Loren Fiskum

The funeral service for Loren Fiskum of Wadena will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena, with Pastor Nate Loer officiating. Friends may call from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday at the Johnson-Schuller Chapel in Wadena. Visitation will resume at the church on Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service. Loren passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 8, 2015, after spending an enjoyable day with his family. Loren was born to Andrew and Lydia Josephine (Gronn) Fiskum on January 18, 1927, in Almora, MN. He attended school in Almora and Hewitt and received his GED from Staples. While growing up he also lived in Parkers Prairie until moving to Wadena in 1944. Loren was stationed in Japan, serving the U. S. Army during WWII from April 12, 1945 until his honorable discharge on December 19, 1946. After returning stateside, Loren was united in marriage with Elizabeth “Betty” Stuntebeck on October 4, 1947. Many in the area remember him as the “head parts man” at the Stuntebeck Ford garage from 1947 until 1973. He then worked briefly at John Deere until starting his own business, Fiskum Auto Parts, in 1974. Loren retired in 1995. He made two trips to Norway with the opportunity of meeting relatives for the first time. Loren was widowed when Betty passed away on October 25, 2000. He married Iona (Prescott) Neisess on April 13, 2002 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena. Loren enjoyed playing the harmonica and listening to a variety of music. He also enjoyed dancing, playing cards and bowling. His passion was flying! As a pilot he owned several planes over the years. In addition, he appreciated the outdoors when deer hunting, gardening and when watching & feeding birds. Loren enjoyed the 6AM McDonald Coffee Group and the Thursday Immanuel Men’s Breakfast Group. He will be remembered for his smile and kind caring ways. He was always ready to help others. Most importantly, he treasured time spent with family and friends. Loren was a member of the Rotary Club, Elks Lodge, VFW Post where he had served as Commander for three years, and the American Legion. Loren was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena. Loren was preceded in death by his first wife Betty; parents Andrew and Lydia; brothers Ernest, Orrand and Harold Fiskum; sister Margaret (Ray) Judson; sons-in-law Larry Olson and Oscar Andrews; and brothers-in-law Cleo Scroggins and Gary Vandenberghe. He is survived by his loving wife Iona; children Jerry (Jan) Fiskum of New Prague, Kathy (Larry) Olson of Litchfield, Rick (Debbie) Fiskum of Denver, CO; Suzanne (Jeff) Parker of Portland, OR; and Jim (Denise) Fiskum of Big Lake; step-children Deb Andrews of Wadena, Ron (Corrine) Neisess of Menahga and Rick (Lori) Neisess of Big Lake; 21 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; brother Ron (Rose) Fiskum of Clarksville, MD; sisters Edna Scroggins of Clackamas, OR, Eileen Vandenberghe of Camas, and Ina (”Lefty”) Kaler of St. Cloud; along with a host of friends and neighbors. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons Chad Parker, Ryan Andrews and Anthony Sellman. Serving as pallbearers will be grandsons Aaron Fiskum, Jason Olson, Jack Fiskum, Matthew Neisess, Tanner Neisess and David Darling. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Wadena, MN.

Loren Fiskum

January 18, 1927 - March 8, 2015