Thief River
Falls - John S. Jaranson, 86, died Monday, July 3, 2000 at
Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 6 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls with Rev. Gary Johnson officiating. Ida Nordvall was the organist, and Rev. Terri Cuppett was the soloist. Casketbearers were Leonard Furuseth, Daniel Jorgenson, Thomas Jorgenson, Clair Larson, Mike Pearson, Mac Rudstrom and Roger Jaranson. Military honors were accorded by the Thief River Falls American Legion and VFW posts. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls with Green Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
John S. Jaranson was born on October 23, 1913 in Thief River Falls, the son of Ole and Edna (Jubb) Jaranson. He attended school in Thief River Falls, graduating in 1932. Following his education, he worked at various places in the community, including Jung's Bakery where he met his future wife, Viola Jorgenson.
John served in the U.S. Army during World War II in a tank battalion and received a Purple Heart for his combat duty in France.
On September 16, 1948, he was united in marriage to Viola Jorgenson in Thief River Falls where they made their home. John worked as a clerk for the U.S. Post Office in Thief River Falls until his retirement in 1973.
Following his retirement, John enjoyed working in his garden and collecting and working with rocks. He and Viola enjoyed camping during the summer months with their dogs. The couple also enjoyed spending 14 winters in Arizona.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, the Thief River Falls American Legion and VFW posts, Golden K, Disabled American Veterans, Elks and American Postal Workers Union.
John is survived by his wife, Viola; two sisters, Edythe Pearson of Thief River Falls and Clarice Vargo of Pennsylvania; one brother, Howard of Washington state; one brother-in-law, Ellsworth (Octavia) Jorgenson of Thief River Falls; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, David, Joe and an infant.