Fred J Thomasson

Frederick Johann Thomasson (West Fargo, ND), devoted husband and father, died at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND on September 8, 2016 from the effects of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family and friends.

Fred was born in Grafton, ND on April 30, 1947 to Joe and Dorothy (Arason) Thomasson. He attended Edinburg High School (graduating class of 1965) and then became a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at NDSU (graduating class of 1969).

In 1969 he married the love of his life, Susan Dawne Erovick. In 1972 they bought their first farm in Leeds, ND where Fred worked for the USDA Conservation Service as a conservation resource officer. They then decided to move home and bought a farmstead in rural Park River in 1978 where they raised their two children, Jim and Kathy. Horses, border collies, tractors and old pick-up trucks were a fixture on the Thomasson farm for all the years of their life together there.

In 1978 Fred entered the teaching profession as the shop and ag teacher at Park River High School. Generations of students learned practical lessons in carpentry, mechanics, and life from “Mr. T” during his 31 year teaching career. Fred also gave much time outside of the classroom to the PRHS Future Farmers in America club as their advisor. Fred taught and modeled leadership and good character to hundreds of FFA students, which sometimes included the opportunity to guide trips to “National FFA” in Kansas City, Louisville and other places – giving many kids their first experience traveling out of the state.

In 2010 Fred and Susan moved to West Fargo to be closer to their children and grandchildren where he worked as Building Manager at Boulevard Square until his death.

Fred was a lifetime member of the National Education Association, held the honorary chapter degree for the Future Farmers of America – and he was a proud Icelander (he grew up on a farm just outside Gardar, ND – serious Icelandic country!).

Fred is survived by his wife of 47 years Susan (Erovick), his son James (Jessica) Thomasson, his daughter Kathleen (Paul) Gross, his four grandchildren (Colton and Zachary Thomasson, McKenna and Dylan Gross – all of whom gave him great joy in the last 15 years of his life!), his sister Doreen (Floyd) McLeod, his brother Bob (Denise) Thomasson, his brothers-in-law (Greg (Donna) Erovick, Tom (Lorna) Erovick) and sisters-in-law (Patty (Randy) Boushek, Candy (Curtis) Simon, Carolyn (Todd Berning) Molland) and 19 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father (Joe and Dorothy Thomasson), his mother and father-in law (Art and Ardith Erovick), and his brother-in-law (Tim Erovick).

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Essentia Health doctors, nurses, and respiratory care staff, and especially Dr. Praveen Jinnur, for their compassionate care throughout Fred’s illness.

Services will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (Park River, ND) at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 13, 2016. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7 at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Memorial Park Cemetery of Park River.

Fred made people smile. He devoted himself to his family (making time for every one of his grandchildren’s varied activities!). And he lived a good life, showing all who knew him what it meant to be honest and true. Fred will be missed.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.