TML Livestream

Alden Gjevre passed away peacefully at Edgewood Assisted Care Facility in Blaine, MN on April 11, at the age of 88. A funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN on Wednesday April 17, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Simon Fensom officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral.

Alden Gjevre was born to Anton and Josephine Gjevre on March 13, 1931 in Spencer, SD. He was the second of four sons born to the Lutheran Pastor and his wife. The family moved several times during Alden’s childhood, but Rosholt, SD became his home, and the place where lifelong friendships were made.

In his high school years Alden was identified as a possible West Point candidate and in order to pursue this opportunity he transferred to Oak Grove Lutheran High School in Fargo to complete his senior year and be schooled in the mathematics which weren’t being taught at the Rosholt School. He graduated from Oak Grove in 1949, and was working in Northern Idaho that summer when he received the letter that he had been accepted to West Point. Unfortunately, the letter was two weeks late, and he was given two days to report to Illinois. As it took two days just to get to civilization from the camp he was working at, West Point was not to be. Alden chose another path and began attending Concordia College in Moorhead in the fall of 1949.

He enlisted in the North Dakota National Guard in 1950, and in January of 1951was sent to Korea. He suffered a shoulder injury and returned in July of 1952. That fall he continued his education at Concordia, graduating in 1955, and then onto Law School at the University of Minnesota.

In 1956 he married Patricia Lou McHarg, and in 1958 he graduated from law school practicing briefly in Duluth, MN. He and Pat moved to Moorhead in 1959. He was hired by the Thysell law firm in 1961. The firm went through a few name changes but eventually became known as Gjevre, McLarnan, Vaa, Hannaher, Skatvold, and McClarnan. He retired in 1994. He was also the attorney for the City of Barnesville from 1963 to 1993.

Alden had an incredible memory and charm with people. With Alden around you didn’t need a phone book, as he could recall hundreds of telephone numbers and addresses by memory. Equally impressive was his ability to recall people’s names and conversations from previous encounters. This quality endeared him to people in his professional and private life. His mind remained sharp and focused even up to his passing.

Alden had many hobbies and interests. He avidly followed his grandchildren’s sporting events, willing to travel hundreds of miles for a softball game, cross country, or track meet. He loved reading (especially history), hunting, fishing with friends and family, walking, coffee with friends at the Frying Pan and Sunmart, get togethers at The Sons of Norway (Fargo), making the Thanksgiving turkey, and more. Some of the best memories were shared with friends and family at their cabin on Ten Mile Lake, where on a Saturday afternoon he would sit on the deck with his good friend Norman Peterson, drink beer, and listen to Red Sovine.

Alden is survived by his wife Pat, his three children, Ross (Connie) Gjevre of Ramsey, MN, Scott (Penny) Gjevre of Clearwater, MN, and Kathy Gjevre of Wickenburg, AZ; grandchildren Alexandra Nail, Connor, Carter, and Hayzen Gjevre, Bill, Renee, and Emilee West, numerous nephews and nieces, and his brother John (Marjorie) of Moorhead.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Josephine, and brothers Paul and Phil. Burial will be held at a later date at Lyster Lutheran Church Cemetery in Nelson, WI.

The family would particularly like to thank Allina Hospice for their outstanding care and compassion, as well as the staff of Edgewood Assisted living for their grace in caring for a very stubborn Norwegian. .

Memorials should be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church Moorhead, MN, Rejoice Lutheran Church Clearwater, MN, and/or Allina Hospice care of your choosing.

On a personal note:

Dad gradually accepted the changes in his abilities over the years that led up to his passing. During the past several months, staff at Edgewood would repeatedly express their fondness for Alden, how much they enjoyed caring for him, and their admiration for listening to him. In my years of hospice practice, I did not expect to witness the profound grieving displayed by members of our family, members of his Hospice team, and members of Edgewood staff. Dad was truly a remarkable person. He touched (and remembered) countless people through his life. He was unwavering with his support, with his generosity, and with his devotion. For Dad, it was most excruciating to experience the slow loss self reliance, independence, and ability to direct his affairs. His world grew smaller with each passing year. While his death was without physical pain, our family recognizes that Dad was conflicted about the rifts that have emerged, and in some cases perpetuated, among our family as the last months of his life dragged on. He expressed regret to his pastor. The attacks and divisions have done nothing to contribute to Dad's comfort. And they have done lasting damage. This is not what he wanted. Personally, I was able to be bedside, update family to progress and invite the presence of those who had the ability to be present. Dad was surrounded by members of Edgewood and Hospice staff when he breathed his last. I heard the whispers of his exhale. Before he drew his last, I spoke to him, saying "I Love you, I thank you, and I forgive you, and I speak for Scott." Dad fluttered his forehead, and opened his left eye for a brief moment. That was as close to regaining consciousness as he would achieve in the hours since he'd become unresponsive. It was a blessing to sit on his bed, hold his hand, and tune some Beethoven for his final hours. Mom is with us now in Ramsey. And we have some bridges to cross as we consider her comfort. She is benefiting from gently repeated answers and reassurances to her questions "What happened to Dad?" She knows he is gone, and we affirm that she will continue to be safe, and well cared for. At the time of this writing, our family is uncertain she will return to their apartment at Edgewood. Today we're taking her with us to de clutter the place (those of you who were able to visit them understand). We will see how she does, and continue to provide for Mom's wants and needs. All who read this, and attend Dad's funeral next Wednesday - remain mindful of Mom's memory. She relives her grief with each explanation. She'll likely remember each of you. Kindly help her to recall if she does not. Blessed are those serve. God has called his servant home. We miss Dad. And we all will be with him again.

Obituary 

Patricia (Pat) Lou Gjevre passed away peacefully in Elk River, MN on July 5. Born Patricia Lou McHarg, July 2, 1933 to Paul and Ann McHarg in St.Paul, MN, she grew up in Bagley, MN but graduated from high school in Spokane, WA. She attended Concordia briefly (where she met her future husband) and finished her education at the University of Minnesota with a degree in elementary education. She married Alden Gjevre in 1958 and together they raised three children: Kathleen, Scott, and Ross. Pat and Alden lived in Moorhead until 2014 when they moved to be closer to family. Alden passed away in 2019.

She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, PEO, and Fargo-Moorhead fine Arts. Her lake home on Ten Mile Lake (Cass County, MN) was a special place where she and Alden loved spending time there with family and friends

She was an exceptional hostess who loved to entertain, as well as a fine eye for art and the natural beauty of this world.

She is survived by her three children, grandchildren Alex (Matt), Connor, Carter (Brittney), and Hayzen, and great grandchildren Evie and Maddox.

Memorials preferred To Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN, Ten Mile Lake Association (Cass County, MN), or Rejoice Lutheran Church, Clearwater, MN. Final arrangements at a later date.

On a personal note:

Mom began experiencing falls. I remember one day while at work, a call came in from Elk River Senior Living letting me know that she was sent to Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.

Visiting her there, I stayed several hours to calm and redirect her anxiety and confusion. In earlier times, Mom's answer to the question - "If you get sick, do you want to see the Doctor?" was "Well of course." That day was different.

Mercy sent her home by medical transport. While at the hospital, her efforts were focused on getting home. On the ride home, she managed to unbuckle herself which caused the transport to pull over and request assistance.

I spoke with Nursing at Elk River Senior Living. A heartfelt conversation to relate the anxiety Mom experienced and the change in her goals.

The Nurse agreed and asked for a Hospice consult. A second one resulted in admission to Moments.

Their staff tried to treat for comfort. But Elk River care staff would not acknowledge the discomfort Mom was feeling. This is common because often the emphasis is for restoration.

Then one Saturday late afternoon, July 5th, 2025, I received another call and prepared to go see her.

Moments Hospice also called me, and explained that Mom had fallen again, this time traumatic with a head strike, and that she was not expected to survive the night.

I arrived a little after 6pm. Her Hospice Nurse was bedside, and told me that Mom had just passed a few minutes ago.

Together we made arrangements with Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead.

No one had bothered to inform me that a prepaid cremation arrangement had been made. It all worked out.

Patricia Gjevre was an amazing person. She and Dad, after trying for about 7 years, decided to adopt a little baby Engel through Lutheran Social Services in 1963. They were apparently so pleased, a biological son emerged 11 months later.

Later in life, Mom decided to return to College and earned her degree in Fine Arts. She loved to weave, garden, cook, and care for her family.

Often we'd joke - she'd always smile and say "that's not for you to know." - about what the letters of the organization really stood for...

Rest in peace -- Dear Mother.