More Than a Funeral...Voices of the Red River Valley

Send us Fan MailWe visited with Andrea Feigum, Advancement Director, and Tim Kahnk, Social Enterprise Director with New Life Center in Fargo, North Dakota.  The course of our conversation can be summed up in the Mission Statement of New Life Center:To serve people who are on the journey from homeless and hurting to whole and healthy by meeting basic needs and transforming lives through the love of Christ.For information on New Life Center, please visit: www.fargonlc.orgThey also have great videos on their YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@fargonlc_We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailFarm in the Dell strives to provide meaningful job opportunities where employees are given fair wages and a steady paycheck – helping to give them confidence and fulfillment.​Unfortunately, individuals with disabilities are often overlooked and marginalized by our current society – especially in the workforce. At Farm in the Dell, they offer a non-competitive setting where their Garden Engineers are not valued on their efficiency or productivity – but instead are reminded of their true dignity and identity as beloved children of God.Matthew Larson, Executive Director shares the story behind the organization. Learn how the Farm got started, how it operates today, and how volunteers and community members can become part of this inspiring mission. We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailFurniture Mission is a faith-based organization that accepts gently-used furniture donations and re-gifts the furniture to people coming out of crisis.​Jordan McCormick, Executive Director shares how they came to be and how they function in the lives of area families that are experiencing "furniture insecurity."  www.furnituremissionrrv.org701-729-14102600 - 3rd Avenue North, Fargo, ND, 58102We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to care for animals in our community? In this episode, we visit with the Executive Director of Homeward Animal Shelter, Tasha Haug, an organization dedicated to rescuing, sheltering, protecting, and rehoming dogs and cats right here in our area. We talk about what life inside a shelter actually looks like, how animal welfare has changed in recent years, and why the shelter is planning for a major expansion. This is not a fundraising pitch. It's an honest conversation about responsibility, planning ahead, and what happens behind the scenes when the community decides that caring for animals matters.  Whether you're a pet owner, an animal lover, or someone interested in how local organizations prepare for the future, this episode offers insight, transparency, and hope. www.homewardonline.org1201 - 28th Avenue North, Fargo, ND, 58102701-239-0077 https://app.givingheartsday.org/We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailAs the new year begins, many of us think about resolutions that help us live better - but some of the most meaningful intentions aren't talked about very often.  In this episode we explore healthcare directives as a quiet but powerful act of care: a way to give yourself a voice, ease the burden of loved ones, and bring clarity to uncertain moments.From there, the conversation naturally opens into preplanning education - not as a commitment or a contract, but as an extension of the same values: responsibility, clarity, and consideration for others.  This episode invites thoughtful reflection, not pressure, and encourages listeners to consider how small conversations today can make difficult moments easer tomorrow.  We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailHIA Health (Hearts In Action) formerly Hospice of the Red River Valley is an amazing story of vision and compassion.  In 1981, a small group of visionaries understood the value of providing end-of-life care to patients and their families, where and when they needed it. Over the years, they have expanded their services into western North Dakota, serving a total of 56 counties in both North Dakota and Minnesota.  We visited with Tracee Capron, Executive Director of HIA Health, to bring us up to date on the latest news of HIA Health.  It is an encouraging story of vision and dedication.  We know you will enjoy it.HIA can be reached at 800-237-4629.  There is an abundance of information and resources on their website as well: www.hiahealth.orgWe can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailWe "took to the streets" to ask the average citizen (whatever that is!?) what they are thankful for.  We compiled quite a few audio clips that reflected this season of gratitude and thanksgiving.  Some are humorous and some are a bit more serious, but all of our guests are genuine and sincere in their thoughts.  As we come into this Thanksgiving holiday, take some time and disconnect from the hectic schedule to reflect on how you have been blessed.Happy Thanksgiving from More Than a Funeral....We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailChaplain Stephen Streed (we call him Chaplain Steve) is originally from Rockford, Illinois. After a brief study in commercial art and graphic design, Steve followed the call into ministry and served in several parishes in North Dakota and Minnesota.  He joined Eventide Lutheran Home (now Eventide Senior Living Communities) in 1990 and has never looked back.  Chaplain Steve talks about his faith journey but also delves into his love for watercolor and oil painting as well as his passion for creating stained glass windows.  If fishing is of interest, Chaplain Steve is a wealth of knowledge.We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did.  Below are the two articles we mention in the podcast.  Chaplain Steve's "10 Wisdoms": https://eventide.org/10-wisdoms-from-a-senior-living-chaplain/Forum article about Eventide's dedication of Streed Commons: https://eventide.org/streed-commons-dedicated-honoring-longtime-chaplain/We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailKen Norman, Attorney with Norman Law Office, Ltd., of Moorhead, Minnesota spends a few minutes talking about the simple legal tools you can use to ensure your wishes are followed and to protect yourself, your assets, and your family.We inserted a few questions from our perspective in funeral service so that it pertains to the families we serve.Ken can be reached at 218-233-2495, or his email at [email protected] will also be speaking at our conference on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Moorhead.  Sessions available are either 2 PM or 6:30 PM and are free to the public.  We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailTim Bauer has been a good friend and associate with Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service for many years.  Tim has gradually moved into retirement but is definitely not letting the dust settle.  We visited with Tim and he filled us in on his early years in the ministry and his journey to where he is today, both professionally and personally.  He has a unique story we know you will enjoy, particularly his more recent interest into we refer to as "extreme hiking."  We only scratched the surface and you can follow him on his YouTube channel for more of his thoughts and commentaries.  https://youtube.com/@timbauer1915?si=tBA1nsXIVigH2RSEIf you want more information on the Firetower 100 or the Tuscobia Winter Ultra we visited about, please check out these links.https://firetowertrailraces.com/https://tuscobiawinterultra.com/We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailWe had an interesting visit with Pastor Taylor (AKA "Taylor") the other day and he shared his story of his life journey up to this point.  From the early years in the Minneapolis area, Bible camp experiences, seminary, and now.  Pastor Taylor also talked about his love for music.  We hope you find the conversation as interesting as we did.  Pastor Taylor is the Pastor of Worship and Mission at Good Shepherd, where he has served since graduating from seminary in 2016. While he shares in the pastoral duties alongside the other Rostered Ministers, he spends much of his time planning worship, recruiting and equipping leaders for service, and discerning ways to be the church in God’s world.Pastor Taylor is married to Deacon Julie Wilson and they have two girls, Natalie and Claire. When not working, you can assume he is writing music, coaching his kids sports teams, or exploring the Red River Valley.Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd can be found at https://www.gsmoorhead.org/We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailKevin Wallevand has been a reporter at WDAY-TV since 1983. He is a native of Vining, Minnesota in Otter Tail County. His series and documentary work have brought him to Africa, Vietnam, Haiti, Kosovo, South America, Mongolia, Juarez,Mexico and the Middle East. He is an multiple Emmy and 4-time National Edward R. Murrow award recipient.We had a good conversation with Kevin to discuss more than just his interesting series and stories.  We wanted to know a bit more about what makes Kevin tick and get his spin on some of his more interesting pieces.  We learned a bit about his early years in rural Minnesota, and how that impacted his direction in life.Kevin also shares some of his opinions on the current state of media and news outlets as we know them.  In June of 2023, WDAY featured a story on Kevin as he marked forty years in the broadcasting business.  It, in itself, is a fascinating story.  You can find the story on this link: https://www.inforum.com/news/fargo/i-cant-imagine-not-telling-stories-celebrating-kevin-wallevands-storied-40-year-career-at-wday-tvWe can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailJasper's Theater, located one mile east of Park Rapids, Minnesota, provides clean music, magic, comedy variety shows with 4 generations of family and fabulous entertainers from the region.  Director, Kathie Brekke and her husband, Shawn, sat down and talked about the history of Jasper's Theater, the people and cast involved, and the shows for the upcoming 2025 season.  You will be amazed at the variety of shows offered, especially the "Hand-Clappin' Gospel Show" to kick off the new year.  Tributes to Neil Diamond and Johnny Cash, Big Band Crooners, Rockin' 50s and Country Classics will not disappoint.  Kat Perkins, semi-finalist on The Voice several years ago, will pay homage to Hee-Haw towards the end of September.  Kathie and Shawn also talk about the Theater which is completely handicap accessible and air-conditioned.  There is plenty of parking for cars and busses for groups of all ages.They also talk about their personal story and the journey they took to where they are today.  They have a rich history and background in music education in the Red River Valley.  They tell of their personal musical groups that have entertained over the years and have performed at events and ceremonies in the region.  Jasper's Theater has all their information and show details on their website:  www.jasperstheater.com    You can find them at 17339 State Highway 34Park Rapids, MN 56470.We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailStuff!  Admit it, we all have it and it can become overwhelming in time.  Joan Windus, Senior Move Manager and owner of Change is Good! visited with us about her business and her mission to help families deal with "stuff."  Whether it is moving across town, across country, or just wanting to downsize, Joan offers wonderful insight and experience on how we can deal with "stuff" mentally and physically.  You can find great information on her website: www.changeisgood.us.com and she can be reached by phone at 218-329-7442. You can even email her at [email protected] can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailPetra Gunderson-Leith is the Archivist at the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County.  Our initial interest was to talk about the history of the first cemetery in Moorhead, Prairie Home Cemetery, and our conversation soon meandered to other cemeteries in the area.  Petra also shared interesting stories of the first settlers in the rural areas and the eventual establishment of Moorhead, the early businessmen and women, riverboat transportation, and the colorful characters that settled in the area.  One minor point of correction, according to Petra, is the date of death for Frances Merritt.  Her actual year of death is 1878 and we want to make that correction in the interest of historical accuracy.Petra is a wealth of information and has access to amazing historical records for Moorhead, Minnesota, and the surrounding area of Clay County.  We appreciated her humor and insight as we talked.  We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailMemory Cafe' is an incredible resource for families faced with the reality of dementia in its many forms.  From a simple beginning in 2017, Memory Cafe' has grown to offer support through many programs and support groups.  We visited with Maggie Ness, LBSW, Executive Director at Memory Cafe' and she talked about it's inception and it's growth to where it is today, the programs they offer, and her vision for the future.  She emphasized the family connections and the multitude of volunteers that make Memory Cafe' what it is today.Memory Cafe' not only offers assistance to individuals with dementia, they also have a network of support options for the often overlooked caregiver as well.   Enjoy our conversation and visit their website for much more information: www.memorycaferrv.org   Their phone number is 701-404-6712.We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailOn a cold January afternoon, we had a warm conversation with Kelly Krenzel.  Kelly is the originator and creative force behind "Hope Blooms."  Kelly had a dream to make a difference in lives of individuals, one at a time, with the message of "You Matter."  Kelly shares her personal story of how Hope Blooms came to be, the numerous outreach opportunities they have created, and her vision for what is to come for her as well as the multitude of volunteers that are part of this ministry.We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailCurt Cannon and Jennifer Conklin are part of the dedicated staff at the Clay County Veterans Service office.  We talked about their responsibilities and the programs available to veterans and their families.  We only scratched the surface and we encourage veterans, and their families, to contact their office at 218-299-5041 with questions  they may have.  We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailWe visited with Shawn and Sarah Nygaard on Thanksgiving eve 2024 and talked about their life journey and how it came to pass that they purchased Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service from George and Ruth Korsmo.They shared stories of their early years in rural North Dakota and how that has shaped their lives.  Raising a family and balancing the roles of parents and business owners is difficult but possible, and rewarding.  They also share their views on the future of Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service in the Red River Valley as well as the funeral profession as a whole.  Enjoy this months episode!We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailIt's difficult to compress 100 years of a full life and decades of experience in funeral service into one 38 minute podcast.  We sat down with Paul Korsmo in October of 2024 and visited about his life and his vision in funeral service.  Paul's faith and his family were, and continue to be, an integral part of this vision.  We touched on the highlights and shared some great memories during our visit and we have been blessed by his dedication to our profession and to the families we serve.  We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.

Send us Fan MailHey podcast listeners.  We'll be launching the first official podcast on November 2nd, so subscribe or follow for more interesting people and topics we feel are of value.We can be reached at 218-233-1533 or an email to [email protected] can also visit us online at www.korsmofuneralservice.comThank you for listening and have a great day.