Jean Eggerud, 60, died on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, ND, with his family by his side.

Funeral services will be held 10:30, Thursday, March 27, 2008 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Mark Helgeland officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, from 5-8 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls with a Prayer Service at 7:30 PM. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Thursday.

Jean Allen Eggerud was born on September 30, 1947 in Hallock, MN to Oscar and Myrtle (Johnson) Eggerud. He was baptized and confirmed in the First Lutheran Church in Lancaster, MN. He grew up in Lancaster, MN where he attended school.

He moved to southern MN where he met his future bride Diane. He then entered the US Army serving his country from 1968 to 1969. He was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington. Jean came home on leave and was united in marriage to Diane Beverly Iverson on August 17, 1968 in First Lutheran Church in Lancaster. Their first home was in Tacoma, WA.

After the service, Jean and the family moved to Lancaster, MN where he helped his brother farm and he also worked for Arctic Cat at a plant in Karlstad, MN. They moved to Thief River Falls in 1970. He went to work at the Farmers Coop Elevator in Thief River Falls, MN. He attended carpentry school in Thief River Falls. He worked at Hydra Mac in Thief River Falls until 1999. He then retired because of health reasons.

Jean was an avid woodworker who liked to carve. He also liked to draw. He kept records, researched, and wrote many books on his family history. He also enjoyed gardening. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He attained his GED in Thief River Falls in 2000 with his daughter Kathy. He was a member of the American Legion in Thief River Falls.

Jean is survived by his wife Diane, Thief River Falls, MN, 4 children: David (Rachel), Brooks, MN, Tom (Amy), Thief River Falls, MN, Kathy (Ryan Garner), Deer River, MN, Ryan (Stephanie), Thief River Falls, MN, 7 grandchildren: Roxanne, Alexa, Chandler, Brooke, Arianna, Kyler, Joey, 2 sisters: Millie (John) Thorstad, Thief River Falls, MN, Eunice (Weslie) Rud, Strandquist, MN, step father Ed VandeStreek, Thief River Falls, MN; sister-in-law, Elaine Eggerud of Thief River Falls, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother Orville, 1 grandchild Axel.

Family condolences can be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Linda Olson
SOLOIST: Solveig Swenson
SELECTIONS: On Eagles Wings, Whispering Pines
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Rock of Ages, What A Friend We Have In Jesus
PALLBEARERS: Bill Yonke, Les Yonke, Chris Rud, Chad Rud, Scott Rud, Richard Rud, Mark Thorstad, Dan Thorstad, Austin Eggerud
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: Jeans nieces and grandchildren
MILITARY HONORS: Thief River Falls American Legion and VFW Posts