Jerome Spaeth

Jerome H. Spaeth, age 92, Fargo, North Dakota died on 08/22/2018. He was born in Mahnomen, MN on 06/18/1926, the fourth of fifteen children born to Lillian and John Spaeth. He attended school in Mahnomen until he was 15, when he moved to the west coast to work in the shipyards. At age 18, he was drafted into the army where he was trained as a tail gunner on B-29 bombers. He was stationed in Adak, AK, where he served as an aircraft inspector. After the war, he attended St. John’s University and later, North Dakota Agricultural College (now North Dakota State University) in Fargo, where he received a degree in civil engineering. He married Betty Wilson on 08/12/1949 and they resided in Valley City, ND where he worked for the USDA Soil Conservation Service. He eventually moved to Bismarck where he and Betty continued to raise their ten children. After retirement they settled in Fargo, ND. Although he was a civil engineer, his real passion in life was farming. His love of the land was present throughout his life. He was devoted to his family and was an exceptionally good card player (just ask him). He had a special gift of engaging people in conversation and showing a genuine interest in their lives. His wit and gentle demeanor brought joy and comfort to all those lucky enough to cross his path. He is survived by his children, Kitty (Tom) Teigen, Becky (Mike) Shaheen, Janice Spaeth, Bonnie (Ken) Bremer, Laurie (Ted) Schepper, Paul (Kelly), Sid, Nancy (Robin) Gentry, Patrick (Laurel), daughter-in-law Cindy Spaeth, twenty-seven grandchildren, and twenty-one great grandchildren. Preceding him in death was his loving wife, Betty, his son Nicholas and great grandson Bentley Horner. Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm followed by a prayer service at 7 pm at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo on Sunday, August 26, 2018. The funeral will be held at Holy Spirit Church at 2 pm on Monday, August 27, 2018. He will be buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in north Fargo, ND.