Oressa Myra Runningen, 90, Fegus Falls, MN

Oressa Runningen

Oressa Myra Runningen, 91, of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, at Pioneer Retirement Community in Fergus Falls.
She was born Oct. 24, 1916, in Elbow Lake, the twin daughter of Olaf and Gunda (Brekke) Sorenson. She grew up in rural Elbow Lake on the family farm and attended country school. She was confirmed at Hjerdahl Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake.
She moved to Fergus Falls in the 1930s to find employment, and worked as a waitress, including at Elton’s Café where she met her future husband, Gilford Runningen.
On Oct. 24, 1938, she and Gilford were married, and they lived in Fergus Falls until 1962, when they moved to Alexandria. There they owned and operated the Andria Motel.
In 1963, they moved back to Fergus Falls where she had lived ever since. She was most recently a resident of Pioneer Retirement Community.
Oressa was a member of First Lutheran Church until 1991, when she joined Faith Lutheran Church. She enjoyed gardening and raising roses, and was devoted to her family and church.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Gilford; her twin sister, Ora, and her brothers Forest, Russell, Gaylon and Webster.
Survivors include a daughter Karen; and a son, Richard, both of Fergus Falls; two nieces, Margie (Terry) Waye of Elbow Lake, and Mary (Scott) Monstead of Metairie, La.; and five nephews, John Runningen of Atlanta, Ga., Lee (Francine) Runningen of Bloomington, and Duane Sorenson, Roger Sorenson and Art Sorenson.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 1 p.m. Thursday, at Faith Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Craig Palach
Burial: Pelican Lake Cemetery, Ashby
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

• Condolences: www.olsonfuneralhome.com