Willie Appelgren

  Wilbert E. “Willie” Appelgren, 89, Grand Forks, ND, died Monday, October 23, 2017 in Altru Hospital of Grand Forks. Willie was born February 15, 1928 in Portland, ND, the son of Carl and Thora (Evans) Appelgren. He was raised in Portland and Thompson, ND. He worked for farmers near Hillsboro and Thompson, ND, then served with the U.S. Air Force in Germany. Willie married Patricia Bagstad on July 5, 1951. They lived in Los Angeles, CA where Willie worked in the construction business, mostly building schools. In 1967 he moved to Grand Forks and founded Appelgren Construction, the company he owned and operated until his retirement. Willie was an avid golfer who often played at the Larimore Golf Club. He was a supporter of the Larimore High School golf team. One of his projects was to collect lost golf balls, refurbish and donate them to the students as a fundraiser. Willie enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada. He was also an excellent woodworker, a fan of the Minnesota Twins and avid fan of the television show Blue Bloods. Survivors include his son, Randy (Margaret) Appelgren, Coon Rapids, MN; grandchildren, Matthew (Sabina) Laughlin, East Grand Forks, MN, Derek Laughlin, Justin Appelgren, Kristen (Ryan) Trippe, and Leah (Matthew) Johnson, all of Minneapolis, MN; 5 great grandchildren; Sister, Lyla Gaardsmoe, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews. Willie was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia in 2011; son, Buster; siblings, LaVaughn, Marvin and Claire. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Monday, October 30, 2017 in St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in the Mayville Cemetery, Mayville, ND. Memorials may be directed to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church or the Larimore High School Golf Team.