Fran Romsdal

FRAN OBIT

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 and was 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

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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 past-time. He was a long term member and past President of the

Jamestown Country Club. Fran enjoyed coaching youth hockey and soccer in his younger

years, playing cards, sharing his lake cabin with friends and family and giving many

pontoon rides. He enjoyed traveling the world, spending time at his home in Arizona, and

most recently attending the Masters golf tournament.

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 and

FRANtastic 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 (JRMC)

Foundation Cancer Center, Jamestown Area Foundation, ND Lions Foundation,

Atonement Lutheran Church of Jamestown ND.

Funeral Service; 10:30 AM. Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown

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

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

Burial; Highland Home Cemetery.