Calesta Pelland Belanger, 88, of Pelland Junction, passed away in her sleep Friday, June, 26, 2009, at the Littlefork Care Center, Littlefork, Minn.

A funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. today, Tuesday, June 30, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Loman, Minn., with the Rev. Randy Barstad officiating.

A visitation will be held one half hour prior to the funeral at the church. 

Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, International Falls, Minn.

Calesta was born to Elmer and Laura Pelland of Pelland Junction. She grew up with her two older brothers and parents on the family farm located at the mouth of the Littlefork River.

She married Joseph Lloyd Belanger on June 26, 1942, at Zion Lutheran Church in International Falls. They would have celebrated their 67th anniversary the day of her passing. They resided at Pelland Junction all their married life.

Calesta’s greatest joy was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took them for long walks in the woods and shared her knowledge of nature with them. She was known for her flowers, gardens and love of birds.

Calesta will be lovingly remembered by her sons ,DeWane Belanger, Don Belanger and Robert (Mickey) Belanger, all of Pelland Junction; five grandchildren, Bruce, Kristi, Kim, Barb and Teresa (Allen) Belanger; and six great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Calesta was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joe, and two brothers, Claude and Ross Pelland.

Condolences may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com.