Irving Leslie Abrahamson

Irving Leslie Abrahamson, 91, of Lanesboro passed away on September 3, 2017 at Chatfield, Mn.

Irving was born on January 16, 1926 to Ingvald and Lydia Abrahamson. He was baptized, confirmed, and a life-long member of Elstad Lutheran Church. He attended Durkin Rural School, Lanesboro High School, and the University of Minnesota Ag School.

On June 9, 1949, Irving married Marjorie Ferguson at Bethlehem Lutheran in Lanesboro. They were married for 66 years and lived on the family farm in Amherst Township where Irving enjoyed farming until he moved to Park Lane Estates in 2015.

Irving was an active farmer, and he and Marge hosted many foreign exchange students who came to the U.S. to study farming practices. Irving crop farmed and raised beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, hogs, and horses.  A love of horses was shared by Irving’s family and became the focus of many activities and vacations.

With an interest in animals of all kinds, Irving also enjoyed having unique animals like Dutch Belted and Scotch Highlander cattle, buffalo, llamas, a variety of goats, and guinea fowl, many of which were often seen at the county fair and on elementary school class outings. Irving also liked to travel and he loved to read, especially about the Old West and World War II.

Irving is survived by three children, Kären Schumacher of Wadena, Jennifer (Richard) Nepstad of Lanesboro, and John (Kathleen) Abrahamson of Lanesboro, nine grandchildren, Amanda (Tom) Peck, Erin (Aaron) Zondervan, Joshua Schumacher, Andrew (Meghan Johnston) Nepstad, Megan (Michael) Fox, Sarah (Robert Ghoorah) Solum, Rebekah Solum, Marguerite Abrahamson, and Elizabeth Abrahamson, and eight great-grandchildren, Elsa, Noah, Emmerson, Kai, Ava, Sander, Grace, and Dylan.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie, his parents, his brother, Paul, and his son-in-law, Paul Schumacher.

A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Elstad Lutheran Church in rural Lanesboro with Pastor Luther Mathsen officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Friday September 8 at Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro and continue one hour prior to service on Saturday at church.  Burial will be in Elstad Lutheran Cemetery.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  To share a condolence with the family please visit rileyfuneralhomes.com.

Final Version 1 - 9/6 -- 9:40 AM