Astrid Forde

A LIFE OF SERVICE TO FAMILY


AND CHURCH

Astrid Oliva Flack Forde, age 101, died peacefully on March 26, 2009 at Lyngblomsten Care Center in St. Paul, MN. The service at Indherred Lutheran Church of a celebration of her life began with the triumphal hymn “ Thine is the Glory “. Rev. Paul Ranum delivered a greeting of appreciation of Astrid’s contributions on behalf of the three churches in the parish, Immanuel, Indherred, and St. Johns. David Young Jr., followed as the spokesperson for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren by telling some memorable, comical stories about her. Rev. Paul Forde, speaking for the sons and daughter, thanked the parish for all the support his mother had received throughout her long career. Ingrid Young, a granddaughter, sang “ Panis Angelicus ” by Franck (the tune of “ O Lord Most Holy “). Scriptural passages from Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalms 84:1-4, 10-12; and Revelation 7: 9-17, were read by three of the grandchildren, Christine, Zachary, and Maren Forde, respectively. Pastor Paul Johnson delivered an inspiring sermon based on Luke 12:35-40 and other scriptural passages. His message was about how God had been by Astrid’s side throughout her life. He noted particularly the dates of her birth, her baptism, her confirmation, her start as the parish musician, her marriage, her retirement, her death, and now in eternal life. The worship continued with the hymn “ O Day Full of Grace ”, the Apostles’ Creed, prayers, and the Lord’s Prayer. The service concluded with “ Beautiful Savior ”. At Astrid’s request verses 1 and 2 were sung by the family, with the congregation joining for the last two verses. Amy Vanzee, parish organist, provided the organ music for the prelude and postlude, as well as accompaniment for the hymns and soloist. The Pallbearers were grandsons Karl, Zachary, Jason, Joshua, and Andrew Forde, and David Jr. and Thor Young. Astrid was buried in the Indherred cemetery next to her husband, Rev. Gerhard Forde, who passed away in 1964. Following the service of internment, the celebration continued with lunch and a time for fellowship.

On January 7, 1908, Astrid was born to the loving family of Olaf and Anne Flack on a farm near Starbuck. While in grade school she began taking piano lessons from Nora Forde, who was the wife of Pastor Nils Forde and organist/music leader in her husband’s three-church parish. Astrid’s special musical aptitude was very evident from an early age.

At age 16 she began her long career of music ministry as the accompanist for the Indherred choir. She continued her music and piano studies at the Minneapolis College of Music, MacPhail Music Conservatory, and with private piano lessons from Laura Forde Giere, Nora’s daughter. During those years of study in Minneapolis, while only a teenager, she was fortunate to have studied under Helena Morsztyn, a Countess from Poland. She was an internationally acclaimed pianist and guest professor at the school for a year. The Countess, who had turned down requests from many advanced music teachers, recognized the potential talent of one young student at the school, Astrid Flack. Astrid recalled that though she flubbed her audition due to nerves, the Countess understood her nervousness and asked her if she would like to study piano under her. Astrid was thrilled and readily accepted the offer. She credited her love and interpretation of Chopin’s music to that study.

Astrid appeared in piano recitals and orchestra concerts in Minneapolis, Concordia College, and with the Indherred Orchestra. In 1935 and 1937 she returned to her former Minneapolis music school for a performance with its orchestra. James Davies, the Minneapolis Tribune music critic, was present at both concerts and wrote a critique in his paper: “A brilliant performance of the third movement of the Saint-Saens concerto in C minor by Astrid O. Flack introduced a pianist whose poise and digital dexterity were outstanding.” - 1935.

“Astrid Flack, pianist, contributed the third movement from Saints-Saens concerto in C minor displaying a flashy technique, a warm temperament, musicianship and interpretative skill.” – 1937.

Astrid’s long musical career (67 years) included giving piano lessons to hundreds of local children, serving as organist at various times for Indherred, Immanuel, and St. John’s churches, and as director of the Immanuel and Indherred Junior Choirs. She accompanied innumerable soloists at church services, weddings, funerals, and other events. On the last Sunday in 1991, she retired and was honored with a special celebration and organ concert performed by a guest artist. Her retirement brought to a close an amazing century of  Forde Music Ministry in the parish, which began with Pastor Nils and Nora Forde in 1892 and continued with their son, Rev. G.O. Forde, and Astrid! In January, 1992, after 52 years as the parish organist, she was honored as the WCCO “Good Neighbor”.

Astrid married Rev. Gerhard Forde in 1938 and became the stepmother of two young boys, Nels and Gerhard Jr. In the following years five boys, Paul, Mark, Jonathan, Daniel, and Michael and one girl Astrid Anne were born to them. The Forde boys & girl were lovingly nurtured and enjoyed a wonderful upbringing in this family.

Astrid was preceded in death by her three brothers, George, Edgar, and Ottar, sister Thora, and by her beloved husband Rev. Gerhard and son Dr. Gerhard Jr. She is survived by daughter, Astrid Anne (David Young), sons Dr. Nels (Janet), Rev. Paul (Karen), Mark (Michele), Jonathan (Chandra), Daniel (Judith), and Michael (Pamela), daughter-in-law, Marianna, 25 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Memorials are preferred to the Indherred Steeple Restoration Fund.

S oli Deo Gloria! ("To God alone the glory!  At the end of every composition that Bach wrote, he signed it with the Latin initials SDG!)