Thomas Allan Vagle, 86, Valley City, ND passed away at SMP Health-St. Raphael in Valley City while under hospice care on April 3, 2023.  A memorial service will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Epworth United Methodist Church, Valley City.  Military honors will take place at the church, and he will be laid to rest at the ND Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan, ND at a later date.  The services will be live streamed, then archived, on a link provided along with his obituary on his tribute page at www.lerudmathias.com.  An online guestbook is available there as well.  The Lerud Mathias Funeral Home in Valley City is assisting Tom’s family with arrangements.

Thomas Allan Vagle was born December 3, 1936, the only child of Hans and Laura Vagle who’d immigrated to the United States from Norway.  He attended school in Valley City, ND, graduating in 1954.  As a young man, he delivered the local newspaper and was a bell hop at the Rudolph Hotel.

In 1953, he joined the ND National Guard and was a member of Company G 164th Infantry.  In 1955, he joined the US Navy, serving on the USS Wiseman, a destroyer escort.  Following his Navy service, he rejoined the ND National Guard serving 14 years as First Sergeant and another 4 as Command Major.  Tom was a full-time career counselor with the National Guard and retired in 1996, having served 43 years.  He received many military awards including the Recruiting and Retention award in Washington, DC.

On September 22, 1961, he married Diana Baasch Norman.  They raised 4 children, Pam Wollman, Dan Vagle, Todd (Sheila) Vagle and Mary (HJ) Norman.  Those children blessed them with 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and a great great grandchild.

Tom loved to sing.  He sang in the church choir over 50 years and was one of the founders of the Valley Troubadours, singing with them for 35 years.  He and Diana loved to travel and dance, and especially visits with the kids and their families.

He leaves behind his wife, children, grandchildren, and many in-laws and friends.  Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Laura; in-law parents, Clayton and Beatrice Baasch; and brothers-in-law, James and Dale Baasch.

The Vagle family suggests memorials be directed to the ND Veteran’s Cemetery, CHI Home Health and Hospice, Epworth United Methodist Church, or to the charity of your choice.