The Fadness Walen VFW Post 9068, was founded in January 1947. The post is named after John Fadness, son of Gilbert and Julia Fadness of rural Glenfield, now deceased. Harry Walen was the son of Elmer and Helen Walen, also of rural Glenfield, and now deceased. John and Harry lost their lives in World War II in the European Theatre.
VFW Post 9068 has been active in the community ever since it was started in 1947. Youth programs such as swimming, baseball and summer camp top the list of VFW sponsored activities. The post has sponsored a Memorial Day service at Glenfield each year since 1947. The present membership numbers 54.
Veterans of the Korean Era are:
Frank Balvitch
Kent Anderson
Robert Hawks
Robert Johnson
Brent Anderson
Leonard Topp
Bernard Beach
Michael Heinze
Einar Ellingson
Elmer Finch
Don Lester
Vietnam vets are:
John Overbeck
Joel McDaniel
Larry Erickson
Jim Johnson
James Dramstad
Kenny Althous
Loran Anderson
Clayton Bergstad
Wayne Balvitch
Dale Bradahl
Dennis Christianson
Larry Harrington
Dennis Haugen
Lyle Tally
Donald Walen
Larry House
Clinton Jacobson
Robert Sommerville
James Somsen
Gilbert Fadness was born March 1, 1880, in Emmet County, Iowa. In 1902, he came to the Sutton community and farmed north of Sutton, North Dakota. Then he married Julia Bjornerud at Fosston, Minnesota, June 20, 1916, and they continued to farm north of Sutton for a few years, then they bought a farm six miles west of Sutton or four miles south of Glenfield, North Dakota.
He served on the school board in Eastman Township for some time. They were members of the Lutheran Church of Glenfield. They retired to Cooperstown in 1948.
They raised a family of eight children, six daughters and two sons: Mrs. Oscar (Amanda) Hogie of Cooperstown, North Dakota; Mrs. Gerald (Cora) Gray of Pine City, Minnesota.; Mrs. Harold (Olga) Overbeck of Spokane, Washington; Mrs. Mansel (Esther) Watne of West Fargo, North Dakota; Mrs. Ted (Genora) Becknall of Los Gatas, California; Mrs. Clarence (Juli Ann) Sandvik of Cooperstown, North Dakota; Clifford Fadness of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
John A. Fadness died August 23, 1944, in the service of his country. He is buried in the Cambridge Cemetery in England.
Gilbert was born in Emmet County, Iowa, March 1, 1880. He died in Cooperstown, North Dakota, in 1955.
Julia Bjornerud was born in Rothsay, Minnesota, January 4, 1885, and died May 6, 1971, at Cooperstown, North Dakota. Both are buried in the Glenfield Cemetery.
CPL Harry M. Walen SN 37290887
Born in Glenfield, North Dakota, May 23, 1921, entered Ft. Snelling Minnesota July 28, 1942. Served European African Middle Eastern Theatre. Died in service December 25, 1943.
Impressive memorial rites were held at the Glenfield Lutheran Church Sunday, January 23, 1944, for Cpl. Harry M. Walen, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Walen, Glenfield who died of meningitis December 25, 1943, in the European area. The Rev. O. A. Borlaug delivered the memorial sermon. Assisting in the service were members of the John Raymond O'Hara Post of the American Legion of Carrington who furnished color bearers, color guards and a bugler. Philip Engstrom, a former member of Co. F, and veteran of Guadalcanal, placed the memorial wreath upon the cross during the service.
Honorary pallbearers were Philip Engstrom, Harold Erickson, Sgt. Trygve Walen, Johnnie Halvorson, Ervin Papenfuss and Kenneth Walen. Edwin Dybwad and Leo Larson were ushers.
VFW Holds Convention
June 18, 1986 - The Veterans of Foreign Wars and their ladies auxiliary, state of North Dakota, held their annual convention in Fargo June 6-8. National Commander John Staum and National Sr. Vice President Rosemary Mazer participated in the activities, which were led by the State Commander Harold Carnahan, West Fargo and State President DeLores Gafkjen, Alamo.
During the business sessions Sunday, the following 1986-87 officers were elected and installed: VFW State Commander Kent Anderson, Sutton; Sr. Vice Commander Neil Fricke, Bismarck; Jr. Vice Commander Jerome Berg, Mayville; Judge Advocate Jim Gorman, Mandan; Surgeon Otto Evenson, West Fargo.
Dinner and Program Held for Anderson
November 21, 1986 - At the Glenfield Community Center a social hour and dinner, followed by a brief program was held in honor of State Commander Kent Anderson and the Post's 40th Birthday.
Kent, son of Arnold and Evelyn (Thompson) Anderson served in Korea in 1954-55. He joined the VFW in 1959. He married Barbara Veitch in 1955, and they have three sons, Tim, Bruce and Mark. They have two grandchildren, Sandi and Kyle.
Fadness Walen Post 9086 Auxiliary
April 8, 1987 - The Fadness Walen Post 9086 Auxiliary met Wednesday afternoon, April 8, 1987, at the Glenfield Community Center.
Eight members attended and elected officers for the coming year. They are as follows: President Eva Aaker, Senior Vice President Cleone Finch, Junior Vice President Carol Hendricks, Treasurer Elaine Walen, Secretary Dorothy Isgrig, Conductress Irene Johnson, Patriotic Instructor Geri Haugen. Eunice Papenfuss, Irene Johnson and Hildred Hendrickson are the trustees, and Betty Johnson is chaplain.
Evalyn Johnson was hostess, Eva Aaker was given the door prize. A special certificate was presented to Irene Johnson, who was honored as a charter member with continuous membership in the auxiliary.
Dawn Nelson of G-S-M, who wrote an essay for the "Voice of Democracy" competition was voted a monetary gift.
Source: Glenfield History 1886 – 1987 Page 147