Nick Goerger
April 29, 1910 ~ March 17, 2010
Nick F. Goerger, 99, of Fargo passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at St. Gerard’s Nursing Home in Hankinson, ND.
Nick was born on April 29, 1910 at Mayhew Lake, MN to John B. and Bernadene (Schueller) Goerger. In 1915, the family moved to a farm near Wyndmere, ND. During the Depression years, Nick rode the rails across country, visiting many places and meeting many people. With the encouragement of his mother, he later joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, working in Itasca Park, MN and at Ft. Abraham Lincoln near Mandan, ND. 1941 was an exceptional year for Nick – he started his own business, Mantador Oil, and in the fall, met and married Laurentia (Laura) Mueller Olsen, a widow with four young children.
During the years in Mantador, Nick served as mayor for a time and was a charter member of the fire department. In 1954, Nick and his family moved to Fargo where he worked for Dan Dugan Transport Company for 15 years. He then worked for the ND State Labor Dept. as a field representative, a job which he said was the most gratifying. Following his retirement, Nick did volunteer work and expanded his interest in music. He earned his G.E.D. and took college music courses at NDSU and MSUM. He learned to play the violin and viola and played with the MSUM Symphony. Nick was passionate about his faith, family, music, volunteering, and taste for dry, red wine. He was also nearly impossible to beat at cribbage! Nick worked as a volunteer at the Music Emporium where he repaired musical instruments, and also volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul Society. Nick was a charter member at Nativity Church and earned the title “Father Go-Fer” for all of the errands that he ran. In 1992, Laura died. They had enjoyed more than 50 years together. Laura had received Hospice care in her final days and Nick decided he wanted to repay the “Hospice Angels” by becoming a volunteer, a commitment he kept for over 10 years until he was 92-years old. As his health began to fail, Nick moved to Bethany Towers and then to St. Gerard’s.
Nick is survived by his children, MaryAnna Althoff of Wahpeton, ND; Margaret Sassian of Branford, CT; Germaine Martinson of Wyoming, MN; Laurence (Sharon) Goerger of Lakeville, MN; Timothy (Jean) Goerger of Springfield, MO; Brian Goerger of Mesa, AZ; Jacinta “Jay” Goerger of Fargo, ND; daughter-in-law, Arla Olsen of Salt Lake City, UT and family friend, Deb Hill of Fargo. Also surviving are his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Nick was preceded in death by his wife, Laura; his son, Rodney; his grandsons, Richard and Jason; and his sons in law, Sal, Oskar, and Forbes; his parents; and his siblings.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Bethany Retirement Living, St. Gerard’s Nursing Home, and Hospice of the Red River Valley for the loving care they provided to Nick.
Memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley, St. Gerard’s, and Bethany Retirement Living.
Online guest book at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
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Sacile PN ItalyI want to pass on my condolences on the passing away of Nick Goerger. I remember Nick fondly back in the 1960s when I frequently visited his house on the south side of Fargo as his son, Brian, was a very good friend of mine in HS and college. I remember Nick back then as always having a smile and one heck of a good attitude just like Brian.
Bismarck ND
We are so sorry. He was quite a guy!!
Sympathies to ll his children and families. May he rest in peace.
Cy & Peggy
West Fargo ND
I knew Nick as we worked together at Hospice of the Red River Valley. Nick always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say. At his 90th birthday party Judy, Joanie and myself were able to have our picture taken with him. Later he gave us all a copy and wrote on it “Nick and his hospice chick”.
Nick was a blessing.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brian, Jay, Deb, and all the Goerger family–
Your father was a pleasant part of my childhood memories, and I just wanted to express my sorrow at his passing. Though I haven’t seen any of you for ages, I recognized the smile on Nick’s face, and remember the smiles of many of the Goergers. Jay–I hope you’re still singing. Brian–I hope you’re still cute, and have that ever-present smile (that you shared with Patty Fortney, but never with me!) And Deb–I hope that resume helped.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all as you say goodbye to your father.
Jean (Davies) Schmith
Moorhead MN
What a generous man your father was with his time and talent! May God keep you in His care as you go forward.
Fargo ND
Dear Jay and family,
My heartfelt prayers are with you at this time of loss. Even though your Dad had lived a long and wonderful life and was very ready for the next step, his loss will be felt deeply by you and his many friends. I regret that I will not be able to attend the services, but my thoughts are with you.
Love, S. Petronilla
Fargo north dakotaDear members of Nick Goerger’s family. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the death of Nick and celebrate his wonderful life. I met Nick and the family when I taught at St. Anthony’s grade school in the 1950’s. Jacinta, I remember you well as you were one of my students. I am so sorry I am not able to be present at the wake service this evening or the funeral tomorrow. It would be a joy for me to meet you again. I live at Presentation Center, Fargo and would welcome a visit at any time. Many blessings be with all of you! Sr. Maureen Walker
Brooklyn NYRemembering with all of you a wonderful, funny, elegant man with a gift for living. And a true romantic. The obvious pleasure he and “Pal” Laura took in each other’s company–her belly laugh in reponse to his banter–was a joy to witness and, for this grandson, an early model for what is possible between two people.
Fargo North Dakota
USAI only met Nick once, but i did buy his house and very soon learned from all his neighbors what a fantastic person and joy he was to them. They especially relished in telling me about his music abilities, sitting in the back yard, on a park bench playing his guitar and singing. I know he will be greatly missed by many. I wish I could have known him better. My condolences to you Jay and the whole family.
Fargo Nick was always a true gentleman and a joy for all my staff. I am sorry for your loss, Jay. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wish I could be there, Grandpa. You were always my favorite relative with your constant smile and good nature. You had so many grandchildren yet somehow, at least for me,always made each one feel special. I know your with Grandma now and happy to be. I love you with all my heart and will always smile when I think of you.
Dear family members of Nick.
I knew Nick from many years at Nativity Catholic Church. He was such an inspiration. That smile and sense of humor along with his hat could always inspire a laugh and joy to those around him. His musical ability was often a treat when Nativity needed an interlude of fun music. At our Festivals, he was more than willing to accompany a pianist or an accordianist.
Bless all of you as you lay to rest the soul of Nick. He spoke of Pal so often, and now they can be together again.
LaVerne
Oak Park ILI was very fortunate to get to know Nick at Nativity Parish in Fargo. I was privileged to interview him and write a feature about him for the Nativity Voice. He was delightful and reminded me of my own father who passed away on the same date in 1967. Blessings to all of you as you hold Nick in your memories and celebrate his life.
Mantador ND
Our very heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your Dad and my favorite Uncle. The day he died, I had thoughts of coming back home early for his 100th birthday party. It wasn’t meant to be. I said my “Goodbye” before we left for Arizona last October — just in case. He had a good life and was very special. I’d like to be will all of you on Wednesday. Joe and I will attend Mass here in Mesa and be with you in spirit. May he rest in Peace.
Favorite niece # 3
Esther Mertes and Joe
EMily MN
Dear Jay and the family of Nick Goerger,
I am very sorry for the loss of your of your dear father. Although I never met him, he sounds like he was an exceptional man. I am sure Heaven is an even more wonderful place now that he is there.
God bless and I will keep you in my prayers.
Jan Pope
Ringgold GaBrian and Family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He sounded like a wonderful man and I am sure he will missed by many.Praying God will give you all comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Booher Williams
Taylorsville UtahI will never forget you grandpa.
See you on the other side.
Love—Edie
Jay and Family
Sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. He was a wonderful man. Our prayers are with you, may your faith get you through this tough time. God Bless You.
Cari, Cassie, Tyza Coster
Tim, when I worked at Hospice I got to know your Father fairly well. He was always a gentleman serving staff and patients with such love.
What a great model for all of the children and grandchildren he leaves behind.
My prayers are with you.
Marg Crary Samuel
West Fargo ND
I knew Nick when he and I both worked at Hospice in Fargo, and he was a joy to know! He always had a smile and a joke, and was so committed to his work there! I will forever think of him when I see a cowboy hat. I rejoice that he and his beloved Pal are together again!!
Fargo ND
My condolences to the Goerger family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Brenda Sacrison
West Fargo ND
Dear Jay and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Amy Overby