Aasta Sjem Prestegard

Watkinsville - Aasta Sjem Prestegard, 95, passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2006, in Athens, Georgia. Mrs. Prestegard is survived by her son, James H. Prestegard and his wife, Elberta, of Watkinsville; a granddaughter, Christine A. Gray and her husband, Matthew, of Louisville, CO; a grandson, Robert E. Prestezog and his wife, Anna, of Sunnyvale, CA; a great-granddaughter, Charlotte J. Gray; a sister-in-law, Ellen Sjem, Norway; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman O. Prestegard, to whom she was married for 63 years, and her seven siblings. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Athens.
Mrs. Prestegard was born on March 18, 1911, in Sparbu, Norway, to Anna Margrete Karlsdt. Otterbekk and John Sjem. She immigrated to the United States in 1927 and lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she was a professional dressmaker for DuBoisí for over 30 years. After her husbandís death in 1994, she moved to Athens to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law. Mrs. Prestegard was a talented woman who enjoyed sewing, Norwegian folk painting, needlework, travel, lifetime membership in the Sons of Norway, and spending time with her family and friends.
A Memorial Service in celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2006, at 2:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, Athens, Georgia, followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens, 393-1 West Hancock Avenue, Athens, GA 30601.
Lord & Stephens East, Athens, Georgia, has charge of arrangements.