With his family by his side, Peder Morken, 89, of Harris Hill, Ont., passed away Thursday, Feb. 28, 2002 at the Rainy River Hospital in Rainy River, Ont.
He was born June 18, 1912 in Roseau, Mn. to the late Martin and Kari Morken. In 1914, at an early age, Peder moved to Canada with his family to settle on a farm north of Stratton, Ont.
Peder was raised there on the farm and eventually farmed the land himself.
During his younger days, he spent several winters working in logging camps and several summers guiding at local tourist resorts.
On July 8, 1946, Peder was united in marriage to the former Hazel McQuaker. They continued to farm the Morken farm until 1974, when Peder retired from farming and Hazel retired from teaching.
They sold their farm and built a new home in Harris Hill (north of Rainy River) to be near their daughter, Carolyn, and her family.
Throughout his life, Peder was known as a kind and generous man. He enjoyed visiting and socializing with people of all ages. He loved to hunt and fish, and had many stories and pictures to attest to his success. He loved the outdoors and he loved to garden.
He also enjoyed travelling, and had many stories to tell of his trip to Israel and his journeys across Canada and trips to parts of the United States.
Throughout his life, he was very active in the Lutheran church in Stratton and later in Bergland. He was very involved with his family, and the love of his life were his three grandchildren.
He remained active and independent, driving his own car and living in his own home, until five days before his death.
Peder will be remembered for his thoughtful ways, his wonderful sense of humour, his independent spirit, and the love he gave unconditionally to his family.
He was predeceased by his wife, Hazel; and one sister, Rose Carlson.
Peder is survived by his daughter, Carolyn and husband, Robert Kreger, of Harris Hill, Ont.; and three grandchildren, Sherri Kreger of Harris Hill, Ont., Martin Kreger and wife, Jennifer, of Fort Frances, Ont., and Robyn Kreger of Edmonton, Alta.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 5, 2002 at 2 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Bergland, Ont. Pastor Ron Grout officiated, with interment in Bergland Cemetery in Bergland.
Friends visited Monday, March 4, 2002 from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Rainy River Funeral Home in Rainy River, Ont.
Pallbearers were Murray Gemmell, Jack Winik, Charlie Morken, Jim McQuaker, Milton Kreger, and Melvin Morken.
Honourary pallbearers were John Olson, Lloyd Moen, Jim McLean, Melvin Morken Sr., Leonard Rencher, and Carson McQuaker.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to either the Rainy River Hospital, Box 236, Rainy River, Ont., P0W 1L0, or the Trinity Lutheran Church, R.R. #1, Sleeman, Ont., P0W 1M0.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
