Jason Owen Thielges
November 23, 1977 ~ October 23, 2023
Born in:
Oakes, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Celebration of Jason’s Life:
https://vimeo.com/event/3848321
Prayer Service:
In a heartbreaking turn of events on the morning of October 23, 2023, the final whistle blew for Jason Owen Thielges, aged 45, of Fargo, ND. His memorial service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church – South Campus, in Fargo on Thursday, November 2, kick-off at 5 PM. Fans and well-wishers can visit with Jason’s family at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo Wednesday at 7:30 PM.
Jason, born on November 23, 1977, emerged as a standout player in life’s grand game. Raised in Enderlin, ND, he was a star on the field, playing football, basketball, baseball, and running track for the Eagles. His dedication, along with exceptional coaching and supportive teammates, led to successful seasons for Enderlin, including thrilling football playoff runs in 1994 and 1995, and a historic State Class B Tournament appearance in 1996.
Moving up the ranks, Jason continued to play on the gridiron, representing the University of North Dakota for three seasons before transferring to Valley City State University, where he completed his degree in business education in 2002.
Jason’s coaching journey commenced at Fargo South, where he donned the hat of assistant football coach among other roles. His most memorable moment came when he assumed the reins at Fargo Davies in 2009, becoming their first-ever football coach. This endeavor culminated in Class AAA football coach of the year awards in 2013 and 2014 and a triumphant State Football Championship in 2014. Recently, he was in his second year of teaching and coaching with the Moorhead Spuds.
On December 10, 2005, Jason married the love of his life, Cori (O’Connell), embarking on a loving and supportive partnership that led to establishing a home in Davenport, ND before building and settling in Fargo with three cherished children. Their oldest son, Owen, was born on October 31, 2006, their beautiful daughter, Tayte, on February 14, 2009, and their youngest son, Kellen, on May 29, 2012. Jason takes immense pride in their achievements and loves them so incredibly.
In addition to his dedication to the field and classroom, Jason’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to education and football. He extended his coaching skills to various sports, whether in the backyard with his children or through community youth activities. He found solace in the great outdoors, spending weekends pheasant hunting, monitoring trail cameras for deer, or angling for that elusive 30″ walleye. He shared these passions with his children and friends, creating unforgettable moments.
To know Jason, was to love him. He had an uncanny ability to be a fierce competitor while also putting others at ease with his calming demeanor. Being around him meant laughing at his smart, witty one-liners or his animated story-telling. He had a way with words, giving the best advice and he loved a good debate. He enjoyed taking long naps at the family lake cabin, Mt. Dew, Nacho Cheese Doritos and always the first to jump in to play a card or board game, likely turning the innocent family game into a competitive showdown. He excelled at everything he set his mind to whether it be one of his many hobbies, teaching, coaching or even drawing a picture for a young niece or nephew. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his sense of humor, work ethic and his unwavering love of family.
Jason is survived by his beloved wife, Cori, and their children, Owen, Tayte, and Kellen, all of Fargo; his mother, Deb, of Enderlin, brother: Travis (Stephanie) Lincoln; sisters: Karla (Jace) Carter, Walcott, and Krista (Kyle) Kjelland, Litchville, four nephews and four nieces and Cori’s parents Steve Sborov and Zee O’Connell.
Jason was preceded in death by his father, Leon, grandparents: Paul and Cordula Thielges (LaMoure), and Owen and Janette Gunderson (Marion).
Jason’s legacy has left an indelible mark on our world, and our family is immensely grateful for the outpouring of support from the North Dakota and Minnesota communities that were touched by his enduring spirit. In this final quarter, Jason’s memory will forever be etched in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes to donate in Jason’s honor may make a contribution to his children’s college fund via Fargo Public Schools Credit Union.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo. To sign the online guest book, and to view a livestream of the services, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Services
Visitation - Wednesday: November 1, 2023 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Prayer Service - Wednesday: November 1, 2023 7:30 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Visitation - Thursday: November 2, 2023 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Hope Lutheran Church Fargo, South Campus
3636 25th St S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-6629
https://www.fargohope.org/
Funeral Service - Thursday: November 2, 2023 5:00 pm
Hope Lutheran Church Fargo, South Campus
3636 25th St S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-6629
https://www.fargohope.org/
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You will live in our hearts forever, with deepest sympathy…
I still have a copy of the “fake” letter of recommendation he wrote for me my senior year at Davies; he created a letterhead and printed it out and signed it and everything, just for it to be a prank. It still makes me laugh when I read it.
Jason and our son played basketball against each other when they were very young. Heartfelt sympathies to all of his family.
Dear Cori and family,
We are so very saddened by Jason’s death and know it will be a difficult road ahead without him. Our memory of Jason is of a great dad, athlete and outdoorsman. From the testimonials, he was also a very beloved teacher to his students and football team. He obviously has supported and taught his students many life lessons which they will carry with them. We pray for comfort and forgiveness during this time. You are surrounded by love…
Sending love and prayers to you Cori and family. I’m so heartbroken to hear this news. A big virtual hug. May you find some small comfort in the outpouring of love for Jason and all those he impacted throughout his life.
Cori,
Thinking of you and your family.
He was loved by all and will be missed.
Cori and Family,
I am so very sad for your loss. Jason was my Jr High Football coach, a teacher as well as a competitor in after school basketball games in high school way back in 2004-2006. Those after school games against the teachers were incredibly competitive and fun. He is one of the coaches and mentors myself and my friends continue to recall fondly to this very day in our adult lives due to the relationships he built with us. He was truly a fantastic role model to all of us.
I feel so incredibly deeply for your family knowing how challenging this time is. Know that we are praying for you all, and Jason during this time. Sending our love.
I remember signing up for your personal finance class after my mother told me money just burns through my pocket. Little did I know not only was my sister in the same period but it was the only class I looked forward to throughout the day. You kept the class professional but knew how to keep it so exciting at the same time. My favorite was when you got tired of my sisters foolishness and her constant bullying so you made the entire google classroom background a picture of her “beautiful” face and all we could do is laugh. I love when that memory pops up in my photos. Not only was it the silliness I appreciate but I could also come to you at anytime I was stressed and you would be there to quide me in the right direction. I’m sad to see you go so soon but I’m proud to see the legacy you left and the impact you have made on not only me but many of my peers aswell. You will forever be missed.
He was a assume teacher and even better coach to have
During my first few years at Fargo South, JO was one of my closest friends. During the school day and through our extracurriculars (we coached during the same seasons), we spent a lot of time together. Although it has been a while since we’ve seen each other, I still considered him a dear friend.
You’ll be missed, friend.
Our Hearts are breaking for all of you. there is nothng to say at this time that can ease the pain and we are sure the time will seem like forever but our prayers are with you for all the love , admiration everyone had for Jason will help it pass amd help you through this difficult time. again our sympathies to you all.
Cori and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May you be held close by the love of your family, friends, and AGD sisters. My deepest sympathy.
Thielges family,
Deepest sympathies for all of you. I had the opportunity play for JO at Fargo South from 04-06’. JO was an absolute players coach. He poured his heart into the games he loved and it was infectious to all of us who were fortunate to be around him. More importantly he cared for the kids he coached and taught. He personally took any extra time he had to work with me at the receiver position and knew how to find ways to bring out the best in you. He stressed the importance of school and investing in yourself for a successful future.
JO will always be remembered by those who had the opportunity to spend time with him. Prayers to the Thielges family during this difficult time. Rest in peace JO
I enjoyed JO immensely during my pastorate at Enderlin years ago and the whole family as well. God be with til we meet again.
RIP Jason. While teaching at South with you, I could always expect a laugh and some funny remark. Deepest sympathy to the family.
Davies alum here, class of 2014- I never took a business class and I’m certainly not a football player, yet I absolutely knew who Mr. Thielges was, always heard positive things from other students, and saw his smile around school frequently. Sounds like he was that kind of guy, such a presence for so many. Sending all my love to his family now and in the days ahead.
My prayers 🙏 ✝ are with you during this difficult and sad time of loss. God’s Blessings to all he touched.
Cori and Family,
What seems a long time ago,I hired Jason to teach and coach at Fargo South. I knew he was going to be an exceptional teacher, coach and colleague. His passing happened so early in a career where he touched so many lives, both student and peers. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and for jason. May he rest in peace.
Dear Debbie and family, thoughts and prayers to you during this difficult time. God bless you with wonderful memories. Dale and Diane Muske
My name is John and I live in Cape May and I came across this obituary by chance, I’m sorry for your loss hearing. Other people’s testimony of how wonderful he was made me cry. I will say some prayers for you and your family and it’s difficult time. He must have been awonderful husband and father May the piece of the Lord be with you and yours
Dear Cori & family,
Sending my love to you all during this difficult time. I pray you feel the love of those surrounding you near and far. And, for the peace and comfort of God to be with you all.
Love,
The Tracy-Milroy- Balaton Football Program
I am so sorry for your loss. I also taught with Jason at FSH. He was well respected by his peers and he impacted so many students. May your family find peace as you grieve and remember his life. RIP, Jason.
Hoping that the comfort of friends and the power of prayer provide you comfort during this very difficult time. Donna Aho (coworker at South & Davies HS)
My family has a three-generation connection with the Thielges family. My husband, Phil coached BB in Lisbon when Leon was coaching BB in Enderlin. As you can imagine, there was a lot of bantering during those years. Our son played Bronco basketball against Jason’s Enderlin Eagles. And our grandson played basketball with Owen in the Fargo Davies program. We are so sorry; our heart aches for all of you. Sending prayers for you to experience God’s comfort.