Obituary of Thoralf Aarrestad

AARRESTAD- Mr. Thoralf Aarrestad, age 81, late of Park Valley, passed away in the Shellbrook hospital on Saturday, April 23, 2011. Thoralf was born to Toleif and Rachel Aarrestad on October 10, 1929 in the Weldon area. The family then moved to the Park Valley district. He worked hard on the family farm as a young man, and later started working for the neighbors. He bought land as he managed to save up money, and farmed with his brother, Ragnar. Homes became necessary as each brother got married and had families, and even later welcomed the arrival of grandchildren. Thoralf enjoyed traveling, and went to British Columbia, the U.S.A., Alaska, Trinidad, and Norway. He knew about hard work, and he also knew about the value of his family. He was a fence fixer, shop cleaner, lawn cutter and chore boy right up until a short time ago. He will be missed. Thoralf leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 43 years, Noreen Aarrestad; his children, Heidi (Lee) Smith of Wetaskiwin and their children Katelyn, Christine, Charlotte and Ian, Enoch Aarrestad of Park Valley, Leif (Temeka) Aarrestad of Winnipeg and their children Calli, Naysa and Amari; his siblings, Aadne (Gladys) Aarrestad of Park Valley, Asbjorn (Mary) Aarrestad of Federal Way, Washington, Gertrude Gear of Shellbrook, Alma (Warren) Latus of Spiritwood, Ragnar Aarrestad of Park Valley, Maria Paul of Park Valley, Norman (Eileen) Aarrestad of Park Valley; numerous nieces, relatives and countless friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Toleif and Rachel Aarrestad; two brothers-in-law, Lester Gear, Cecil Paul; a sister-in-law, Violet Aarrestad. The funeral service was held at the Community Hall in Big River on Friday, April 29 at 1:30 pm with Mr. Albert Hannigan and Mr. Irvin Amundson as officiants. The eulogy was given by Enoch Aarrestad. The urn bearer was John Couture, and the honorary pallbearers were All those who visited and drank coffee with Thoralf. The pianist was Laurel Vaadeland, and there was special music from Irvin Amundson, the Aarrestad family, and Leif Aarrestad. Memorial donations may be made to the Shellbrook and Districts Health Services Project. The interment was in Lake 4 Cemetery.