Norald Orville Brekke was born on July 12, 1916, on his grandparents’ Brekke farm in Pomme de Terre Township, Minnesota. He was the son of Martin Brekke and Hilma (Tollefson) Brekke. Norald was baptized and confirmed at Ness Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake and attended Elbow Lake High School, graduating in 1935.
Throughout his life, Norald was deeply connected to his community. As a young man, he joined the Elbow Lake Fire Department at the age of sixteen and went on to serve for fifty years before retiring. His long service reflected a quiet dedication to the safety and well-being of his neighbors.
Norald was employed over the years by Erickson Furniture and Funeral Home, the local gas company, and later served Grant County as treasurer for twenty years. In addition, he was a longtime member of the American Legion.
On September 1, 1950, Norald married Rita Marie Haverkamp. Together they built a family life centered in Elbow Lake and remained devoted to one another throughout their marriage.
In his personal life, Norald enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He was an avid cribbage player, liked working crossword puzzles, and especially treasured time spent with his grandchildren.
Norald passed away in 2006. He is survived by his wife, Rita Brekke of Elbow Lake; daughters Barbara (Al) Lotthammer of New London and Mary (Tim) Bieniek of Hoffman; sons Mark (Viki) Brekke of Elbow Lake, Michael Brekke of Phoenix, Arizona, and Andrew Brekke of Wendell; his sister, Lou Ann Swenson of Elbow Lake; his brother, Warren (Eleanor) Brekke of Bloomington; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother-in-law, Lowell Swenson.
Visitation was held at the funeral home and prior to services at United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake. Funeral services were conducted at the church, with burial following at St. Loretto’s Cemetery in Elbow Lake. Arrangements were handled by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake.
Sources
Obituary published in the Fergus Falls Daily Journal, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, August 2, 2006.
Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS): Marriage of Norald Orville Brekke and Rita Marie Haverkamp, September 1, 1950, Grant County.