OBITUARIES: Class of 1969 (A-J)
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.
Bill Boerth
1950-2021
William Edwin Boerth, 70, of Chesterfield, New Jersey, passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton, NJ.
Born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota, Bill graduated from Fargo North High School in 1969. Bill came East to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated with the class of 1973 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering. He was proud to serve in the Army and after his time of service, he returned to Fargo to work in the family business, Boerth Frame & Mirror Company, Inc., with his father, Walter and brother, Richard.
While living in Fargo, Bill became interested in local government through his involvement with the City of Fargo. He was appointed to the Fargo Parking Authority and several committees. He was president of the Island Park Neighborhood Association and a member of the Fargo Heritage Society. It was this community involvement that led Bill to continue his education and receive his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Harvard, Kennedy School of Government, graduating in 1984. He served as the Town Administrator for the Town of Tisbury, on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, was then appointed as the Borough Administration in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, and completed his career serving as the Administrator for the Borough of Metuchen, New Jersey, retiring in 2014.
Bill loved history, particularly military history, and the Civil War Era. He enjoyed participating in Civil War Reenactments for many years. He was a member to of the 1st Maine Cavalry Unit and the 3rd New Jersey Volunteers.
Bill loved animals and adored his cats and dogs. He and his wife, Corinne, settled in Chesterfield in 2003 where they created a beautiful home on a horse farm. His passion for the horses and the farm were truly a labor of love for Bill.
Predeceased by his parents, Walter H. and Edith (Thorsell) Boerth; he is survived by his wife of 46 years, Corinne (Weatherly) Boerth; his twin brother and his wife, Richard J. Boerth and Wendy Oberlin; his brother and his wife, Don and Lynne Boerth; his sister-in-law, Joanne Boerth; his brothers-in-law and their wives, Harold L., Jr. and Gayle Weatherly, and Ben L. and Dianne Weatherly; his two nieces and four nephews; his many dear friends; and his two dogs, two cats, and three horses whom he adored.
Private cremation services are under the direction of Saul Colonial Home. 3795 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ.
A private memorial service and interment services will be held at a future date.
Credit: Saul Funeral Homes
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.
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.
In 2008, Fleck was nominated to the Fargo North High School Hall of Fame.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. After four years of grassroots fundraising, Perham approved girls gymnastics as a high school sport in 2002 and two years later, Fleck began a run of 11 straight Minnesota Class 1A, Section 8 championships and eight straight Class 1A state championships from 2004-11, a record that still stands. 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 Gehrke
1951-2021
Jeff William Gehrke, 70 died peacefully at his home in Palawan, Philippines, August 24, 2021, after a long illness.
Jeff had served the Lord as a missionary for the last 17 years in the Philippines, and leaves a wife, Glory, and an adopted son, Jeffrey, whose parents were killed in a typhoon 11 years ago.
Jeff was born May 23, 1951, in Fargo, North Dakota, and graduated from Fargo North High School in 1969. Jeff graduated from NDSU in 1973. He paid his way through college working two jobs:
- one of the original waiters at then then-just-opened Old Broadway, and
- loading up bundles of papers in vans at the Fargo Forum right after his waiter shifts!
Jeff served in the US Army right after graduating from NDSU and was stationed in Germany. He traveled all over Europe on weekend passes while stationed there and loved to travel.
He ran a business for many years during the Christmas season dressing up as Santa Claus, which brought countless smiles and joy to hundreds of Fargo children during the 1970s. Jeff traveled over much of the US after the Army to search for the "perfect place" to begin his career, and settled on Lake Tahoe, Nevada. He worked for Gannett newspapers in Reno for many years until retiring, then followed his calling to serve the Lord.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father, William; mother, Phyllis; and brother, Robert. He leaves behind a sister, Barbara (Northfield, MN) and brother, Ted (Scottsdale, AZ).
Jeff was a brilliant light that touched many, many people and he will be greatly missed. Jeff was laid to rest in Palawan, a beautiful Island of Paradise.
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.
Steven D. Hanson
1951-2024
On Friday, January 26, 2024, in Sun City West, Arizona, Steven D. Hanson passed away at the age of 72. Born on March 27, 1951, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Howard and Betty (Anderson) Hanson, Steve was a beloved husband and devoted father.
From an early age, Steve had a passion for the hospitality industry. From bussing tables at the age of 13, to mastering the intricacies of the kitchen, Steve's innate talent and culinary expertise charted the course of his career. In 1971, Steve earned a Chef Management Degree from Northwest Technical College in Moorhead, Minnesota and relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, taking on the role of Chef at the Adams Hotel, a Wold Family Property. A unique opportunity compelled Steve to return back to Fargo with the Wold Family, opening the new Fargo Holiday Inn in 1972. From Chef to General Manager to Partner, The Fargo Holiday Inn not only became the canvas for his flourishing career but also the backdrop for the growth of his family.
On August 27, 1977, Steve married Eldean (Elli) Langlie. Over the course of their 46 years of marriage, they created unforgettable memories traveling the world, raised their two children, Andrew and Amy, and found immense joy in becoming grandparents to Mason and Wesley. Steve was a loyal and caring friend to many. He had a way with his words, they were always calculated, honest, full of knowledge and, when necessary, sarcastic.
Steve was a natural operator; he had an eye for detail and a work ethic that was commendable. Steve became a partner with the Wold Family forming Dakota Hospitality Company (DHC), a Hotel Management and Development company that managed various hotels spread over 6 states. Under his leadership, DHC had properties recognized and awarded for excellent quality service and operations by the International Hotels Group (IHG) and in 2000, he was elected to the Board of Directors for the International Association of Holiday Inns (IAHI) holding 2 terms. Steve was a founding board member of the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as the non-profit organization, Daily Bread.
Steve loved the game of golf. If he wasn’t on the course playing, he was watching it from afar. More importantly, he loved what the game gave him: lifelong friendships and heartwarming memories. He was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church in Fargo and a devoted Christian. In 2019, after 45+ years in the hospitality industry, Steve retired and together with Elli they embarked on a new journey as ‘snowbirds’ ... enjoying summers at Pelican Lake in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, and winters in Sun City West, Arizona.
We want to convey our heartfelt and sincerest gratitude to the nurses and physicians who played a crucial role at Banner Del E Webb Medical Center in Sun City West, Arizona, Dr. Mike Lillestol at IMA Healthcare in Fargo, North Dakota, and Dr. Gordon Grado at Southwest Oncology Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, for their compassion and exceptional care of Steve.
Steve was preceded in death by his father and mother, Howard and Betty, brothers Doug, Greg, Dennis, and Mike. He is survived by his wife Eldean (Elli), his two children, Andrew of Fargo, ND, and Amy Boen of Nixa, MO, grandsons Mason and Wesley Boen of Nixa, MO, several cousins, nieces, and nephew. At Steve's request a small private family gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of sending flowers or donations to the family, please consider donating to Cancer Research and the Fight Against Cancer.
Steve taught us the importance of love, gratitude and being humble. He challenged us to find joy in every day and to be grateful for every sunrise. We are extremely proud of him and his impact on our lives will forever carry on.
With love, Elli, Andrew & Amy
Caline Estelle Haugen
1949-2023
Caline E. Haugen was born November 22, 1949, in Minot, ND. She was the daughter of Edgar and Marian (Sanderson) Haugen.
She passed away peacefully in her sleep at Bethany Homes in Fargo, ND, July 7, 2023.
Caline loved swimming at the family lake home, she loved her pets, and she adored spending time with her niece and nephews. She was a fervent Bison football fan!
Caline graduated from Fargo North High School in 1969.
She is survived by one sister, Jayne (Brian) Hanson of Minnetonka, MN; two nephews, Brent (Leondra) Hanson of Wayzata, MN, and Wade (Michelle) Hanson of Lake Elmo, MN; and five grandnieces and nephews.
Caline was preceded in death by her parents and her niece, Susan Hanson.
A private family service is planned for the fall.
Credit: Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home
Paula Haugen Anderson
Gary Helmer
Janice Faye Hoff
-2014
Ann Hubbard Carman
-June 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 Jorgenson
Sharon Jorgensen Clary
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