Obituary of Deanna Marie Fjestad

May 17, 1942 - Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

August 16, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Deanna Fjestad, beloved wife of Dennis Fjestad, passed away at the age of 82 years. Born in Minneapolis to parents Eldin and Hazel Carter, she attended St. Olaf College, MN, and the University of Minnesota, where she received a degree in education.

She met Dennis on a blind date and celebrated 61 years of marriage. They established their first home in St. Paul, MN, and lived their lives in five states, two provinces, four countries, and three continents. In 1972, they immigrated to Canada, where both were employed as teachers. Deanna taught classes from kindergarten to university. She was very involved in the community, serving as an alderman for the City of Fort Saskatchewan and on the Prairie Valley School Board, in Saskatchewan. Besides political duties she sang with Dennis in the “Nostalgia Quartet”, sewed, quilted, and was an avid bridge player.

Offered opportunities overseas, they taught at Balob Teacher’s College in Papua New Guinea, and at Yantai University in China. In 2001, Deanna also taught grade one in Gaza. Dennis and Deanna travelled extensively, going through the Panama Canal, seeing Australia, Vietnam, and visiting Europe three times. In 2007 they travelled to South Africa going on six different safaris.

In 2021, Dennis and Deanna moved from their home in Wolseley, SK, to Calgary. In their condo, Deanna quickly became involved with the Social Club, crafts group, and playing cards.

For the past five years, Deanna battled cancer of various stages. She is survived by husband Dennis, daughter Maren; son Jay (Karen), and grandsons Conner, Jade, and Kenzie. She also enjoyed her “adopted” grandchildren; Keaton, Liza, and Klara Scase.

She will be missed by her brother Charle, brother-in-law Gordon Fjestad, sister-in-law Ardyce Fjestad, along with nieces and nephews. Deanna is predeceased by her parents, her sister Marjorie Aanenson, and grandson Mykael.

She will be buried in Minnesota.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Deanna’s family here.

In living memory of Deanna Fjestad, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.