KJELLAUG REYERSON

Kjellaug Reyerson, age 81, passed away on December 22 in Powell, Wyoming after a short illness.

Born April 20, 1944 in Knaben, Norway to Leiv Gjovik and Anna Knaben, Kjellaug would be the last of her immediate family born in the old country. Following World War II, the family would move to Pekin, North Dakota to farm. Kjellaug was just three years old, but would carry the love of both countries and their cultures with her throughout her life. After graduation from Pekin High School, Kjellaug went on to Mayville State University where she would study the art of teaching and learn to share her love of languages and cultures.

It was in 1967, during her first teaching job that her new dentist decided she would be the perfect match for his cattle partner Kenny Reyerson. Doc gave Kenny her name (made sure he could pronounce it) and number. Kjellaug and Ken soon realized they were soul mates and were married on June 16, 1968 at Sheyenne Lutheran Church in Pekin, North Dakota.

Kjellaug and Kenny lived, farmed, and attended church in Sharon, North Dakota. They would welcome two children into their family, Jeremy in 1972 and Laura in 1975. After taking time away from teaching to raise Jeremy and Laura, she would listen to her calling and return to the classroom. Kjellaug would often say how fortunate she was to have the perfect job. She truly loved teaching French and German to her high schoolers and felt the staff at Midkota High School shared her passion for education. After she retired, she would often comment on how she missed her classroom and the staff.

When people think of Kjellaug, they will remember her kindness and her brilliant mind. They will remember she had a strong competitive nature and a beautiful voice. Kjellaug loved football (especially her Packers!), riding along wherever Kenny or anyone wanted to drive her, and playing games with family and friends. She treasured her excursions with her best friend Gay and believed that everyone deserved a true friend like her. Kjellaug will most importantly be remembered as a lifelong learner, faithful believer, and someone who was devoted to her friends and family.

Kjellaug is survived by her son Jeremy of Sharon, ND; daughter Laura (Mike) Thiel of Powell, WY; grandchildren James Reyerson of Grand Forks, ND; Lucy Beyer of Crosby, MN; Jacob and Ethan Thiel of Powell, WY; Abby Thiel of Powell, WY; Brothers Aanen (Carroll) Gjovik of Walla Walla, WA and Peder (Gail) Gjovik of Valley City, ND; Brother in law David (Betty) Reyerson of Fargo, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews that Kjellaug loved dearly.

Arrangements pending