John A. Fuglesten

Prayer Service:

John Ardell Fuglesten, 80, of Fargo, North Dakota, formerly of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026, at St. Catherine’s South in Fargo.

John was born on January 28, 1946. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Buxton, North Dakota, and graduated from Climax Public School in 1964. He continued his education at Mayville State College, earning his Bachelor degree in 1969.

John proudly served his country through the United States Air Force and the North Dakota Air National Guard. He worked as an aircraft mechanic and crew chief with the North Dakota Air National Guard from 1966 until 1987, retiring at the rank of E-6, Technical Sergeant. While serving, he touched the lives of countless students through his role as math teacher and coach at Audubon Public School from 1969-1981. He also co-owned Audubon Hardware from 1976 to 1983. Following his military career, John worked for SJE-Rhombus for more than 20 years, eventually retiring as Executive Vice President.

John met the love of his life, Loretta Morehart, in Fargo, North Dakota. They were united in marriage on December 23, 1972, at Shelly Marsh River Lutheran Church. Together, they shared more than 53 years of marriage filled with love, family, and countless memories.

John was deeply committed to his community and to serving others. He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in rural Audubon for more than 53 years. He was also a member of the Audubon American Legion for 50 years and later became a member of the Lake Park American Legion. John proudly served as a volunteer firefighter for 26 years. He was active in the Audubon Jaycees and played an important role in helping establish the Detroit Lakes “Let’s Go Fishing” chapter, where he continued to volunteer.

John will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Loretta Morehart Fuglesten; his daughters, Amy (Matt) Martodam, Angie (Scott) Kurtz, and Amber (Sergio) Sanles; and Rod (Joalyn) Torgerson who was like a son to him. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ethan and Carson Blesie, Skyler and Landen Kurtz, Isaac and Amaya Sanles, Amelia and Sydney Torgerson, and Megan, Joe, and Jenna Martodam.

He is also survived by his sister, Carole Young; brothers, Gene Fuglesten and Gary (Deb) Fuglesten; sister-in-law, Lorna Fuglesten; brother-in-law, Randy (Kelly) Morehart; sisters-in-law, Hazel Becker, Sharon Ressler, Geri Morehart, and Monica (LeRoy) Brown; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Emma and John P; his son-in-law, Eric Blesie; his brothers, Palmer, Glen, and Robert Fuglesten; his sisters, Judy Gerszewski and Sonja Darling; sister-in-law, Kathy Fuglesten; brothers-in-law, Phil Gerszewski, David Young and Joe Darling; in-laws, Eugene and Anna Morehart; brothers-in-law, Thomas Becker and Rex Ressler; and nephew, Rick Becker.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Veterans Administration, including the VA Clinic in Fargo; the Palliative Care Team; the Hospice Team; and the staff at St. Catherine’s South for the compassionate care and kindness shown to John and his family.

John will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his service to his country and community, and the many lives he touched throughout his life. His memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.