Bland Grove

Bland Otto Grove, 91, of Larimore, ND, formerly of Egeland, ND, died November 4, 2012 at Good Samaritan Home in Larimore, after struggling with health problems for several years. Bland was born on December 19, 1920 to John R. and Lulu (Pikkarainen) Grove on a farm located about three miles north of Rock Lake, ND. The family moved to Hansboro, ND when he was one year old and subsequently to Armourdale, ND; Arco, Minnesota; Cando, ND and then to Egeland, where he graduated from high school in 1939. He attended North Dakota Agricultural College (NDSU) for two years after graduating from high school. In 1942 he enlisted in the Coast Guard and served on an LST in the South Pacific during World War II. The ship was involved in a number of significant invasions, including Hollandia, Leyte, Mindanao and Balikpapan, Borneo. On June 19, 1943, he married Laura Aleta Forney, daughter of Walter and Gladys (Sather) Forney of Egeland, in Los Angeles. He lived in and was in business in Egeland from 1945 until 2007, operating a grain elevator in Olmstead with his father John, a hardware store, a bulk oil business and selling insurance. His hardware store, Farm & Home Supply, became well known throughout the area for selling seafood and firearms. He served as mayor of Egeland for 17 years and was instrumental in the development of the Egeland Senior Citizens Center, the RV campground, the municipal sewer system, the memorial park and the beautification of the Egeland Union Cemetery. Bland was active in the Presbyterian Church, serving on the church session and as a delegate to the national General Assembly. He served as an officer in the Veterans of Foreign Wars at the local and state levels, and was also a member of the American Legion. For many years, he performed vocal solos, accompanied by his wife, at weddings, funerals, anniversaries, patriotic programs and many other public events. In his spare time, he was an avid gardener, and gave away produce to neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Michael; his sister, Lona Mann of Los Angeles; and three brothers, Reu, Norval and Calvin. He is survived by his wife; son Joel and wife Janet (Larson) of Glen Arm, Maryland; daughter Colleen (Robert) Rock of Larimore, ND; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. At his request, there will be no visitation. Arrangements are being handled by the Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks. A memorial service will be held in Egeland, ND at a later date, with interment in the Egeland Union Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the Egeland Senior Citizens Center, or to your charity of choice.