Olaf I. Brende

Olaf I. Brende, 92, of Baltic who died Thursday, September 2, 2010 at his son’s home in Sioux Falls.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM Monday, September 6, 2010 at East Nidaros Lutheran Church, rural Baltic. Burial will be in the East Nidaros Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 3-5:00 PM Sunday at the church, two miles south of Baltic Corner. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to the East Nidaros Building Fund.

Olaf I. Brende was born May 24, 1918 near Baltic to parents Thomas O. and Johanna (Tronsmo) Brende. He grew up on the farm, attended the Moen Country School near Baltic, and graduated from Baltic High School in 1936. He never lost a footrace and could dunk a basketball.

Olaf married Belva Aspaas October 12, 1940 at East Nidaros Lutheran Church near Baltic. After their marriage they farmed in the Baltic area.

Olaf was baptized and confirmed at East Nidaros Lutheran Church, where he served as sexton of the cemetery, janitor and bell ringer for many years.

Olaf enjoyed playing the accordion and played with the Baltic Accordion Band; also know as Ole’s All Stars, for many years. He retired when he became older than most folks in the nursing homes where the band entertained!

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of almost 70 years, Belva, his son Arlie Brende, Sioux Falls, his daughter in law, Nellie Brende, Sioux Falls; grandchildren, Laura Hales, Overland Park, Kansas; Thomas O. Brende and his wife Claudia, Sioux Falls; six great grandchildren, Sam, Zac, Sid, Monte, Jacob and Taylor; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Olaf was preceded in death by his dear granddaughter, Kari Ann Brende Locke, with who he now resides, and two sisters, Myrtle Moen and Ina Knutson.