Allen G. Syrstad

Allen G. Syrstad, 86, Grand Forks, North Dakota, died from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at the home of his sister-in-law in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Allen Gaynor Syrstad was born July 31, 1931, in Oslo, Minnesota, the son of Martin and Tena Syrstad.  He graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1950.  After high school, he enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the SeaBees.  After discharge, he attended and graduated from Wahpeton State School of Science.  He married Alice Evenson on June 7, 1959, at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota.  Allen worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company (AT&T) for 35 years, retiring in 1989.  In his retirement, Allen volunteered with the Telephone Pioneers where he repaired talking books for the School for the Blind.  Alice died May 25, 2006. This soft spoken, kind man was always seen with a smile on his face.  He was the first one in line when help was needed, for both the Syrstad and Evenson families. He loved the beauty of nature: plants, trees and a country landscape.  Allen was a fixture at Thompson high school events watching his grandsons compete and later in Section 103 at Fighting Sioux Hockey.  He also enjoyed visiting with his granddaughters.  As the days slowed down, he could be found working on puzzles surrounded by the family dogs, and taking pleasure in family, friends, and coffee time. Survivors include his sons, Marty (Kathy) Syrstad of Thompson, North Dakota, Douglas (Sue) Syrstad of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Steven (Beth) Syrstad of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, daughter, Karen Syrstad of Grand Forks, North Dakota; sisters-in-law, Debra Evenson of Grand Forks and Lenore Syrstad of Warren, Ohio; brothers-in-law, Byron Evenson and Jerry Evenson; grandsons: Randall (Christina) Syrstad, Bryan Syrstad, Jarad Syrstad and Michael Syrstad; granddaughters: Jocelyn (Shawn) Marlowe, Meghan Syrstad, Brenna Syrstad and Kaelyn Syrstad; and several nieces and nephews. Allen was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, Martin and Lena Evenson;his brothers Ovie, Morris, Lester, Omar and Raymond; and, sisters Minerva Wurr and Delores Martin. Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 2, 2018, at United Lutheran Church, 324 Chestnut Street, Grand Forks, North Dakota. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2018, at Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 South 42nd Street, Grand Forks, North Dakota. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Post #157 and VFW Post #3817 Memorials are suggested to United Lutheran Church or Hospice of the Red River Valley.