Selmer Haarstad

Selmer A. Haarstad, 87, Wahpeton, ND, formerly Abercrombie, ND, died Friday, January 28, 2011, at St. Catherine's Living Center, Wahpeton. The Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 2, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Abercrombie, ND, with Rev. Ken Kirchenwitz officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Willow Creek Chapel, Wahpeton, and one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be at Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Abercrombie. Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, is in charge of arrangements.

Selmer, also known as Sam, was born July 20, 1923 rural Galchutt, ND, the son of Ole and Carrie (Bjerkager) Haarstad. He attended Ibsen School No. 1 rural Mooreton, ND and worked on the family farm repairing automobiles. He later worked for Gunness Brother's Garage in Abercrombie until 1949 when his brother Oscar and Sam started Haarstad Brother's Inc; selling Ford automobiles and trucks and Case and Oliver Machinery. He semi-retired in 1990 and later entered St. Catherine's' Living Center.

Sam was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and enjoyed traveling; making trips to Norway, Hawaii and many miles throughout the US.

Sam is survived by his nephew, Doug (Gail) Haarstad, Abercrombie; two great nephews, Nigel and Julian; his sister-in-law, Louise Haarstad, Abercrombie; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Carrie; and his brother, Oscar.