Remembering & Honoring
… 1969 Graduates
Ron Anderson |
Pam Bair | 1950-2004
Pamela Bair, 53, Fargo, died at home on Friday, April 9, 2004.
Pam was born on November 27, 1950, in Minnesota. She grew up and attended school in Fargo, graduating from Fargo North High School in 1969. Pamela Bair married Larry Schneekloth in South Dakota.
She is survived by her father, Frank Bair, Fargo.
Private Family Services will be held. No memorials are preferred.
Arrangements by Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo.
Credit: Boulger Funeral Home
Kathryn Bakken Erickson |
Richard Bernardy | 1951-2017
Ric passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at Rosewood on Broadway in Fargo at the age of 66.
Richard L. (Ric) Bernardy was born on November 24, 1950, to Esther and Otto Bernardy of Fargo, ND.
Ric attended school in Fargo and graduated from North High. While in high school Ric worked for Frank McCone Company delivering candy and snacks to area stores in the Lake country, as well as the F-M area. Ric also worked as an usher at the Fargo Theater.
After graduation, Ric signed up with the U.S. Marines and volunteered to go to Vietnam. He served two years (1970-1972) in the Marines and was promoted to Lance Corporal. Ric was very proud to be a Marine and serving his country.
After his service, Ric worked for various plumbing outfits in the area.
He is survived by his mother, Esther Bernardy, his son, Justin (Mandy) Bernardy and grandson, Carson. He is also survived by his sisters, Renee Buckman of Moorhead, MN, and Rita (John) Kamp of Burleson, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his father (Otto), and brothers Rodger and Randy Bernardy.
A memorial service will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Fargo with Military Funeral Honors.
Credit: Boulger Funeral Home
David Bjone | March 10, 1951 – March 7, 2020
ELLENDALE, N.D. – David Bjone, 68, Ellendale, N.D., died Saturday, March 7, in Prince of Peace Care Center.
Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel in Ellendale.
Jennifer Broten |
LaDonna Bueligen | 1951-2013
LaDonna fought Stage 4 breast cancer for fifteen years before succumbing. She died with friends at her bedside in 2013 at home in Blairsden Graeagle, CA.
She was a legend in local medical circles. Stanford University asked to examine her body to see if additional information could be learned due to her longevity. She is survived by two unknown step-siblings.
Carol Jean Carlson Moore | 1951-2016
From Wendy Montplaisir on Facebook: Carol Jean Carlson passed away a couple of years ago from Lou Gehrig’s disease.
David Lee Clements | 1949-2016
David Lee Clements, 67, of Houston, Texas, passed away Dec. 29, 2016. He was born at Home Hospital Aug. 12, 1949, to Mr. and Mrs. Howard Clements, Sr.
He was drafted into the U.S. Marines and received several medals. He served during the Vietnam Era, overseas. He trained dogs to be of service to our country. He was a Corporal in the U.S. Marines. He became Sheriff in Fargo, N.D.
He was married to Jenny Marie Clements for 24 years. Married Kathy Westfall in Aug. 2016. They both are still living. He is preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Clyde. He is survived by one brother, Howard Clements, Jr.; and two sisters-in-law, Maria, and Carole Clements. He is buried in Houston National Cemetery, Houston, Texas.
Credit: Legacy
Robert Casey |
Randolph (Randy) Denis | 1951-2020
[September 30, 2020] Randolph “Randy” Denis of Fargo, ND passed away peacefully on September 26, 2020. He is survived by his two children Alicia and Tyler, his mother Dorothy, and his siblings Ron and Verna. Randy was a lifetime native of Fargo who served in the Army and returned to Fargo to work as a salesperson for most of his life. Randy loved the outdoors and was a very passionate fisherman and golfer. He loved spending time with his friends at the pool hall or playing poker. Randy was never one to turn down a good turkey dinner, and the more mash potatoes the better. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all of those who knew him. No services at this time due to the virus.
Credit: InForum
Gary Dogger | 1978
Tim Farley |
Charlie Fleck | 1951-2020
[December 1, 2020] PERHAM, MN — Charlie Fleck, who coached state high school championship gymnastics teams in North Dakota and Minnesota, passed away Friday, Nov. 27, at the age of 70 at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls, Minn.
Fleck was a 1969 graduate of Fargo North High School, where he participated in football, basketball, and baseball. He was a two-year starter in football, playing as a defensive back and wide receiver; and was a two-year starting guard in basketball for the Spartans. He earned varsity letters in both sports for two seasons.
His baseball play for the Fargo American Legion team, where he was a three-year starter, earned him an NDSU scholarship. Fleck earned his degree in physical education from North Dakota State in 1973.
He taught elementary physical education for the Fargo Public Schools from 1973 to 1995. During his first five years of teaching, Charlie served as assistant gymnastics coach at Fargo South.
Fleck was a teacher in the Fargo school system for 25 years and was the head gymnastics coach from 1978-1994 at Fargo South where his teams won 18 straight region championships, nine state championships and four National High School Gymnastics Coaches Association championships. His teams included 103 All-Americans and seven national individual champions.
His move to Fargo South put him in contact with legendary coach Jim Simle, the architect of the Fargo-Moorhead Acro program that was proclaimed “North Dakota’s Official Goodwill Ambassadors” by Governors Allen Olson in 1981 and George Sinner in 1992.
In 1979, Simle retired from gymnastics coaching with a record of 158-8 (a .951 career winning percentage). Fleck became the head coach and continued the success for nearly two decades. Charlie earned the North Dakota Coach of the Year recognition three times and was National Coach of the Year in 1989.
Fleck moved to Staples in 1995 and attempted to start a gymnastic program there and Detroit Lakes in 1997 but could not find the right fit. He eventually found that fit at Perham in 1998.
Perham’s eventual state championship run started in the wrestling room at the Perham Area Community Center with one mini-trampoline and one mat.
In Fleck’s second year, Perham captured the section title and made the program’s first-ever state championship appearance finishing in sixth place.
The following year, 2004, Fleck led his group to Perham’s first state championship in any sport.
In his later years after leaving Perham, Fleck ran gymnastics programs in Dent and Underwood, Minn.
A memorial service is planned for summer of 2021.
Credit: InForum
Tom Furcht / Tomm Furch | 1951-2018
[July 26, 2018] MISSOULA — Tomm Garnet Furch. He will be missed by his many friends and family. He took pride in taking pictures of his home in Missoula and also loved his old cars. He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Lucille Furcht. Survivors are son Shane (Lori) Furcht, and his loving companion Kiana — his precious dog who was adopted by a close friend Doug Meyers. He was cremated and ashes will be spread by his home.
Credit: The Missoulian
Jeff Goughnour | 1951-2012
Myron Jeffrey Goughnour passed away at Bethany on 42nd on Monday, September 24, 2012, at age 60.
Jeff was born in Mayville, ND on December 21 1951, to Myron and Faith (Heskin) Goughnour.
He moved with his family to Fargo at age 10, and after graduating from North High School in 1969, worked as an EMT for St. Luke’s Hospital and the FM Ambulance service. Jeff also lived in Phoenix, AZ and Palm Springs, CA, where he worked as a Service Writer in the automobile business. He was interested in sports and played baseball and softball for many teams in the Fargo area.
He is survived by his mother, Faith Hewett; father, Myron (Veronica) Goughnour; sister and brothers, Pamela (Johan) Finley, David (Gladys) Goughnour, and Eric (Robin) Hewett; and several nieces and nephews.
Credit: Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home
John Gronaas | 1949-2012
John Robert Gronaas, 62, of Fargo, ND, died Wednesday, June 19, 2012, at Sanford Health, Fargo.
Paula Haugen Anderson |
Gary Helmer |
Janice Faye Hoff | 2014
Ann Hubbard Carman | 06.27.1980
Michael Wayne Ingebretson | 1951-1977
Born: April 1, 1951 | Spokane, WA
Parents: Oliver Stanley Ingebretsen and Lucille Satler
Died: July 12, 1977
Gailon Johnson | 1950-2015
Gailon Stanley Johnson was born July 12, 1950, in Sisseton, SD, to Phillip and Helen (Anderson) Johnson.
Gailon married Wanita (Crabtree) Gonderman and they made their home in Fargo, ND. He loved his wife with every fiber of his being. Gailon was a kind, funny, nice, and happy-go-lucky person. He collected jade, antiques, and silver. His hobbies included fishing and growing houseplants. He loved to be in the outdoors. Gailon was well respected as an apartment manager and anyone who met him liked him instantly.
Gailon died Sunday, June 14, 2015, in Sanford Palliative Care Unit, Fargo, at sixty-four years of age. Now he is free and walking hand in hand with his Savior and walking on the streets of gold he always talked about. Gailon will be missed.
He is survived by his wife, Wanita, Fargo; brother, Paul (Liz) Johnson, Fargo; sisters, Nellene Johnson, Edina, MN, Virginia Uttley, St. Louis Park, MN, and Phyllis Percival, Colorado; several nieces and nephews; stepdaughters, Patti (Mike) Maasjo and Danita Gonderman; several stepgrandchildren and step great-grandchildren. He was loved very much by all his extended family.
A Celebration Service for Gailon will be Friday, June 19, 2015, at 2 PM, in Peace Lutheran Church, Fargo. Visitation will be at the church one hour before the service.
Credit: Korsmo Funeral Service
Roger Jorgensen |
Sharon Jorgensen Clay | 1951-2018
Sharon K. Clary, age 67, of Fargo, ND, passed away on Friday, June 29, 2018, at Bethany Senior Living, Fargo.
Sharon Kay Jorgensen was born on March 31, 1951, in Fargo, to Vernon and Evelyn (Langsend) Jorgensen. She grew up and attended school in Fargo. After graduating from high school, Sharon worked at St. Luke’s Hospital operating switchboards. She married Thomas Clary on August 23, 1975, at Peace Lutheran Church in Fargo. They had two sons, Jason and Jeff. Sharon continued to work at Sanford in various departments before retiring and becoming a homemaker. She also enjoyed working part-time serving lunch in the Fargo schools.
Sharon adored spending time at her lake home on Middle Cormorant. She also enjoyed shopping and getting her hair and nails done.
Sharon is survived by her husband of 42 years, Thomas; sons, Jason (Amanda) Clary and Jeff Clary; sister, Elaine (Allen Steffes) Jorgensen; brothers, Bruce (Katherine) Jorgensen and Blaine (Carolyn) Jorgensen; aunt, Ada Jorgensen; and many nieces and nephews.
Sharon is preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at 11:00 A.M., at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead. Friends and family may gather together from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Moorhead.
Credit: Wright Funeral Home
Kathy Kenney |
Judy Larson Hoffman | 1951-2002
Judy A. Hoffman, 51, died Wednesday, October 23, 2002, at MeritCare Hospital, Fargo, ND.
Judy, daughter of Maynard and Marion (Stolp) Larson, was born and educated in Fargo. She attended Moorhead (MN) State University and graduated in 1973 with degrees in Elementary and Special Education. She was married to Greg Hoffman on July 14, 1973, in Fargo.
Judy taught school for 17 years in Fairmount, MN, and West Fargo, ND, public schools. She retired from teaching to raise her two children.
Judy is survived by her husband, Greg; one son, Sean (Maren) Hoffman, Wayzata, MN; one daughter, Elisha Hoffman, Dallas, TX; her father, Maynard Larson, Fargo, ND; her mother, Marion Larson, Fargo, ND; one brother, Greg (Gloria) Larson, Fargo, ND; one sister, Cindy (Craig) Scholle, Fargo, ND.
Memorials are preferred to Messiah Lutheran Church and The Roger Maris Cancer Center.
Funeral Service: Sunday, October 27, 2002, at 2:00 P.M., at Messiah Lutheran Church, Fargo.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service in the church on Sunday.
Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND.
(Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND)
~ ~ ~
Contributed by Nancy Promersberger Novak: ” … a piece that her family put in the paper a year after she died.”
Cheryl Noble | 1951-2012
Beloved sister, daughter, and friend died far too early at the age of 60.
Credit: Legacy
Curtis Ochsner | 1950-2012
Curtis John Ochsner, 60, of Hawley, MN, died Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at Sanford Health, Fargo.
Curt was born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota. He went to Fargo schools and graduated from Fargo North High. Curt joined the United States Marine Corp and served from August 1969 through August 1971.
In 1999, the Lord led Curt to Patti Taylor. They were married in Corpus Christi, Texas the same year. They had a loving marriage for the rest of Curt’s life.
Curt was previously married to Marlyce Likness. They had two children, Amber and Noel. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Curt is survived by his wife, Patti, Hawley, MN; children, Amber Ochsner (fiancé Tyrone) Baxter, MN; Noel Ochsner, Fargo, ND; step-children, Sally (Minor) Norman, Madison, MS; Troy (Hope) Funderburg, Enterprise, AL; and two sisters, Diane (Gary) Klinsmann, Monterey, CA; Cheryl (Brian) Bugbee, Vergas, MN; and 14 grandchildren.
Credit: Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home
Mark Olmstead | 1951-2018
Mark Wayne Olmstead, 67, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 9, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loved ones under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Mark was born on April 1, 1951, to Patrick and Irene (Monson) Olmstead in Moorhead, MN. He graduated from Fargo North High School with the class of 1969. On January 5, 1970, he enlisted with United States Army. He proudly served in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged on January 5, 1972.
On May 20, 1978, Mark was united in marriage to LaDonna York and they resided in Detroit Lakes. Mark had a passion for over the road trucking. He worked for Paulson Trucking of Lake Park, MN, and Minn-Dak Transport until his retirement in 2002.
In 1983 Mark sought an interest in getting a menswear fashion merchandising degree from the Detroit Lakes Technical College in Detroit Lakes, MN. After graduating, he worked a short time at Norby’s Department store in Detroit Lakes. He also received an accounting degree from the Detroit Lakes Technical College in 1990. After graduating with his accounting degree, he began working for Bergman Plumbing for three years.
Mark grew up playing hockey, enjoyed fishing and photography, strumming his guitar, and loved to share stories of his Vietnam days.
Mark is survived by his wife of 40 years, LaDonna; daughters: Shawna Avila of Detroit Lakes and Jessica (Travis) Johnson of Roseau; grandchildren: Sadie, Mikayla, Alec, Addyson and Ty; Mother: Irene Olmstead of Fargo, ND; Sister: Trish Olmstead ( Wayne Ramsey); Brothers: Charles (Grietje) Olmstead of Saunderstown, RI, and Timothy Olmstead of Fargo, ND; Aunt: Ruth Martinson of Carrington, ND; Many nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father Patrick; Brother: Daniel Olmstead; sister-in-law Theresa Olmstead.
Visitation will be on Thursday, December 13, 2018, at the David-Donehower Funeral Home from 5:30-7: 30 pm with a 7 pm prayer service. Funeral service will be held on Friday, December 14, 11 am, at Lake Eunice Evangelical Free Church in Detroit Lakes, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota at www.dav.org
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 13 at David-Donehower Funeral Home from 5:30-7:30 pm, with a 7 pm Prayer Service. Funeral services for Mark will be held on Friday, December 14 at 11 am at Lake Eunice Evangelical Free Church, rural Detroit Lakes. Visitation will also continue one hour prior to the service.
Credit: David-Donehower Funeral & Cremation Service
_____
It has occurred to me
That God likes to play hockey
It seems the natural thing to do
Upon his raindrops of frozen dew
His realm of presence spread evenly
Between the lines – And goal post two
A trip up here a slash over there
Was the ref looking sometimes I don’t care
This is the fact of life we all share
So around the circle out there
A pre-game prayer we all do share
Telling us – beware
Of our human nature
In this battle we all share
GOD scored an amazing player around 2:15 this morning (Sun . Dec 9, 2018)! With my Mom at his side, my Dad’s long and courageous battle has come to an end. Rest in Peace Dad! We love you very much. You will be deeply missed but your amazing memories will forever be with us!
Credit: One of Mark’s daughters.
Patrick Peterson | 1950-2018
Patrick “Pat” Richard Peterson, 67, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Saturday, October 6, 2018, in Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND. Pat was born on December 12, 1950, to Richard and Evon (Erickson) Peterson in Valley City, ND.
Pat grew up in north Fargo, ND where he graduated from Fargo North High School. He began Peterson Mobile Home Services and Repair where he worked with his father, brother, and sons. He was united in marriage to Marni Softing on January 10, 1970. They began a family and raised 3 children in rural Moorhead, MN.
Pat was proud of his lake home on Lake Ida, which he owned from 1975-2017. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends at his lake place, especially on the 4th of July.
Pat enjoyed warm weather trips. He traveled to Mexico for many years until finding a winter home in Wellton, AZ. He enjoyed working with hands-on projects, tending to his geraniums, and making people laugh. He was a dedicated family man who loved to spend time with his grandchildren.
Pat is survived by his children, Lori (Jack) Hopewell, Brent Peterson, and Ryan (Monica) Peterson; grandchildren, Kaylyn and Mason Hopewell, Quinten, Marina, and Daxten Peterson; parents, Richard and Evon; siblings, Penny (Earl) Rydell, Judy Plienis, Jackie (Mark) Johnson, and Jon (Erica) Peterson.
A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 P.M at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead, MN. Visitation will continue on Thursday, October 11, 2018, from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. followed by the Memorial Service at 2:00 P.M. at Wright Funeral Home.
Credit: Wright Funeral Home
David Plambeck | 1951-1996
Credit: Find a Grave
Timothy Rhymes | 1951-2020
Tim was the son of a Methodist Minister. He was found in his apartment by a good friend on August 17, 2020, four days prior to his 69th birthday. He was born on August 21, 1951, in Bismarck, ND.
The last place he resided was in Reno, NV, for 20 years where he also had lived with his mom and step-dad. He had a T-Cell health condition that required taking medication every two weeks which caused him to no longer enjoy his hiking passion. Shortly before the meds started, he had hiked in Portugal; an item on his bucket list completed. He had still wished to hike the Appalachian Trail. Sadly, that never came to pass.
There were trials in his time on earth that hurt him deeply such as the death of his brother Steve who died in an auto accident.
Interesting facts speak to his self values:
- He was told he could not walk in our graduation ceremony unless he cut his hair. Because he was proud of his beautiful hair, he chose to forgo the walk.
- During football, he chose to drop out because he felt that players were awarded higher grades just because they were jocks. He loved football and was told by the coach that he was very good. The decision to quit was quite a statement!
He was quite the character, loved by nephews, family, and friends.
His daughter, Rachel Rhymes, is currently 38 and lives in Seattle, WA.
Education in Tim’s life was a busy one.
- He began Kindergarten and 1st grade at Forest Hill in Louisiana.
- For 2nd and 3rd grades he was in Seattle, WA.
- 4th grade found him in Garfield, WA.
- During his 5th- through 8th-grade years, he was in East Wenatchee, WA.
- After East Wenatchee, his 9th 10th, and 11th grades were in Wyndmere, ND.
- He then headed to Fargo with his family for his senior year of high school.
He was married a couple of times, always hoping for the best, and was in the Army for a time.
One of his best friends was Dave Plambeck who has also passed on due to cancer.
May Timothy rest in peace knowing he was loved by many!
Text and comments provided from his sister, Bonnie, to Sandi (Nelson) Lindstrom.
John Sanderson | 1951-2018
John Sanderson, born July 19, 1951, in Biloxi, MS to Warren and Gloria (Anderson) Sanderson, died March 25, 2018, in Fargo, ND due to complications of Agent Orange. John served his time in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971, being wounded twice, once in the leg and later having his back broken ending his time in Vietnam and earning him a Purple Heart. After recovering, John spent the last year of his service in the honor guard out of Fort Carson, CO transporting fallen veterans to their final resting place. He returned to Fargo to attend college at NDSU, graduating with a degree in criminal justice and a minor in history.
John reunited with Julie Colligan after a hiatus, and the two married July 3, 1975, spending 43 happy years enjoying family and friends, hunting, fishing and traveling together.
The same year, John started his career with the Fargo Police Dept on May 26, 1975, rising to the position of Lieutenant. In his 27 years with the department, John was the driving force in the department’s change of equipment from a six-gun to an automatic handgun to keep up with the times. He was also an integral part of the establishment of the Fargo SWAT Team, becoming its first Commander. This was his pride and joy and look where we are today. After retirement from the police department in 2001, he was called on to set up a TSA office at the Fargo Airport. After 7 years, he retired from working to enjoy life.
In a time of crisis, he worked closely with Dennis Walaker during the flood of 1997 to coordinate what was needed to protect our city. John spent 18 years as an ND Air Guard Happy Hooligan serving in various positions in Fargo and was involved in competitive pistol shooting with the NDSU Pistol Team and with the Air Guard Pistol Team in which he excelled to Master. He was an American proud to serve his country. His wit and wisdom will be missed by all.
He is survived by his wife Julie; mother, Gloria Overboe and step-father, Gerald Overboe; half sisters, Cindy (Steve) Melicher, and Sue (Bruce) Nelson; and sister-in-law, Sue (Bruce) Sanderson along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, father, Warren, and brother, Bruce.
Credit: Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home
Cynthia Schott Nubel | 1951-2019
Cynthia (Cindy) Cheryl Schott Nubel passed away peacefully on November 29, 2019, in Lake Zurich, Illinois.
Cindy was born on April 16, 1951, in Jamestown, North Dakota to Clifford Schott and Idella Ruff who farmed west of Kulm, ND. She graduated from Fargo North High School in Fargo, ND, attended Moorehead State College in Moorehead, MN where she received her teaching certificate. Cindy married John Shaw Nubel on July 12, 1980, in Decorah, IA. They lived in Mankato, MN, Decorah, IA and Battle Creek, MI.
She is survived by her husband, John Shaw Nubel and their child, Michael John Nubel, Brighton, MI. Michael is married to Haley Nubel and they have two sons, Noah Michael Nubel (20 months) and Luke Blair Nubel (5 months). Cindy loved her two grandchildren. She loved to snuggle with Luke and she loved to teach Noah how to cook.
Siblings: Clydine (Darryl) Fey, Hawley, MN; Colleen (Roy) Johnson, Lake Zurich, IL; and Cordell (Pamela) Schott, Fargo, ND.
Nieces and Nephews: Matthew (Kim) Fey, Hawley, MN; Stacia (Terel) Beppu, Sunnyvale, CA; Christa Fey (Andy Werner), Moorehead, MN; Roy C. (Laura) Johnson, Kansas City, MO; Adam (Brittny) Johnson, Berthoud, CO; Collin Schott, Fargo, ND; Kara (Christian) Thompson, Fort Benning, GA; Laura (Garret) Bunn, Eagan, MN.
Grand Nieces and Grand Nephews: Jacob Fey, Cade, and Bram Beppu, Oliver and Pryor Johnson, Isaac and Zoe Johnson, Jack Werner. She was preceded in death by her parents Clifford Christ Schott and Idella Vernell Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Cindy’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of her mother Idella.
Memorial service to celebrate Cindy’s life is at Calvary United Methodist Church (4575 45th St S, Fargo, ND 58104) Saturday, December 7th at 2 pm.
Credit: InForum
Bob Scott | 1950-2019
Robert “Bob” Myron Scott
Bob Scott was born to Robert W. Scott and Hazel E. Scott (Benti) on December 21, 1950. He was their only child, as Hazel died in 1960. While Bob may not have had any biological siblings, the crew that grew up on the 1600 block of 1st Street North was his extended family. He always spoke fondly of the neighborhood and people he grew up with. Bob attended Washington Elementary, Ben Franklin Junior High School, and graduated from Fargo North in 1969.
Bob’s father managed the Kragnes Farmers Elevator in Moorhead, and this is where Bob cut is teeth learning what it meant to work. Once he got old enough, Bob worked for area farmers as a hired hand, but ultimately found his calling as a salesman for Fargo-Moorhead Jobbing, where he worked for 35+ years, retiring in 2010. Bob epitomized what it meant to be a service jobber, routinely starting his day at 3:30am to get to accounts before the morning rush. He would often deliver orders on his way home so accounts would not be out of product over the weekend.
In 1983 Bob married Julie Weckwerth in Montevideo, MN. The two settled on living in Fargo, and ironically enough bought a house on 1st Street but a few blocks north of where Bob grew up. They had two sons, Tyler and Sam. Bob enjoyed spending time at the family cabin on Lake Lizzie. Once Tyler and Sam became old enough to join Scouts, Bob became a very active leader in Troop 214, helping not only his sons but many other young boys develop into young men. Bob was a staple at the annual Golden-Brown Pancake Feed, and he was one of the founders of the annual Pitchfork Fondue. He always credited the Scouting program for allowing him to experience unique adventures with his boys.
Many people know Bob, but children may especially recognize him. He embodied Santa Claus for the Fargo Park District at Rheault Farm for over 10 years. Bob would often run into people who would comment that his picture was on their refrigerator. What he took the most pride in was getting to know the kids who came to see Santa. Parents would comment how their child had been to see another Santa but didn’t want to sit on his lap. Bob would start talking to the child, and before long he would have him or her on his lap, laughing, smiling, and telling Santa what their wish from him was. He would remember names and what children had asked for previous years. He made many skeptics into Santa believers.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel (1960); father, Robert (2004); and son Sam (2011). He is survived by his wife, Julie and their son, Tyler.
Credit: Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home
Eric Selberg | 1951-1970
Dan Holoien’s recollection as told to Jeffrey Kallestad:
According to Dan, Eric occasionally engaged in the practice of “drafting” behind a semi truck, which I am sure was a way of conserving energy on long rides. But Eric usually rode on the shoulder to avoid the cars that were traveling at much higher rates of speed.
The vehicle that hit Eric, had just passed another vehicle, which was trailing Eric and pulled back into the lane where Eric was riding, having failed to see him.
It was never clear why the driver failed to notice Eric, but as Karen pointed out, the sun was likely not a factor because it would have been behind them, as they traveled Eastbound on I 94 (not I 29).
Regardless, Eric’s death was an absolutely tragic loss for everyone that knew him, and I believe we all were denied the opportunity to see Eric fully realize the potential of his endless giftedness and genuine affection for people, biking, skiing, and music!
The slipstreaming story just proves what a quick study Eric was … lol
But, truth be told, he was such a cautious and competent rider, aside from the occasional miscue (that resulted in various degrees of road rash), the only way Eric was ever going to be seriously injured while riding, was at the hands of another person.
I love the Forum(?) clipping you have on your page with the picture of Eric on his bike (on the shoulder) … It is the perfect image of Eric that “freezes” him in time and memory!
The version from parents (by Karen Selberg-Lavelle, Eric’s sister):
They had told us the driver, an older middle-aged man, was looking at the golf course…? Whatever caused him to drift to the shoulder, he had that memory for the rest of his life. Something he had to deal with. I feel bad for him too.
That drafting caused him, at one time, a slight mishap. He hit loose gravel and fell. Yes, Eric fell. As he flew forward, he slid on his hands and knees. I don’t recall who picked him up, maybe Al. The two of them spent quite a long time removing all that gravel from hands and knees. Can’t recall how the bike faired, but Eric finally got cleaned up and healed up … as well as embedding that memory of slipstreaming a large vehicle.
My brother was killed two weeks after I graduated in 1970. I think it was June 11. I had just applied for a job at WDAY-TV. I walked into the lobby of the station, on 5th St. N. As I walked up to the receptionist, I saw the front page of the Forum with a large picture of the damaged bike on the ground by the car that hit him. The headlines did not have to tell me what the story was. I cried. I stopped by to talk to Jack Lester, who had approved my hiring (Having two parents who worked there years ago probably helped.) …to tell him that I would be unable to start when they wanted me to because of my brother’s death the day before.
Years later I remembered that my Dad and Bill Snyder were filming a public service announcement reminding drivers to be observant as they drive around town. Watch for children on bikes. The filming was my brother riding his bike down the street in front of our house. The next footage was his bike lying on the street…just in front of the car that hit him. The funeral was at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The church was full.I recall seeing numerous young people as well as adults. The young ones were a mixture of Eric’s classmates and friends as well as classmates of mine and my sister, Sam.
I will do some searching to see if I can find the obituary. I can also track down the funeral home listing if it is available.
Would someone please provide me with a contact from your Reunion Committee. I will provide a cd or memory stick of the recording Randy Heim had done of Eric play(ing) Beatles songs, Mason Williams’ “Classical Gas”, and some others. Being 19 years old and learning by ear rather than sheet music, I think you will be amazed at how well he played. Of course, many of you probably had the pleasure of listening to him at one time or another.
This was long. My apologies.
Thanks for all the kind comments you have left about my brother, Eric.
If you’re already a member of the Fargo North High School Friends 1969 Facebook group, click the image below to hear a 30-minute recording:
If you’re not yet a member of this Facebook group, click HERE to make that request.
Daniel Sexton | 1951-2019
Daniel “Dan” W. Sexton, 68, of Williston, North Dakota, passed away, Saturday morning, March 2, 2019, in Williston.
Dan was born on February 4, 1951, to Elbe and Kathryn Sexton in Fargo, North Dakota. He graduated from Fargo North High School and went on to NDSU graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree.
Dan taught school at the Fort Yates Reservation south of Bismarck, ND, for one year. His true calling was working with his hands in the outdoors. He and a friend ventured on to Williston, ND, and decided to stay because he fell in love with the town.
Dan met JoAnn Rabbe soon after moving to Williston. The two of them have been married for over forty years. JoAnn had five children, and Dan loved and raised the kids as his own.
He was an avid bicyclist in his younger days and always loved to read. His eyes would light up each time he received a new book. Dan was an outdoorsman and he loved the North Unit. He also had a great love of animals, especially his dog, Nicki. He enjoyed taking Nicki on walks.
Dan worked at Westland for a few years, then found his calling in the construction field. He worked for Wickum Construction for twenty-six years until his health issues prevented him from working. He has had various health issues over the past few years, which hampered him from doing all of the things he enjoyed doing. This bothered him immensely because he was “The Man.”
Dan is survived by his wife, JoAnn; daughter, Tammy Wright, and her daughter, Kealy; sons, Brian Hanson (Ken), Steve Hanson (Leslie); Tyrone Engelke, Shawn Galusha; sister, Carol Sexton; and many grandkids, great grandkids, and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbe and Kathryn; grandparents; and in-laws.
Dan loved everyone he came in contact with and he would give his shirt off his back if needed. His family was first and foremost in his life and he will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
The Everson Coughlin Funeral Home of Williston is caring for the family.
Credit: Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home
Tom Snyder | 1951-2001
Click HERE to view a newspaper clipping of Tom Snyder’s obituary.
Barry R. Sonsthagen | 1951-2017
Barry Sonsthagen, 65, beloved husband, brother, and friend passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2017, in Aurora, Colorado after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Sharon, of 39 years, his brothers, David, Jeff, Brian (Theresa), and sister Wendy (Kevin) Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Todd.
Barry was born in Fargo, North Dakota to Bernie and Marilyn (Barko) Sonsthagen, and graduated from high school there. In his early 20s, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Barry was fortunate to be stationed in Germany, and it was an experience he really enjoyed. Upon his return to Fargo, he attended college at NDSU. Then he began working with his father in the family’s RV business, which was the start of his lifelong career in recreational vehicle sales in ND and CO.
He met his wife Sharon in 1976 when he forgot his keys and locked himself out of his apartment. Neighbor Sharon happened to walk by and offered her kitchen chair to help him crawl into his window. Those of you that know Barry well, realize this type of thing happened occasionally … not meeting women this way, but forgetting his keys! They were married January 13, 1978 in Dickinson, ND. In 1986, Barry and Sharon moved to Colorado, one of their favorite places to hike. For hobbies, Barry especially enjoyed tinkering with anything mechanical, especially sports cars. He also loved biking, skiing, wine, and having friends evaluate his latest ale find. Besides Germany, Barry traveled with Sharon to Ireland, Spain, New Zealand, throughout the U.S., and had a special love for Hawaii. Barry will be so greatly missed by his wife, family, and friends.
Credit: Horan & McConaty
Donna Swanson Valento | 1951-2003
Donna Jean Swanson Valento, 52, passed away at home Saturday, June 21, 2003, in Auburn Hills, MI, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
She is survived by her son and two daughters, Bill (Wendey) Valento, Nikki Valento and Tasha Valento all of Forest Lake, MN. She is also survived by her parents, Blaine and Virginia Swanson of Fargo, 4 sisters and 1 brother, Connie (Jerome) Timm of Dadeville, AL, Cheryl of Fargo, Ron (Bernie) of West Fargo, Terri Martinez of Louisville, CO, and Deb (Glen) Dilly of Fargo. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Joe, Tom, Kaitlin, and Billy Valento and Madison and Emma Bowen. She also leaves behind her life-long friend, Vince Vallana of Auburn Hills and her Cooper Tire family. Her brother, Bradley, preceded her in death.
Donna was born April 15, 1951 in Albuquerque, NM. She graduated from Fargo North High in 1969 and moved to St. Paul. She moved to Auburn Hills in 1988. She worked for Cooper Tires as an AP Supervisor until Feb. 2003 when she was diagnosed with cancer. She will be missed by SO many people.
A memorial service was held Wednesday, June 25 in Auburn Hills. Another service will be held in St. Paul at a later date.
Credit: InForum
Mary Swanson Harrill | 1950-2011
Mary Harrill, age 60 of Corpus Christi, Texas passed away April 27, 2011, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born June 17, 1950, in Fargo, North Dakota to Edwin E. and Ruth (Borseth) Swanson. She was a 1969 graduate of North High School in Fargo, ND and was an Office Manager at numerous automobile dealerships until her health began to fail. She was the recipient of a double lung transplant in 2005 at Duke University Hospital, Raleigh-Durham, NC. Mary was a resident of Corpus Christi, TX the last 2 year of her life where she was an active member of Parkdale Baptist Church and the Gadabouts Red Hat Society. She is preceded in death by her parents and infant son Michael. Survivors include her sisters, Barbara Olson of Fargo, ND, Ernestine Stewart of Corpus Christi, TX, brother, Al Westfall of Seattle, WA, and sister, Phyllis Swanson Brandt and husband David of Hawley, MN; stepfather, Collin Wahl; numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at her church, Parkdale Baptist Church, 3875 So. Staples, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 Sunday, May 1, 2011, at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor E. C. “Yogi” Gaertner officiating. Interment will be at a later date at Riverside Cemetery in Moorhead, MN. The family extends their thanks and appreciation to the Doctors, Nurses and Hospital Staff at University Hospital in San Antonio, TX for all their concerns, kindness and wonderful care given to their loved one.
Credit: Dignity Memorial
Wayne Wilson | 1951-2019
Wayne Warren Wilson, 68, Bismarck, passed away on November 1, 2019, at Sanford Health.
Memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2019, at 1:00 pm, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 106 Osage Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 with Pastor Julie Anderson officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5:00-7:30 pm at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck with a prayer service starting at 7:30.
Wayne was born on August 25, 1951, in Fargo, ND, the oldest “WWW” son of Warren and Betty (Albert) Wilson. He was raised and educated in Fargo and graduated from Fargo North High School. Following graduation, he attended UND and played hockey for the Sioux. Wayne earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Hockey was a big part of his life, playing in high school, college and also a few years of Double AA, before moving to Bismarck, where he started the Century High School Hockey program and was the first head coach. He taught for over 30 years in the Bismarck Schools before retiring. Wayne was also a realtor and property manager in the Bismarck/Mandan area.
Anyone who knew Wayne knows the most important thing to him was his family. Wayne loved music, dancing and giving advice. A cabin on Big Cormorant Lake in Minnesota was one of his favorite places to spend time.
He is survived by daughters, Nicole (Bill) Grundel, Korie DeBruin and Stacey Wilson (Carl Bartell); Anita; grandkids, Levi, Logan, Lauren, Ben, Ethan, Madelyn and Birk; mother, Betty Wilson, Fargo; Brothers, William (Rhonda), Fargo, Warren (Sharon), Fargo, Wesley (Linda) Eugene, OR and Wade (Betty Jo), Fargo and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his dad, Warren Wilson and son -in-law, Mike DeBruin. Wayne will be remembered as an engaged and loving son, dad, grandpa, brother, brother-in-law and uncle.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to be sent to Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/giving-to-mayo-clinic/ways-to-give in memory of Wayne.
Go to www.parkwayfuneral.com to share memories of Wayne and sign the online guestbook.
Credit: InForum
Melanie Wroe | 1950-2014
Melanie Wroe, age 63, died peacefully at her Mercer Island home on October 27th, 2014 from non-small cell lung cancer.
Born December 29th, 1950 in Fargo, North Dakota, Melanie graduated from North High School. She then went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of North Dakota and a master’s degree in nursing at the University of Washington. Melanie was the Director of Nursing Education at Highline Community College before she retired to raise her children.
Over her years, Melanie created a warm, loving family with her husband, Allen Sussman, and sons Zach and Sam. She was also an accomplished barbershop performer, judge, and coach on regional, national and international stages within the Sweet Adeline organization.
Melanie is survived by her husband Allen, sons Zach and Sam, sister Jan, and brother Steve. She is preceded in death by her mother Elizabeth, father Howard, and brother Mark.
A funeral is scheduled for 6:00 PM on November 16th at Benaroya Hall, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either the American Cancer Society or Young Women in Harmony (a Sweet Adelines organization). Condolences can be sent to Allen Sussman.
Credit: The Seattle Times
Gail Zachgo |
