Jesse Merrit Willander was born April 30, 1915 in Tyro Township of Yellow Medicine County to parents Edwin and Clara Willander. He attended Country School District # 29. Jesse married Ethel Falkum on February 7, 1941 at the Clarkfield Gospel Tabernacle Church by Rev. Helen Jepsen. Jesse and Ethel were blessed with two children: Jeannine and Eloit. Jesse lived his entire life in the Clarkfield area. He was engaged in farming and local and long distance trucking and many other occupations. After he retired he took up wood crafting, which he enjoyed to the fullest. Jesse passed away on Sunday evening, March 2, 1997 at the Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital of a heart attack at the age of 82 years, 10 months, and 2 days. He is survived by his wife Ethel of Clarkfield, daughter Jeannine (and Wayne) Aeikens of Sycamore, IL and son Eloit (and Barb) Willander of Hopkins, MN and grandchildren Lynnette (and Jeff) Solomon, Ronald Aeikens (and fiance Jan Wig), Diane (and John) Theis, and Aaron and Amy Willander. He is also survived by great grandchildren Brittany and Celeste Theis, sisters Ruth of Clarkfield, Junette of Edmonds, WA and brothers Orin of Clarkfield and Elsmore of Sherman, TX and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his special friend, Alton Rolighed of Clarkfield. Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and six sisters. Blessed be his memory. Visitation: Wednesday, March 5, 1997, 6:00-8:00p.m., Lynner Funeral Home Funeral Services: Thursday, March 6, 1997, 10:30 a.m., Assembly of God Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Officiant: Pastor Ed Williamson Organist: Becky Benson Pianist: Paulette Heald Soloist: Phyllis Johnson Comments by Special Friend, Alton Rolighed Honorary Casketbearers: John Kvistad, Leo Flattum, Rollie Johnson, Greg Wilson, Aaron Willander, Ron Aeikens Casketbearers: Howard Hildahl, Marvin Hildahl, Ray Schoaiski, Irvin Willander, Alton Rolighed, Wesley Hanson Final Resting Place: Terrace Lawn Memory Gardens, Camp Release Township, Lac Qui Parle Co., Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota