Alden Robert Sigurdsen

Alden Robert Sigurdsen, 81, died Thursday, April 6, 2017, at Golden Horizons Memory Care in Pine City, Minnesota. On a cold winter day, Alden was born on February 17, 1936, to Ingvald and Anna (Hoff) Sigurdsen, in his home near Heron Lake, Minnesota.  He was the fourth of five children. In 1942, the Sigurdsen family moved to a small farm near Henriette, Minnesota.  Alden’s grade school years were spent at the Henriette School.  He graduated from Pine City High School in 1954.  After graduation he farmed with his dad.  He served in the Army and was stationed in Germany during the “Cold War” and was an anti-aircraft gunner.  His rank was Specialist E-4.  After his stint in the Army he worked for MN DOT, first as a snowplow driver and then worked his way up to be an inspector.  During these years he worked on the completion of I-35 and around the Duluth area. Alden took an early retirement and enjoyed his home in Pine City.  He loved animals and his favorite was his childhood dog, Blackie.  He spent many hours feeding the birds and squirrels.  He loved keeping track of the white squirrels that came to his feeders.  He also loved to watch baseball, football, and cartoons on TV.  He enjoyed puttering around the yard and his garage. In Alden’s later years, he enjoyed family gatherings, especially if lutefisk was on the menu.  He liked watching the little ones play and interacting with them.  He also liked going out for a drive in the country and stopping at McDonald’s for a fish sandwich. Alden is survived by his brother Leonard Sigurdsen of Grasston; sister Ethel Blake of Pine City; nephews: Robert (Jeanette) Martini of Prescott, Wisconsin, Tim Sigurdsen of Grasston, Ron (Barb) Sigurdsen of Bloomer, Wisconsin, Alan (Kathy) Sigurdsen of Barron, Wisconsin, Dan (Joanne) Blake of Pine City, and Steve (Tori) Sigurdsen of Grasston; nieces: Darlene (Steve) Asher of Pine City, Kathy (Tim) Panula of Superior, Wisconsin, Nancy (Joel) Franz of Crystal, Karen Blake of Cambridge and Sandy (Brad) Pearson of Ramsey; many great and great-great nieces and nephews. Alden is preceded in death by his parents Ingvald and Anna Sigurdsen; sisters Ruth Hanson, Irene (Vern) Martini; brother-in-law Ward Blake; sister-in-law Alberta Sigurdsen. Reverend Dennis Eng will officiate funeral services for Alden: 11 AM; Friday (4/21/17) at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City.  A time of visitation and reviewal is planned for 1 hour prior to the service.  Music will be provided by Adrienne Roubinek and Alden’s great-nieces.  Casket bearers include Tim Sigurdsen, Alan Sigurdsen, Ron Sigurdsen, Dan Blake, Steve Sigurdsen and Robert Martini.  The interment will take place at Grasston Union Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City - Olson Chapel.  www.FuneralAndCremationService.com