Brian Fjermestad

Brian Fjermestad, 77, of Albert Lea, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 13, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, after a brief illness.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at First Lutheran Church, in Albert Lea, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. The service will also be livestreamed.

Brian was born on December 4, 1947, in Albert Lea, to Arnold and Lorrie (Hahn) Fjermestad. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1966 and attended Mankato State University.

A proud patriot, Brian served his country in the United States Army beginning in 1969. He completed an active tour of duty in Vietnam with the 5th Infantry Division from July 1969 to July 1970 and was honorably discharged in 1971.

In October of 1973, Brian married Cindy Boelman, and they welcomed three children, Christopher, Jennifer, and Brent.

Brian had a long career in sales and as a Service Manager at Bill Olson Chevrolet and later owned the original Albert Lea Tree Service. More than his work, he cherished the friendships he built over the years, especially the morning conversations at the shop with the guys before the day began.

He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, and his weekly lunches with friends. He rarely missed a football game, especially when good food was involved. But his greatest joy came from his family. Brian was a proud father and an even prouder “Grampy,” who adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Lorrie; his sister, Dianne Blake; and his brother, Brad Fjermestad.

Left to treasure his memory are his children: Chris (Heidi) Fjermestad, Jenny (Travis) Fjermestad-Thompson, and Brent (Lexi) Fjermestad; his beloved grandchildren: Alix (Chad) Goskeson, Evan (Rowan) Goskeson, Soren Fjermestad, Maddy Fjermestad, Mia Thompson, Cade Bakker, and Nash Bakker; and great-grandchildren: Brayden and Adilyn Farley. He is also survived by his sister Jeanne Schoonmaker, brother-in-law Gary Blake, sister-in-law Deb Fjermestad, special aunt Sid (Brian) Curtis, many nieces, nephews, friends and his dog Rip.

Brian will be remembered for his humor, his loyalty, his love of family and country, and the countless stories shared around the table or at the shop. His legacy of his faith in God, pride in his country, and love for his family and friends will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675, in Brian's honor.