Milton Digre

MILTON K. DIGRE Milt was born to Anton and Christie Digre on November 11th, 1925 in Hendricks MN. He attended First Lutheran Church in Hendricks and became a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ at the age of 10. He graduated from Hendricks High School in May of 1943, and entered the military in January of 1944. He served in the 89th infantry division of the 3rd Army from January of 1945 to May of 1946 in France, Germany and Austria. After being honorably discharged Milt attended South Dakota State University, graduating in 1951 with a degree in pharmacy. He worked one summer during college at Wall drug in Wall SD. He became a registered Pharmacist in MN, SD, and CO. He married Lois Hoffman of Madison, SD on April 6th, 1951. Milt and Lois were blessed with 4 children. Karla, Mark, Dave, and Nate. Milt owned a drug store in Welcome, MN, where he served as a volunteer fireman. In 1958 the family moved to Clinton, MN, opening Digre Drug and became active in the community serving on the Church Board, School Board, Commercial Club and the American Legion. In 1971 they spent a short time in Littleton Co. and then moved to Alexandria, where they attended First Lutheran Church with their family. He took a job in the Pharmacy at White Mart in the newly opened Viking Plaza. After working at White Mart Milt became a Relief Pharmacist. He was able to serve many stores in the region, making it possible for other pharmacists to take a vacation or a much needed day off. He loved getting to know the people in all the communities in which he served. In addition to his work as a relief pharmacist, Milt and Lois opened The Mustard Seed Christian Book and Gift Store in November of 1974. Serving the Alexandria area and the surrounding region with products to spread Good News of the Gospel was one of the joys of his life. During this time he also enjoyed serving on the Board of Directors of the Cornerstone Youth Center, which was located on 6th and Hawthorne in downtown Alexandria. Milt was a founding member of New Testament Church in Alexandria and served as an elder for several years. He treasured the relationships formed during that time. After his retirement in 1991 Milt and Lois began attending the Evangelical Covenant Church where they have made many dear friends. Along with many of those friends, he volunteered at Bethany Home until just this past summer, when he became ill. Reading, spending time with family and friends, doing yard work and golfing were his favorite things to do. He blessed many people with his sweet spirit and wonderful dry sense of humor. Milton Kermit Digre age 84 of Alexandria died on Friday, December 4, 2009 at his home. He was preceded in death by his parents Anton and Christie Digre, brothers, Arnold, infant brother Edmund, Ed and sister, Elaine who died from polio in 1951 at Sister Kenny Institute. He is survived by his wife, Lois and 4 children, Karla (Bernie Stotesbery) Alexandria, Mark (Maryellen) Digre Minneapolis MN, Dave Digre Minneapolis MN, and Nate (Elaine Sullivan) Digre San Jose, Ca. Grandchildren Amy (Jamie Larson) Fergus Falls, MN Jessica (Justin Schoenack) Alexandria, MN., Karen Digre Student at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago Illinois. Great grandchildren Kayla and Gretchen Larson and Paul and Rachel Schoenack. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at Evangelical Covenant Church in Alexandria with the Reverend John LeVahn and Rol Boyce officiating. Keith Martinson and Jamie Larson provided music and Reverend Peter Reishus gave a eulogy. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery. Casket Bearers were Mark Digre, Dave Digre, Nate Digre, Bernie Stotesbery, Jamie Larson, and Justin Schoenack. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.