Oklee - Josie Klasen, 74, died Saturday, May 20, 2000 at her home in Oklee.
Mass of Christian burial was held on Tuesday, May 23, at 2 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with Father Gary LaMoine officiating. Barb Melby was the organist, and Joan Bronken was the canter. Providing special music was soloist Karen DeShepper. Casketbearers were Gary Habiger, Arnie Willett, Ambrose Bergeron, John Erlandson, Jeff Johnson and Gary LaCoursiere. Honorary casketbearers were Sidney Bergeron, Don LaCoursiere, Ole Tviet, Henry Tviet, Celestine Schneider and Danny Willett. Burial was in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Oklee with Petterson Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
Josephine "Josie" Elizabeth Daoust was born on August 13, 1925 at Brooks, the daughter of Octave and Leah (Lambert) Daoust. She grew up and attended school in the Brooks area.
In May of 1945, she was united in marriage to Andrew Klasen. The couple lived in Oklee before purchasing a farm north of Oklee where they lived and farmed. In 1972, they moved back into Oklee where Josie had since made her home. Andrew died in 1976.
She enjoyed summer and winter fishing, playing cards, growing flowers, gardening and especially spending time with her family.
Josie is survived by four sons, Fred (Kathy) Klasen of Clearbrook, John (Jane) Klasen and Daniel (Kathy) Klasen, both of Oklee, and Henry (Terry) Klasen of Roseau; two daughters, Betty (Ivan) Sjulstad of Roseau and Barb (Loren) Arveson of Warroad; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Leona (Celestine) Schnieder of Glenwood; and special friend, Joe Willett of Oklee.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew; parents; one brother, Victor; three sisters, Theresa Pemberton, Lucille Swanson and Irene McAndrews; and one grandson, Andrew. A00003B2000MY24