Jean Little

Jean Grace Little, age 88, of Fargo, ND (formerly of Mayville) died peacefully at Touchmark on Monday, July 15, 2019, surrounded by loving family. Jean was born in Minneapolis on April 16, 1931, to Walter and Grace Lundahl. As the beloved only daughter and sister to her older brothers, Miles and Wally, Jean spent her childhood in Hopkins, MN, enjoying the outdoor pleasures that Minnesota had to offer, along with music and spending time with her lifelong girlfriends (the “Geeners”).

She graduated from Hopkins High School in 1949 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Minnesota, where she met and later married James (Jim) Little, a medical student at the time. Following their respective graduations, Jean and Jim married in 1953 and spent their first year of marriage in Minneapolis, where Jean worked as a Hennepin County Public Health nurse. After completion of Jim’s internship and subsequent Air Force service in San Antonio, TX and Syracuse, NY, the couple moved to Mayville, ND. It was there that they spent most of their lives together raising their family. They also spent time in Perham (Big Pine Lake), MN and later in life, Bradenton, FL.

Jean loved spending summers with her children and husband at Big Pine Lake. It was there that she honed her waterskiing ability and fierce competitive skills – particularly where croquet was concerned.

At varying stages of life, Jean enjoyed playing the piano, singing in the Mayville Lutheran Church choir, attending concerts, gardening, nature walks, bird watching, bicycling, swimming, playing ping pong, visiting with old and new friends, DQ visits, and playing with her own (or anyone’s!) grandchildren or dogs. She loved to treat visiting family and friends to their favorite baked goodies, despite greatly preferring the outdoors over baking, and was well-known for her wickedly delicious pies and caramel rolls.

Jean was active in her community and in organizations that had personal meaning to her, including Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). She also volunteered for hospice in her retirement years.

Jean was loving, kind and generous, with a sense of humor that was sure to sum up a situation with her uniquely creative twist. Drawing on her nursing training and empathic traits, she was an omniscient mother who always knew when her children needed her, no matter where they were.

In Jean’s later years, she grew to love her home/family at Touchmark at Harwood Groves. Her family would like to profoundly thank the Touchmark community for the wonderful care and kindnesses she received.

Survived by her five children: Kris Black (Doug) of Eden Prairie, MN; Jamie Little of Reno, NV; Barb Fugleberg (John) of West Fargo, ND; Jody Little (Bridget) of Lengby, MN; and John Little (Rich) of San Diego, CA. In addition, her seven grandchildren: Leslie Ingberg (Mike), Jeff Harris (Alissa), Adam Fugleberg (Ruby), Laura Fugleberg (Jeremy); Jake Osland (Kelly); Derek Osland (Alex), Sid Osland and nine great grandchildren. Jean was also survived by sister-in-law Marie Lundahl, brother-in-law Doug Williams, and 11 nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Dr. Jim Little; her parents, Walter and Grace Lundahl; brothers Wally and Miles Lundahl; and sisters-in-law Zita Lundahl and Audrey Williams.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), your local hospice organization, or a charity of your choice.

Celebration of Life:   11 a.m.  Saturday, August 3, 2019, West Funeral Home Chapel in West Fargo

Visitation:  An hour before the service in the funeral home.

Interment:  Mayville Cemetery, Maville, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center  

westfuneralhome.com

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