On December 30, 1904, James L. Folstrom was born at Bejou, Minnesota to Alfred and Clara (Kjorven) Folstrom. He grew up in the Bejou area and graduated from Mahnomen High School. James enjoyed sports and played with a traveling baseball team in the summer and worked on area farms.
James was married to LaVerne Madigan on August 11, 1931 at Madison Lake. The couple made their home in West Fargo where James was employed by Armour. a son and three daughters were born to them.
James continued his employment with Armour at West St. Paul from 1959 until his retirement. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in St. Paul and active in the Armour Men's Club. He and LaVerne became Alexandria residents in 1991.
James died May 26, 1996 at the Douglas County Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents; 10 brothers and sisters; and one grandson, John Folstrom. Surviving him are his wife LaVerne of Alexandria; son: Roger and wife Jeanne Folstrom of Silver Springs, MD; three daughters: Ruth and husband Joe Partington of Alexandria; Doris and husband Jerry O'Keeffe of Moline, IL; Jeanne Anderson of Minneapolis; brother: Manley and wife Gladys Folstrom of Moorhead; two sisters: Marion and husband Ed Klink of Fordville, ND; Elfie and husband Harvey Skegrud of Mukiteo, WA; 14 grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at the United Methodist Church of Alexandria on May 29, 1996 with Rev. James Gaughan officiating. Interment was in St. Mary's Catholic Church Cemetery with Jane Michaels, Mary Hardmeyer, Matt Partington, Kate Voller, Tom Partington, Amy Anderson, Eric Anderson, Dan O'Keeffe, Karen O'Keeffe, Sue O'Keeffe, David O'Keeffe, Jim Folstrom, Lisa Folstrom-Froman and Sarah Folstrom serving as pallbearers. Arrangements with Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria.
(Echo Press, 31 May 1996)