Jeanette Arlene Fingalson

Jeanette Arlene (Leegard) Fingalson was born at home on March 20, 1919 to Anton and Annie (Lee) Leegard in rural Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She attended grade school at District 30 country school through eighth grade. Jeanette was baptized at Richwood Lutheran Church and later confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. On September 7, 1941, she married Freddie Fingalson at Richwood Lutheran Church. After serving in the military, Freddie became a bridge engineer for the Minnesota Highway Department. His work required them to live in nearly 20 locations in the Red River Valley. Jeanette and Fred lived in trailer homes during this 18 year period. She always said that it wasn't easy to move at least once per year, but that it was fun. In 1958, they permanently moved to Detroit Lakes on the homestead property of Fred's parents in Richwood Township. Jeanette was a wonderful homemaker, very active in Richwood Lutheran Church and sold Avon for 26 years. Two years after Fred died suddenly in 1964, Jeanette moved to Big Floyd Lake. She enjoyed working at Lindrud's Variety Store from 1967 to 1989. In 1994, Jeanette moved to Park Manor Estates Apartments, where she lived for 18 years. She moved to Emmanuel Nursing Home in 2012. On Wednesday, November 27, 2013 she passed away peacefully at the age of 94 surrounded by her family at Ecumen-Emmanuel Nursing Home, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Jeanette will be remembered for her positive attitude and her great outlook on life. Her family was extremely important to her. Jeanette had a beautiful singing voice and would sing solos often. She was a great cook, baker and candy maker. Jeanette was famous for her fried chicken, strawberry pie, pecan pie and her wonderful candies which she generously gave away at Christmas time. She had a knack for gracious hospitality. Jeanette loved to travel, especially to Norway, which was one of many trips she took with her daughter, Wanda. One of her favorite hobbies was taking pictures of family, sunsets and the many places she traveled to. Jeanette will be greatly missed by all who knew her and she will live in our hearts forever. Jeanette is survived by her daughter, Wanda Fingalson of Roseville, MN; son, Wayne (Sue) Fingalson of Buffalo, MN; two granddaughters, Amy (Chad) Stelzig of Savage, MN; Andrea (Matt) Barnes of St. Paul, MN; three great-grandchildren, Joseph and Lily Stelzig and Blake Barnes; one brother, Lyle (Peggy) Leegard of Detroit Lakes, MN; several nieces and nephews. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Freddie (April 7, 1964), and grandson, Chad Wayne Fingalson.