Margaret Jean Dustrud

Margaret Jean Dustrud, 99, Moorhead, MN, died on Sunday, March 20, 2016 in Eventide on Eighth, Moorhead, MN.
Margaret Jean McDonald was born December 11, 1916 in Moorhead, MN, to David and Margaret McKenzie McDonald. She graduated from high school in Moorhead in 1933 at the age of sixteen and then earned a B.A. degree from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN in 1938. Jean taught high school English, Latin and Music for four years. She then attended St. Louis University in 1942 to learn Morse code and became a civilian instructor at the Army Air Force Base in Sioux Falls, SD.
She joined the Navy as a W.A.V.E. during WWII, completing boot camp at Hunter College in New York, NY. She served as a Navy driver in Chicago, IL and then served as 2nd class Telegrapher in Communications at Patuxent River, MD from 1944 until 1946. Following her honorable discharge she returned to Moorhead and worked in the Register of Deeds Office in Clay County before becoming a bookkeeper at First National Bank in May of 1948. Jean spent twenty-one and one-half years as Bookkeeper, Teller and Customer Service Representative. She was very happy working at the bank; she enjoyed meeting people and helping them. She had found her calling and was fulfilled.
She married Theodore M. Dustrud on September 5, 1948. Their son Keith was born in 1954 and she took a hiatus from the bank until he started school. During this time she did some part time modeling for Kendall’s Clothing Store. Her husband Ted operated Ted’s Grocery in south Fargo until his death on April 24, 1967.
Jean retired from the bank in December of 1978.
She was proud of her Scottish heritage and made a memorable trip to Scotland in June 1981.
She was a life-long, very active member of First Presbyterian Church in Moorhead where she was an ordained Elder and also served as a Deacon. She sang in the church choir for over fifty years and was its director from 1955 until 1970. She also served as organist and soloist for funerals and weddings, and participated in many other activities. She had great faith in God and felt his presence in answered prayers.
In addition to her church involvement, she was a member of St. Andrew’s Scottish Society, and Chapter O of P.E.O.
Jean loved her family and friends, classical and sacred music, reading, gardening, poetry and her dogs Mickey, Jenny and Drifter.
She is survived by her much-loved son Keith and his wife Diane, Missoula, MT; one dear sister Carol A. Moore of Downers Grove, IL; and many nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her older brother and younger sister.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be given to the Moorhead First Presbyterian Church, Hospice of the Red River Valley, or a charity of choice.
Jean’s family wishes to thank all who visited her and called at River Pointe and Eventide during her final years and also hospice for their special and loving care.
Memorial Service: Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at 11:00 A.M. in First Presbyterian Church, Moorhead, MN. Friends may gather for one hour before the service in the church.
Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.