Lucy Lageson

Lucy Lageson, formerly of Fargo, died Saturday, September 29, 2018, at Pioneer Care/Cherrywood in Fergus Falls, MN. Lucy, the daughter of Ora and Ruby (Kaufman) Burkhart was born on April 2, 1922, on the family farm near Cando, ND, and was baptized at Zion Church of the Brethren in 1933. She attended country grade schools, including Hardwheat, near her home, and graduated from Cando High School in 1939. In 1940, Lucy moved to Fargo, ND, and attended Interstate Business College. Lucy worked as a secretary in Fargo before leaving in 1943 for Los Angeles, CA, where she was employed by a hardware company. In 1944, Lucy Burkhart and Clinton Lageson of Sharon, ND, were married in Los Angeles, CA. In 1944, they returned to Fargo, where she began her government career working for the Office of Price Administration, and in 1945, they relocated to Washington, DC, where she transferred to the Washington OPA Office.

In 1946, they returned to Fargo where their three daughters were born and raised. Lucy volunteered with various church, school and other community activities. After spending 15 years at home with her children, she returned to government work. Over the years, she worked with the US Real Estate Office (USPO); Airway Facilities Sector and General Aviation Offices, Federal Aviation Agency; US Savings Bonds and the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Treasury. She retired in 1984 after 25 years of service with the US government.

After retirement, Lucy volunteered with various Fargo agencies: Churches United for the Homeless, as liaison for Hope Lutheran Church; Fargo Habitat for Humanity; Presentation Partners in Housing; the Red River Valley Handicapped Club; the Food Pantry of Fargo; and with her political party. She was a member of the National Association for Federal Employees, League of Women Voters, Red River Watercolor Society and Hope Lutheran Church.

Lucy enjoyed traveling, most notably, trips to Germany, Switzerland, England, Hawaii, Virgin Islands, and Mexico. She also traveled to many areas of the US after retirement, including Arizona, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, Arkansas and Alaska to visit friends and family. Although, she did not consider herself an expert, she thoroughly enjoyed watercolor painting, classes and events. Especially memorable times for Lucy include family gatherings, reunions and special times spent with her family and grandchildren.

Lucy is survived by her beloved children, Cathleen Colling, Fergus Falls, MN; Carol (David) Seim and Linda (Deb Assmus) Lageson both of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Caitlin (David) Serrano, Minneapolis, MN; and Benjamin Colling, Fergus Falls, MN; great-grandsons, Rocco and Deuce Serrano; many much loved nieces and nephews and their children; sister-in-law, Marilyn Burkhart, Camby, OR; family friends Prafull Chandra Doshi, wife Saryu Doshi, and family of the United States/ India.

In addition to her parents, Lucy was preceded in death by brothers, Loren of Portland, OR, Dale (Oline) of Cando, ND; Wayne of Camby, OR; sisters, Della (Bob) Parker of Cando; and Kathleen (Virgil) Waldorf of Little Rock, AK; infant sister, Hope; family friend, Dorothy Hansen; and the father of her children.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Churches United for the Homeless of Fargo/Moorhead.