George Esperum

George Esperum Jr. was born in Valley City, ND on April 6, 1948. He passed away in Fargo on June 17, 2023 after a short battle with cancer.

He was born to George and Lucille Esperum of Marion, ND and was the youngest of 13 children. After his father’s retirement from the railroad, the family moved to Fargo where he graduated from Fargo High School in 1966. George worked for Ralph Rilling at his service station on Main Ave.

In 1968 he married Susan Evans and they welcomed their first son, George James. George was active in running the drag strip during those early years. In 1972 they moved to Susan’s home town in western Montana where he started his lifetime career in the car business. During their time in Montana, he received training at General Motors Auto Body School in Tigard, OR.

In 1974 they returned to the Fargo area and he ran his own body shop. He and his brother, Kenneth, spent many evenings working on a race car and both families could be found at the races in West Fargo or Glyndon. We all looked forward to “George’s Flamin’ 50” thrilling race fans!

In 1976 Jason Allan was welcomed into the family. Unfortunately, their marriage later ended in divorce. George continued to be a “bachelor” the rest of his life.

In the late ‘70’s and early ‘80’s George was working construction when he ran across an old acquaintance, Dean Thune from Dean’s Auto Sales. That began a car dealing and selling relationship that lasted over 30 years and was where George was the happiest.
In the early ’80’s Playboy printed a travel blog saying that Elvis had been spotted in Fargo and that he had met Gorgeous George at Dean’s Auto Sales. George loved to share that article!

A highlight for George was a trip to Phoenix to see his older son and was joined by his brother Dennis to see the Winston Cup at Phoenix International Raceway.
George is survived by his two sons, George and Jason (Sarah). He is also survived by grandchildren, Miranda (Jason) Lord, Ericka Esperum, Logan Esperum, Lucy Esperum, Quinn Esperum and Langden Esperum. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Lilly Lord. He is survived by two sisters, Lois Ann Ross and Irene Wendt both of MN and many, many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his companion of many years, Dody Cossette.
He was preceded in death by brothers: Gordon, Kenneth, Robert, Richard, Marlin, Dennis, Jim and Larry; and sisters Gladys Anderson and Alice Larson.
He will be laid to rest with private family service and there will be a time and location for memories and anecdotes at a later time to be announced.