Gary Ekdahl's mother

Evangeline “Angie” Marie (Berg) Ekdahl passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at Clearwater Suites in Alexandria at the age of 89.
Angie was born August 16, 1922 in Clearbrook, the daughter of John and Tillie Berg. She grew up in rural Minnesota and moved to the Alexandria area in 1937 and worked for a local family. She married Gordon Ekdahl on November 8, 1942 at Calvary Lutheran Church. After their marriage they lived on the family farm.
During World War II, Angie and some family members and friends supported the war effort by traveling by train to Seattle, WA to work at Boeing Aircraft, building B-29’s. Gordon remained on the farm supplying food for the armed forces.
Upon returning to Alexandria, she and Gordon purchased the family farm and started raising their family. While the farm was hard work, they prospered during difficult times.
In 1959, Angie and Gordon purchased lake shore property on Lake Ida and built up the Cozy Nook Resort. Gordon continued to cash crop the farm while Angie ran Cozy Nook. Angie was actively involved in the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and Resorters’ Association. On several occasions she represented Alexandria at the Resorters’ Convention in Minneapolis.
Angie loved fishing. A highlight of running Cozy Nook was when they hosted the fishing opener for Gov. Harold LaVander. Angie organized a small army of local Lake Ida fishermen to scout the hot spots to make sure the governor wouldn’t go home empty handed. Angie spent many hours in her ice fishing house and enjoyed “out-fishing” everyone, and we mean everyone.
Angie and Gordon finally retired from farming, sold Cozy Nook and moved to a new home on Lake Ida. Angie enjoyed all types of crafts. She made countless quilts, blankets, and pieces of hardanger for all family members. At the age of 70, she started taking guitar lessons and created a CD of her favorite songs. She also enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s activities, which included a few trips to state volleyball and basketball tournaments.
Angie sold her home on Lake Ida and moved to Bethel Manor in 2004. While living there she planted and tended to hundreds of flowers around the building.
She is survived by her two sons and their children, Edward (Kathy) of New Germany, Gary (Nancy) of Alexandria; grandchildren, Chris Ekdahl, Corbin (Youa) Ekdahl, Marisa (Chris) Wessel, Sarah (Jeremy) Geris, Alisa (Aaron) Hvezda; four great-grandchildren, Carsten and Miah Wessel, Kegan Ekdahl, Jameson Geris; sister, Terry Roth; sister-in-law, Vangie Ekdahl; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; parents; brothers, Maurice, Harvey and Earl Berg.
Funeral services were held Monday, September 12 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Burial was at Kinkead Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.