Elmer Hexum

Elmer Hexum, 93, Alexandria (formerly of Fergus Falls), died September 21, 2010, at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Alexandria, MN. Elmer was born April 25, 1917, at the family farm in Carlisle Township to Albert and Olga (Sethre) Hexum. Elmer attended District 286 in Carlisle and then graduated from the School of Agriculture, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, in 1934. Following his graduation, he returned to Carlisle Township where he farmed with his father Albert and his uncle Carl, and later in partnership with his brother Al. On Friday, June 13, 1941, he married Lena Fjestad at Hedemarken Lutheran Church, the country church where both Elmer and Lena had been baptized and confirmed. Elmer and Lena stayed on the farm until their retirement in 1978 when they moved to Fergus Falls. Elmer was an active member of Hedemarken Lutheran Church and served in various capacities over the years. He loved to sing and was a long-time member of the church choir as well as singing in men?s quartets and the Barbershop Chorus. He served on numerous boards and committees during his lifetime. In retirement, he took special interest in the Otter Tail County Museum and Golden K Club. Preceding him in death were his parents, Albert and Olga Hexum, his sisters Mabel (Sterling) Olness and Eunice (Tony) Glesne, plus several brothers- and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lena Hexum of Alexandria; six children, Ellen (Ellsworth) Bergerson of Des Moines, IA; Lyn Hexum of Shoreview; Marian (Lawrence) Heinz of Coon Rapids; Rachel (Thomas) Savageau of Alexandria; Annette (Ronald) Sletto of Brandon; Laurie (Douglas) Robertson of Mound; 16 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Al (Ellen) Hexum of Fergus Falls, and two sisters, Alice (Jorolf) Ronnevik of Carlisle, and Mildred (Gerald) Tysver of Fergus Falls; brother- and sister-in-law Arthur (Anna) Fjestad; sister-in-law Edna Fjestad; plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 27, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Reverend Mark Astup officiating. Music was provided by Kim Byrne. Burial will be at Hedemarken Lutheran Church in rural Carlisle. Casket bearers were Michael Bergerson, Ryan Savageau, Chad Hexum, Brian Sletto, Julie Donald, Matthew Robertson. Honorary casket bearers were Mark Bergerson, Laura Wright, Jody Driscoll, Katherine Heinz, Shannon Savageau, Jeanine Huberty, Kirsten Koep, Elissa Koep, Nicole Gordon, Andrew Robertson.