready to be a farmer.

Paul loved the land and farmed with his brother, Earl. They used the big work horses until the 1950’s. Through the years they raised wheat, barley, oats, soybeans, corn for feed and silage, and alfalfa. He milked cows and sold the cream. He also raised and sold many little pigs.

Harvest was put on hold during the wet fall of 1962, when he married Louise Nielsen on the 11th of August at Richland Lutheran Church. He instantly became a family man with the adoption of three daughters. His kind spirit and quiet, gentle nature made him a great dad and later, grandfather. Paul and Louise lived on the Borseth farm until retiring in 1986 to Fargo. Paul continued to “farm” by taking care of their yard and helping on the Kragness home place.

Paul was a lifetime member of Richland Lutheran Church, served on the church council, and as a member of the Richland’s Men’s Club, washed many dishes at the annual Lutefisk Dinners. He was a member of the Sons of Norway, Kringen Lodge #25 in Fargo where he and Louise volunteered working bingo, serving lunches and Sunday brunch. Paul was a consistent blood donor and received recognition for his giving.

Paul and Louise traveled to Norway and Denmark, but he was always happiest close to home. His hobbies included playing whist and driving around looking at the crops at all stages of growth. He enjoyed watching the big work horses and farm machinery at the Western Minnesota Steam Thresher Reunion in Rollag, MN. He loved eating Louise’s cookies, donuts, and especially enjoyed the chocolate desserts. He looked forward to lefse when it was available. The great staff at Bethany Homes who cared for him all knew that Paul was a “good eater and coffee lover.”

Paul is survived by his wife Louise, their three daughters Shan (Brian) Eidsvoog, Aurora, CO, Marguerite (Larry) Ronsberg, Fargo, ND, Reva (Doug) Hardina, Arlington Heights, IL; six grandchildren Mara Eidsvoog (Eric Stickel), Bradley Eidsvoog, Kevin Ronsberg (Amanda Kuller), Randy Ronsberg (Jennifer Reynolds), Kate (Michael) Hagerty and Audrey (Dan) Vincenzi; and one great granddaughter Zoey Hagerty. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sibling, brother Earl Kragness, sisters Aurene Kragness and Leona Hektner, and brothers-in-law Vernon Hektner and Fred Schrom.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, December 2, 11 a.m. at Richland Lutheran Church, Rural Walcott, ND. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral and from 5-7 p.m. Friday, December 1 at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead, MN.