Fergus Falls - 57-year resident of Fergus Falls, MN, died on November 25, 2025, in Lino Lakes, MN, at age 94. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity and community service that touched the lives of countless people and serves as an inspiration to everyone who knew and loved her.
Solveig Bertha Anderson was born on May 25, 1931, in Milan, MN, the eldest daughter of Stanley R. and I. Judith (Rorstad) Anderson. A graduate of Milan High School, she earned a BA in English and Music from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN in 1953. That same year, she married fellow St. Olaf alum Richard "Dick" F. Glasoe. She and Dick had four sons—Christopher, Stanley, Jonathan and Theodore.
After Dick's death in 1981, Solveig married Erling R. Halbakken, expanding the family to include Erling's children Lisa, Karen and Brian.
Solveig lived a life dedicated to education, service and faith. After a brief career as an elementary school teacher, she made a significant impact on the Fergus Falls community through decades of volunteering for local organizations. Most notable was her 32 years of service on the board of Lake Region Healthcare, including stints as president, vice president, vice chair/secretary and treasurer.
She also served in leadership roles with the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, local chapters of P.E.O. and the American Association of University Women, Fergus Falls Women's Club, Fergus Falls Public Library Foundation, Otter Tail County Historical Society, Antiquarians, Fergus Falls Concert Association, Bethel Lutheran Church and Church of the Lutheran Brethren.
A talented vocalist, Solveig sang in choirs throughout her life, including Manitou Singers at St. Olaf and multiple church choirs including Bethel Lutheran.
Solveig was a gifted and prolific storyteller, keeping her family history alive through elaborate tales and humorous anecdotes. She took great pride in her Norwegian heritage and identity. A favorite story was about traveling to Norway for summer school with her sister Judy.
Solveig also cherished her many longtime friendships, from neighbors around Hoot Lake in Fergus Falls to friends she met as a child during summers on Ottertail Lake. Her beloved cabin at Camp Nidaros on Ottertail was a focal point for countless family gatherings and celebrations. She especially enjoyed Sunday worship services at the camp's "church in the woods."
Solveig was preceded in death by her parents Stanley and Judith Anderson; siblings Judith Anderson Stoutland, Thorbjorn "Tom" H. Anderson and Rachel Liv Knudsen; first husband Richard Glasoe; second husband Erling Halbakken; and daughter-in-law Bonita Glasoe.
She is survived by her sons Christopher (Barbara) Glasoe, Stanley Glasoe, Jonathan Glasoe (Robert Pearson) and Theodore (Maureen) Glasoe; grandchildren Katherine (Jack) Buan, Hannah (Chris) Rodeno, Allison Glasoe (Aaron Christensen), Walker Glasoe, Noah Glasoe (Jessica Barber) and Isaiah Glasoe, brother-in-law John Knudsen; stepchildren Lisa (Ted) Burrington, Karen (Jim) Gales and Brian (Sue) Halbakken; step-grandchildren Sara Pope, Stacy Wigdahl, Shana (Jaime) Rowlette, Gabe Wigdahl, Alysha Wolfe and Laura Delain; and 10 great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation at 10:00 a.m. and a luncheon following the service.
Memorial gifts may be made to Lake Region Healthcare Foundation, Church of the Lutheran Brethren or Fergus Falls Public Library Foundation.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Solveig, please visit our floral store.
Fergus Falls - 57-year resident of Fergus Falls, MN, died on November 25, 2025, in Lino Lakes, MN, at age 94. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity and community service that touched the lives of countless people and serves as an inspiration to everyone who knew and loved her.
Solveig Bertha Anderson was born on May 25, 1931,
Published on December 7, 2025
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