OBITUARIES: Class of 1969 (K-R)
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 (below) by Nancy Promersberger Novak: ” … a piece that her family put in the paper a year after she died.”
Ronald Larry Larson
1951-2024
Ron Larson, age 73, of Andover, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024. Ron was born in Moorhead, MN. Ron graduated from Fargo North High School in 1969 and Moorhead State College in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts. He received his Master of Fine Arts from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, in 1977. Ron was a well-loved English and Theater teacher at Anoka High School for over 30 years, retiring in 2009. He enjoyed buying and selling antiques and started a small business from this hobby, Ron Larson Antiques. He was a loving son who called his mom every day, and visited her frequently. Ron loved going out to eat and socializing with friends.
He will be deeply missed. He is preceded in passing by his parents, Eddie and Amy; and his half-brother, Victor Stende. Ron is survived by his cousins, Emily (Eldon) Larson, Gwen (Rick) Ryder, and Linda Finch; good friends, Gary and Janet DeGuise; and many other friends and cousins.
Join us to celebrate Ron’s life on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Gearhart Anoka, 552 East River Rd, Anoka, MN. Visitation at 6 pm with service at 6:30 pm. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Riverside Cemetery in Fargo, North Dakota.
Credit: Gearhart Anoka Chapel
Marcia Lou Lindsay
1951-2022
Marcia Lou Lindsay, 70, of Fargo, North Dakota, died Sunday, June 12, in Moorhead Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Marcia was born in Fargo on November 30, 1951, to Albert and Doris (McCasland) Lindsay. She attended grade school in Fargo, junior high in Dickinson, ND, and graduated from Fargo North High School in 1969. She attended the University of North Dakota and later graduated from NDSU.
Other than living and working for a few years in Seattle and a year in New Hampshire, Marcia spent her life in Fargo, working as a secretary or administrator for various local firms.
She loved dogs and spent many years pet sitting for owners. She also was a strong FM Redhawks fan and a long-time season ticket holder, but her greatest love was the Bison football team. She attended dozens of games, many of them on the road.
Marcia was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her brother Bruce (Jeanne) Lindsay, Detroit Lakes, her nephew Brian (Ashley) Lindsay, Spring, TX, and niece Jessica Lindsay, Stillwater, MN, as well as many cousins on both sides of her family.
A celebration of life date will be announced later. Please send any memorials to Hospice of the Red River Valley. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Marcia Lou Lindsay please visit our Sympathy Store.
Credit: Hanson Runsvold
Amoret McCullough Hinckley
1951-2021
Amoret was born Amoret Carol McCullough in Fargo, ND, on April 17, 1951.
She began attending NDSU summer classes while in high school, entering UND at 17 as a Junior. She was interested in theater among other topics and graduated with a Bachelors in Communication.
In 1971 she married Duane Fish of Karlstad, MN. They traveled at the dictates of the army, including a year in Germany, and eventually settling in Grand Forks, ND.
She remained active in community theater after her divorce.
She worked at Olson's Garden Center, rising to manager before eventually buying the business with her second husband James Hinkley, whom she married in 1988. Later, they moved to Minneapolis to be closer to her daughter Elizabeth, where Amoret worked as an office manager and then in computer technical support.
She returned to Grand Forks, where she worked for Amazon before her retirement in 2012.
She was a master gardener, quilter, photographer, and cook.
She died of natural causes at home in Sharon, ND.
Preceded in death by her mother Dorothea McCullough and father Starling McCullough, she is survived by her husband, James Hinkley; daughter Elizabeth McCullough; grandson Osceola Erikson; brothers Paul and Donald McCullough; and nephew Kelly McCullough.
Credit: Quam-Plaisted-Cushman Funeral Home
Denis Mertz
1951-2023
Denis Mertz, 71, Valley City, N.D., died Friday, June 30, 2023, in Sanford Medical Center.
Denis Mertz was born on September 13, 1951, to Harold Mertz, Sr., and Ethel Mertz. He graduated from Fargo North High School in 1969 and married Melody Kinslow in 1973. Together they had four children: Scott, Corey, Jason, and Jennifer. All remain in Fargo.
Denis earned a living being a plumber and a pipe fitter.
Personally, he:
- enjoyed late-model and hobby stock racing. [He was a proud Corvette owner.]
- entered (and won) cooking competitions at the Cass County Fair. [He is known as a Cheesecake Baker Extraordinaire in the Fargo North Class of 1969 and shared many of his winning recipes with our group.]
- loved being a snowbird, spending the winters in his motorhome in Arizona.
He is survived by his ex-wife Melody and his four children: Scott (Hollie), Jennifer (Casey) Bratholt, Corey, and Jason. Also, a brother Harold (Betty), niece Tanya (Paul) Dockter and nephew Dean (Chris). He had four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Ethel Mertz. He will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens near his parents.
He will forever be remembered by the Fargo North Class of 1969 for his friendly smile, his quiet demeanor and his love for cheesecake.
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.orgVisitation 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.
William Pearson
1950-2022
William "Bill" Lee Lowe Pearson, 71, of Stockton, MO, passed away Monday, October 31, 2022.
He was born November 14, 1950, in Pelican Rapids, MN to Lawrence and Dolores Pearson.
Bill graduated from Fargo North High School in 1969 and served in the Air National Guard from 1969-1977. He attended St. Luke Hospital's School of Nursing in Fargo, ND from 1975-1977 and went on to attend St. Luke Hospital's School of Anesthesia from 1980-1982. He spent many of his happiest moments camping, hunting, and fishing, and loved sharing these pastimes with his children and grandchildren. He was a loyal and passionate fan of the Minnesota Vikings and NDSU Bison football, and never shied away from a "dad joke" or a pun. He proudly served as a Cub Scout leader when his sons were young and sang bass in many church choirs throughout his life. After decades of hard work and dedication practicing anesthesia in numerous hospitals across the Midwest, Bill retired to Stockton, MO, where he enjoyed spending time at Korth Senior Center.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Frederick and Richard.
Bill is survived by the 4 children he shared with his first wife, Mary (Ramsett) Pearson, and their families: Travis Pearson of Wake Island, HI, and daughters Kayleigh Mousa, Autumn Luna, Aimee Robertson, and Mia Pearson; Dan (Jamie) Pearson of Urbandale, IA, and sons Isaac and Desmond; Brianna Pearson Terry of Casa Grande, AZ and son Evan Pearson and daughter Elliot Terry; and Stephanie Pearson of Mexico, MO. Bill's first great-grandchild will be joining the family in late 2022. He is also survived by his siblings Jim (Peri) Pearson, Mary (John) Challey, Peg (Fran) Rash, Karen Elliott, Pam Hanson, and Bob (Stanley Wickham) Pearson, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Services will be held at 12:30 PM Tuesday, November 15, at Korth Senior Center in Stockton, MO. Services in Fargo, ND will follow in the late spring of 2023.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Korth Senior Center. One may also honor his memory catching a Vikings game, taking a kid fishing, or simply taking a moment to enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors.
Credit: Legacy
Mitchell Pedersen
1951-2022
Mitchell Pedersen died at his home in Roseville, MN on October 23, 2022.
Mitch was born on January 16, 1951 to Nancy and Delbert Pedersen in Valley City, ND. Mitch graduated from Fargo North High School in 1969. He was a proud to be a Spartan. Mitch served in the US Navy from 1970 to 1973.
He attended Great Lakes Training Center for bootcamp. He served on the USS Leonard F Mason, DD852, a guided missile destroyer. He served on two West Pac tours during the Viet Nam conflict. Mitch was an experienced “Tin Can Sailor”. He attained the rank of QM3. He was a Shellback. He saw the world in the Navy with stops in New Zealand, the Philippines, Australia, and the coast of Vietnam. He had several West Coast ports of call.
Mitch attended Moorhead State University graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Cum Laude. He was a member of the MSU Vets Club. He was a big brother to the Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
He spent his career in the banking arena; a Controller for American Bank in Moorhead and software information analyst for Agribank in Saint Paul. He finished his career testing banking and health insurance software for various firms. He successfully retired in 2017.
He was engaged to Elizabeth (Libby) Whittier in 2017. He shared many wonderful years of outdoor activities, music festivals and theater with Libby. Mitch and Libby volunteered at the Yellow Tree Theater in Osseo. They enjoyed visiting the Minnesota North Shore annually. She was his Libby.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Wigen Pedersen, his father Delbert Pedersen and his mother Nancy Pedersen.
He is survived by his sister Wanda Stein, and his brother, Ed (Tracy) Pedersen.
A military service will be scheduled at the Fargo National Veterans Cemetery in May 2023.
Credit: InForum
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, and 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 Rosatti
1951-2023
John R. Rosatti, 72, Rotonda West, Florida, passed away Saturday, April 15, 2023, in Florida.
John was born March 10, 1951, in Fargo, ND. He was raised by Joseph L Rosatti and Bert Cobb Rosatti. After graduation, John served proudly in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam Era.
John had a long career employed in the automotive industry at several dealerships most of it in Minot and later in Bottineau. He met his wife Lucy in Minot and after 26 years of auto business they moved to Long Lake, then later to Lake Metigoshe, Bottineau, ND. After many enjoyable years there, he had one more move in him. He and Lucy sold the snow shovels and moved to sunny Florida for the rest of his life.
As an avid golfer, living in Florida, he was disappointed that he was unable to enjoy the sport as health issues made it too difficult.
John was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lucy; daughter Patricia Rosatti; son, Kevin Anderson; grandson, Landon Rosatti; sister, Coleen Daeley; and many relatives, including in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Bert Rosatti; and sister, Jane Hampson.
A memorial service will be held on June 16, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home in Minot, ND.
A fellowship will be held at the Grand Hotel on North Broadway to which all are invited.
In honor of John and in lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the animal rescue of your choice.
Credit: Thompson-Larson Funeral Home