Narlynn Gene Lund

Narlynn Gene Lund, 81, Fargo, died Wednesday, December 3, 2014, in Sanford Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Narlynn Gene Lund was born February 1, 1933, in Walhalla, North Dakota to Elmer and Gladyce (Johannesson) Lund. Most of his childhood was spent growing up on a farm located between Brocket and Lakota, N.D. His love of music and especially Hank Williams, Sr. took him to local events where he performed with his siblings and where he was encouraged to continue with his self-taught musicianship. He graduated from Lakota High School in 1951. On July 20, 1952, he married Phyllis Kathleen Orwick in Michigan, N.D., after a two year courtship, which was the beginning of many years of dancing together. Gene was inducted into the U.S. Army in October 1954 and was honorably discharged October 1956, after which he and Phyllis moved to Fargo, where they raised the couple’s four children. In January 1957 he enrolled in the Engineering program at NDSU.

He began his career working for the City of Fargo and then worked as the municipal construction foreman for Robert Gibb and Sons until he retired after 28 years of employment. After retirement, he and Phyllis enjoyed traveling and spending time in Arizona and Washington with two of their daughters, fishing at Minnesota lakes with their son and third daughter, and he appreciated many hours of playing pinochle with his buddies at the Teamsters.

He will be deeply missed by his children, Julie (Lynn) Gelo, Washington; Norene (Ken) Oster, Fargo; Brian (Bonnie) Lund, Horace; and Brenda (Dan) Cossette, Arizona; two brothers, (Elmer Lund, Jr. and Curtis Lund) and two sisters (Mavis Lind and Cynthia Lund). He is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, several brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and special friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Phyllis; his parents; and one sister, Maureen Carlson.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society or to the organization of your choice.

His life touched many and he will be held close within the hearts and memories of those who loved him.