Fran Romsdal – July 24, 2014

Francis Dale Romsdal.

Visiting Hours; 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Monday, July 28, 2014, at EddyFuneral Home.

Prayer Service; 7:00 PM, Monday, July 28, 2014 at Atonement Lutheran Church, Jamestown.

Funeral Service; 10:30 AM, Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown, with Pastor Scott Block officiating.

Francis Dale Romsdal completed his journey home, July 24th, 2014 at his house in Jamestown, ND surrounded by many family members. He was born in Oakes, ND December 3, 1950 to John Wendell Romsdal and Patricia Ann Brummund as the oldest of 4 siblings. He graduated from High School in Moorhead, MN as a Spud. Hockey was always a priority in his early years and his success landed him in the Spud hockey Hall of Fame. Fran went to the University of Minnesota Duluth to play goaltender for the “Bulldogs”. He later graduated in Civil Engineering from North Dakota State University. After working near Chicago for Atlantic Richfield for 3 years, he returned to North Dakota to help his family operate Central Sales Inc., Allis-Chalmers Dealership in Jamestown with his father and brothers. Fran enjoyed the many new and lifelong relationships he gained as he sold iron and was sales manager in the family business. He retired as President and General Manager from Central Sales December 31, 2013 after working 38 years.

Fran really enjoyed being very active in numerous community, state, regional, and national organizations. He served as a member of the Jamestown Lions Club for almost 40 years, serving as president more than once, Zone Chairman, Tail Twister, and other positions earning him many honors to include the Melvin Jones Award, the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation and had recently resigned as Vice Governor for District 5 NE due to his illness.

Other community favorites include being a Jimmie Booster for University of Jamestown, serving as local Chamber of Commerce President and serving on the State Chamber as Chairman of the Greater ND Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Jamestown committee, President of Jamestown Cabin Association, member of the Arts Center Foundation, former member and President of Jaycee’s, member of Atonement Lutheran Church, Elks member, and Retail and Ag Committee Chairman. He was also involved in city planning early in his return to North Dakota and was one of the founders of the Jamestown Community Foundation. He was instrumental in building Wilson Indoor Hockey Arena and other athletic fields throughout the community. Fran served as a mentor at the North Dakota Business Challenge and served as a long term Director and President of the North Dakota Implement Dealers Association. He also served as National Director of the North American Equipment Dealers Association.  In 2013, Fran was awarded Jamestown Citizen of the Year award. His favorite award though was “Best Grandpa” taking as much time as possible with all 15 of his grandchildren, to the dollar store, their sporting events, boating, tubing, golfing, or any other activity the kids could come up with. Parent rules were meant to be broken when Grandpa was around.

Golf was Fran’s favorite hobby and along with being a long term member, he served time as President of the Board at the Jamestown Country Club. Fran enjoyed coaching youth hockey and soccer in his younger years, playing cards, and sharing his lake cabin with friends and family and giving many pontoon rides. He enjoyed traveling the world and hosting friends and family at many gatherings.

Fran met Monica Peldo (Ellendale) in 2003 and eventually married on 12-12-12 at 12:12.

Between them, Fran and Monica have two daughters, five sons, and 15 PERFECT grandchildren. Kristi Romsdal & Steve (Miranda & Annalyssa Crenshaw) Apple Valley, MN, Jeffrey Romsdal (Easton, Vaughn, & Cecelia), Jamestown, ND, Todd & Brandi Lebahn, (Camden, Elleana, & Kasen) Moorhead, MN, Derek & Lisa Peldo, (Anthony & Evan) Clearbrook, MN, Josh & Barbie Peldo, (Brayton & Braddock) Ellendale, ND, Kayla & Beau Backman, (Tarynn & Benson) Bismarck, ND, Joseph Peldo, (Ellie) Omaha, NE. He is also survived by his mother Patricia Romsdal, two brothers, Stu (Kim) Romsdal, Bob (Lori) Romsdal and several nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his father, John and sister, Colette.

The family requests memorials in honor of Fran be sent to any of his favorite organizations, some of which include Jamestown Regional Medical Center Cancer Center, Jamestown Area Foundation, ND Lions foundation, Atonement Lutheran Church of Jamestown ND, Roger Maris Cancer Center of Fargo ND, or Jamestown Hospice.

Visiting Hours; 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Monday, July 28, 2014, at Eddy Funeral Home.

Prayer Service; 7:00 PM, Monday, July 28, 2014 at Atonement Lutheran Church, Jamestown.

Funeral Service; 10:30 AM, Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown, with Pastor Scott Block officiating.

Burial; Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown, ND

Arrangements by Eddy Funeral Home.

From 2013 Relay For Life – Jamestown, ND.