Myrtle Trenne

OBITUARY Myrtle Catherine Trenne was born on July 22, 1917 near Underwood, MN, the daughter of Martin and Minnie (Lofthus) Larson. She was raised near Battle Lake, MN where she was confirmed at First Lutheran Church and graduated from high school in 1935. She married Vernard Trenne on May 30, 1936 and five children were born. Myrtle and her family lived in Fergus Falls and then moved to Alexandria in 1952. Because of their love of the outdoors, Myrtle and Vern helped to establish the Trenne Wildlife Area and increased the growth of Carlos State Park. Myrtle had worked for various places in her life including owning and operating the Minnesota Grocery Store in Alexandria, managing Funland Amusement Park for many years, Assistant Director of the Daytime Activity Center, and as a Para Professional at Central Junior High School. After Myrtle retired she became involved volunteering her time at Listening Ear for 9 years before becoming hired as the Volunteer Coordinator for over 6 years. She also volunteered her time with the Douglas County Humane Society, Friends of the Library, and Viking Sportsman Club. Myrtle was honored by Listening Ear and Douglas County as an Outstanding Senior Citizen in 1994, for her years of work and volunteering. Besides volunteering for many community organizations Myrtle was very involved with Bethesda Lutheran Church. She was on the church council for two terms and was on the building committee of Luther Crest. She cherished the time she was able to spend with each of her children and grandchildren who lovingly called her Nana. Myrtle also loved animals, flowers, and helping children in need. Myrtle authored a book ?Did I Ever Tell You?, a collection of her memories that she gave to each of her children. This book told Myrtle?s story of her life and captured her unique personality which her family will enjoy for generations to come. Myrtle C. Trenne died on Friday, June 6, 2014 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria, MN at the age of 96 years old. She is survived by her daughter Verla (Jerry) Engelbrecht of Brainerd, MN; sons Arlyn (Kathy) Trenne of Alexandria, Jon (Barbara) Trenne of Carlos, MN, and Paul (Karen) Trenne of Grand Forks, ND; 9 grandchildren Jody (Mark) Stiver of Sugarland, TX, James (Joanne) Trenne of Alexandria, Tim (Mary) Trenne of Chaska, Kate Engelbrecht (Jed Walentas) of New York, NY, Judd Engelbrecht (Justin Donofrio) of New York, NY, Rob (Candice) Trenne of Miltona, Erin (Cory) Walquist of Maple Grove, Benjamin Trenne of Grand Forks, ND and Rachel Trenne of Grand Forks, ND; 16 great grandchildren; 11 great great grandchildren; and a special friend Merill Kiehne of Alexandria. Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, husband Vernard Trenne, infant son, infant grandson Scott Trenne, brother Orval Larson, sisters Lorraine Kane, Alice Mae Wegner, and Maxine Keeping, and longtime loving companion Art Engelbrecht. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at Bethesda Lutheran Church with the Reverend Jerry Lanes officiating. Music was provided by Mark Graf and special music by Karen Trenne and Benjamin Trenne. Interment was in the Kinkead Cemetery. Casket Bearers were grandsons James Trenne, Tim Trenne, Rob Trenne, Judd Engelbrecht, and Ben Trenne. Honorary Casket Bearers were granddaughters Jody Stiver, Kate Engelbrecht, Erin Walquist, and Rachel Trenne. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria www.andersonfuneral.net