Gregory Oeder

Gregory Raymond Oeder, age 70, of Devils Lake, ND, passed away surrounded by family at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND, on June 16th, 2022.

Gregg was born in Fargo on October, 23, 1951, to Harry and Gladys (Kuhn) Oeder. He grew up in Sheldon, ND, and graduated from Sheldon High School in 1969. He attended North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND), Bottineau State College, and earned his Bachelor degree in Psychology from Minot State University.

After receiving his degree, Gregg began his life-long career in the opticianry field. He began by managing optical retail centers in Wisconsin as he pursued certification as a Master in Opthalmic Optics from the American Board of Opticianry (ABO). Once certified, Gregg returned to North Dakota as the only ABO-certified Master in North Dakota to practice in a number of clinics throughout the Fargo-Moorhead and Valley City area. In 2006, Gregg relocated to Devils Lake, ND, and worked at the Eye Clinic until his retirement in 2019.

Throughout his life, Gregg enjoyed many hobbies. He first shared his love of photography through teaching in Eau Claire, WI. When he returned to the Fargo area, he teamed with his sister, Karen Speten, operating Gregg Oeder Photography which served a variety of special occasions: weddings, graduations, church confirmations, dance studio sittings, and family reunions. During his stint as the Mayor of Sheldon, ND, Gregg spearheaded creation of horseshoe pits and participated in local leagues and tournaments. Early on, Gregg enjoyed golfing, golf club repair, and continued to religiously follow the PGA on television. Later in life, Gregg developed a love for cycling, invested in his own road cycles, and improved his health through a regimen of daily mileage. Gregg rode 60 miles on his 60th birthday and had hoped to ride 70 miles on his 70th; instead, he regaled his family members each year with a play-by-play of every Tour de France event. In 2018, Gregg celebrated both hobbies by seeing his cycling heroes at the 2018 Tour of California and walking the 18th hole at Pebble Beach when he visited Monterey, CA. An avid sportsman, Gregg enjoyed fishing, archery, and firearms. He frequently taught youth hunter safety courses and archery classes at Lake Region State College in Devils Lake. While a member of the Sandhills Archery Club in West Fargo, ND, Gregg helped to establish the club’s first-annual disabled hunt and was a founding member of the Sandhills Archery Exhibition Team.

Gregg is survived by his sister, Karen (Kenneth) Speten, niece Kendall (Luke) Speten-Hansen, nephew Karey (Michelle) Speten and family Cameron and Kayla. He is also survived by his aunt Doris Oeder, cousins Larry Nelsen, Teresa Cleveland and Steve Oeder. His dry humor will also be remembered fondly by his family, fellow sportsmen, former coworkers, and other community friends. Gregg is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts Effie Nelsen and Myrtle Oeder, and uncle Harold Oeder.

The family would like to thank the Steve Lang family for their tireless neighborly helpfulness and Nancy Weaver and Adrian Volk for their friendship and support. Also, a special thank you to Reverend Dwight Meier for officiating the memorial service and to Delmere McLean for sharing his musical talent.

In honor of Gregg’s life-long career as a Master Optician and his service with the Lions Club, International, a memorial fund has been established to support optical transplants and research. Donations can be mailed to Dakota Lions Sight and Health, in care of Gregory Oeder Memorial Fund, to 4501 W 61st St N, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107. Contributions are preferred in lieu of flowers.