Earl Bostrom

Earl Bostrom, 97, New Effington, SD, passed away peacefully into the Lord's hands with his family at his side on Sunday, September 13, 2015, at the Northeast Care and Rehabilitation Center in Rosholt, SD.

Funeral services were Wednesday, September 16, at 1:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in New Effington with Pastor Cheryl Rondeau-Bassett officiating. Music was provided by pianist Buffy Kemnitz.

Burial was in the Garden of Rest Cemetery, New Effington. Honorary pallbearers were Earl's grandchildren. Active pallbearers were Randy Bostrom, Dean Bostrom, Kevin Ceroll, Mark Meyer, Adrian Kemnitz, Robin Bostrom, David Krueger, JoLynn Williams, Austin Bostrom, and Andrew Sebek.

Visitation was Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the church in New Effington.

Earl was born to Emil and Tecla (Broz) Bostrom on June 6, 1918, at his grandparents' home on the North and South Dakota border. Later Tecla married William Kutter. Earl attended rural Lien #2 school.

On October 7, 1939, Earl married Junette Schultz. To this union, ten children were born. Earl and Junette farmed in rural New Effington.

Earl was clerk of the Old Effington Independent School District from 1948 until it consolidated with New Effington. He was also a director of the Interlake Creamery of Browns Valley for a number of years.

In November of 1992, Earl and Junette moved to New Effington in what used to be the Bethany Lutheran Church, where some of his children were baptized, confirmed and married. Earl was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church and also belonged to the Senior Citizens. The Country Tractor Run was one of his enjoyments for the last nine years.

After moving into town, Earl still helped out in the field. This spring ended up being his last year of helping on the farm. He has seen many changes in his 97 years and loved to share his stories with his children and grandchildren or anyone else who would listen. He had a gentle nature and could talk to anyone of any age. He was a great Dad, Grandfather and friend.

Grateful to have shared his life are Eugene (Shirley) Bostrom of New Effington, Emil (Donna) Bostrom of Farmington, MN, Janet (Ronnie) Ceroll of New Effington, Mavis (Arlen) Meyer of South Saint Paul, MN, Linda Kemnitz of Rosholt, Keith (ReNae) Bostrom of New Effington, Darlene (Jerold) Krueger of New Effington, Dianne (Len) Kindem of Roberts, WI, Paul (Brenda) Bostrom of New Effington, and Bonnie (Mike) Sebek of Claire City, SD; 35 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; numerous step grandchildren; brother, Billy (Marlene) Kutter of New Effington; and sister, Toddy Dahlman of Rosholt.

Earl was preceded in death by his wife Junette of 71 years; parents; brother, Roy Kutter; sisters, Carrie Sjoden and Marilyn Bostrom; sons-in-law, Marvin Ceroll and Arvin Kemnitz; granddaughters, Lisa and Lana Kemnitz; and a great-granddaughter, Anna Stauffenecker.