George Allen Rognstad

George Allen Rognstad, 74, a life long Park Rapids area resident, passed away peacefully with his loved ones at his side, Wednesday Feb. 24, 2010 following a valiant battle at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

George was born Jan. 12, 1936 to Andrew and Minnie (Brende) Rognstad on his parent’s farm near Hubbard. He attended high school in Park Rapids graduating with the Class of 1954. As a young man, George gained employment with the Co-op Gas Station in Park Rapids where he gained a knowledge and love for working on cars and trucks. He also worked at the Jacobson Saw Mill east of Park Rapids for a time.

On March 7, 1959, he was united in marriage to Vivian S. Torkelson. This marriage was blessed with four children: Mitchell, Robin, Rhonda and Christopher. They moved to Minneapolis where George worked for the Grayco Corporation. In 1960, they returned to Park Rapids where George got a job working as an LP Gas service and deliveryman. This career spanned over 34 years and covered his employment with Isaacson’s Bottle Gas, the Local Gas Co. and the Gas Service Co. both located in Park Rapids.

On June 26, 1993, George’s life was made complete by his marriage to Jane Grover Maurer in Park Rapids.

In 1994, George switched careers and drove gravel truck for Cumber Construction Co. for 10 years until his retirement. He had a talent and love for fixing cars and especially enjoyed refurbishing classic cars. He was especially proud of his 1956 Ford Sunliner Convertible, which he drove in many parades and won numerous trophies at car shows and still owns today.

George enjoyed the out of doors; especially when he could be out with his family and friends deer hunting or ice fishing. He also enjoyed working with his hands building birdhouses and radio-controlled airplanes. For many years he loved to spend his Sundays watching Wild Kingdom on TV and treating himself and his family to chocolate malts and popcorn. Above all, George devoted his life to his wife, his children and his grandchildren who he loved with all his heart.

George will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Jane of Park Rapids; his children, Mitchell (Rebecca) Rognstad of Inglewood, Calif., Robin (David) Schmitz of St. Michael, Rhonda (Steve) Taylor of Elk River, and Christopher Rognstad of Rogers; three stepchildren: Katie (Dave) Hanson and Jamie Maurer all of Park Rapids and Carrie (Gabe) Ackerman of Pine River; 12 grandchildren, Nathan, Nicol, Benjamin, Brooke, Jude, Reese, Gavin, Adler, Lori, Emily, Valerie and Hollie; two brothers, Ozzie (Elaine) Rognstad of Park Rapids and Arnold Rognstad of Las Vegas, Nev.; one sister, Goldie Rognstad of St. Paul; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

George was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Arlie and Morris; and one niece, Brenda.

Visitation: will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Monday, March l, at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 2, at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with Rev. Steven Norby officiating. Special music selections will be, “When I Get To Where I’m Going,” “The Dance” and “How Great Thou Art.”

Active casket bearers: Nathan Schmitz, Benjamin Schmitz, Jamie Maurer, Chuck Rognstad, Bob Rognstad, Rex Rognstad and Jeremy Rognstad.

Honorary casket bearers: Mel Hochstatter, Tom Vogtman, Rich Anderson, Gene Brumbaugh, Ron Hanson, Dwight Carlson and Kenny Atkinson.

Interment: Greenwood Cemetery of Park Rapids.

A luncheon will be hosted by the Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids following the service.

To leave online condolences, visit www.jonespearson.com.

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