Richard (Dick) Fagenstrom, 85
Richard (Dick) Fagenstrom, 85, died at home in Surprise AZ on Dec. 23, 2006 after a short battle with cancer.
He was born on Nov. 13, 1921 in Great Falls, Mont., to Joe and Myrtle Fagenstrom. He graduated from Great Falls High School in 1939. Dick attended Montana State College in Bozeman for two years before he was called to serve in the US Army during World War II. He served in Germany where he was the recipient of both a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Upon his return, he married Joy Walker in Basin, Wyo. July 27, 1946.
Dick returned to Bozeman and got his Industrial Engineering degree in 1947. Upon completion, he worked for a few years for his father with the Fagenstrom Company in Great Falls in construction. Their oldest daughter Jane was born during this time.
In 1948, looking for some adventure he and Joy moved to California where he worked as an industrial engineer for several years. They then moved to Manderson, Wyo., where they raised sugar beets and cattle for 10 years. Four more children, Nancy, Susan, Janis and Joe joined the family.
In 1964, the family moved to Great Falls, Mont., where he worked for Equitable Life Assurance Society.
In 1970, they moved to Eastport, Idaho, where he worked as a customs officer until he retired in 1986.
For several years, he and Joy enjoyed traveling between their homes in Arizona and Northern Idaho.
In 1999, they made their permanent home in Surprise, Ariz.
Dick was a lifelong learner and teacher. He bought a computer in 1980, knowing that they were the wave of the future and enjoyed keeping up to date with current technology.
He enjoyed playing golf, woodworking, was an awesome pianist, enjoyed playing bridge and sharing those skills with others.
He had a special pride and love for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dick is survived by his wife, Joy of 60 years, his daughters and their spouses, Jane (Duane) Congleton of Phoenix, Ariz.; Nancy (Ron) Marks of Missoula, MT; Susan (Eric) Doering of Colfax, Wash.; Janis (Jim) Tucker of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; and his son Joe (Billie) Fagenstrom of Grass Valley, Calif.
He is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Gwen (Jason) Brahler of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Brian (Sundae) Congleton of Seattle, Wash.; Erik Marks of Ajo, Ariz.; Isaac Marks of Bozeman, Mont.; Liz Marks of Missoula, Mont.; Megan Doering of Wuxi, China; Kyle Doering of Spokane, Wash.; Kinsey Doering of Colfax, Wash.; James Tucker of Surprise, Ariz.; Jodi (Chad) Booth of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Austin Tucker of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; Adam and Emily Fagenstrom of Grass Valley, Calif.; and five great-grandchildren, Josie, Juniper and Tessa Brahler, Reese Congleton and Katie Booth.
He is also survived by his sister Doris (Peter) Cladouhos of Great Falls, Mont., many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his brother Jim and his parents.
Memorial service was held on Jan. 3, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 13724 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West, Ariz., with the Rev. Barbara Bengston officiating. Interment followed at the National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656.