Omar Amundson

omar amundson
Omar Allan Amundson, Walcott, ND died February 2, 2016 at 87 years of age at Bethany in Fargo. Omar, the son of Theodore and Alma (Ecklie) Amundson, was born on November 29, 1928 in Kindred, ND. He was baptized and confirmed at Walcott Lutheran Church. He attended a rural one room school in Colfax School District and graduated from Walcott High School and Concordia College. On August 15, 1953 he married Rita Priebe of Breckenridge, MN at Breckenridge Lutheran Church.  They were married for 62 years. The couple lived on the family farm while Omar taught school at Walcott, Colfax and Abercrombie, ND after which he was appointed Richland County Superintendent of Schools in Wahpeton, ND. Omar then received a grant and earned a masters degree in special education at Northern Colorado State College. He taught at Fargo North High School and at Windom, MN and especially enjoyed working with Special Olympics. After 36 years in education, Omar and Rita looked for a change of occupation and enjoyed 4 years of mission work. They served as house parents for children of missionaries in Papua New Guinea. Omar and Rita then traveled around the USA in a travel trailer before retiring on the family farm in rural Walcott.  Omar enjoyed traveling and visited all the continents but Antarctica, including four trips to ancestors in Norway. He was a member of Walcott Lutheran Church, Sons of Norway and Hallinglag.  He was preceded in death by brothers Theodore Arden and Burton, sister Ruth Svenkerud Sorlie, step granddaughter Karey Powell and infant grandson T. A. Amundson. Omar is survived by his wife, Rita; seven children, eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Twila Hanks (Greg) and children Maddie (Justin) and Ian, Shakopee, MN; Barry and stepson Jared, Fargo, ND; Randy (MJ Dimich) and child Amber, Billings, MT; Sonja, Perham, MN; Eric (Betty) and children Paul (Ashley) and Kylie, Apple Valley, CA; Monte (Lisa) and children Collin, Olivia and Brady, Eagan MN; and Heidi Amundson (Rick Pearson) and children Anders and Nolan, Malibu, CA.. Great grandchildren; Alara, Wyatt, Kaylee and Payton. Omar will be fondly remembered by his foster children, foreign exchange students and missionary teens. Visitation at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo on Friday, Feb. 5 from 6 – 8 p.m. followed by a Prayer Service at 8 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at Walcott Lutheran Church Saturday, Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. with visitation an hour before and reception afterwards.  There will be a later burial at the Walcott cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Special Olympics, Walcott Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.

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  1. Our sympathy. We remember so well all the good times with our two families over the years, especially way back.

  2. Rita and Family
    I was saddened to learn of Omar’s passing. I wish all of you my sincere condolences. When I think of Omar, mostly I remember the interactions I had with him at church during the Sunday school – church service turn-over. Omar had such a canning ability to interact with us know it all teenagers. The banter mostly included good natured teasing he took from us kids and doled right back at us, generated many laughs. As I reflect now as an adult with grown sons, I realize even more that one of Omar’s special gifts was his ability to communicate and be inclusive of all whether young or old. Omar will be dearly missed by many.

  3. Rita and Family
    We are saddened to learn of Omar’s passing. We wish all of you our sincere condolences. Omar’s mother Alma (Ecklie) was a cousin of my father, Nels Narum Sr. who was born in Gol Norway, July 22,1885, and died December 13, 1963, at Douglas, ND. My wife Edna and I appreciated Omar’s hospitality about this time in 2008 when my sister Gladys Bakko passed away and we were welcomed at your home near Walcott. I also remember the days when Omar worked for Wilfred & Gladys Bakko and I would visit as a young boy.

    Please accept our sympathy on behalf of the whole Narum Family.

  4. I offer my condolences to Omar’s family. I have good memories of Omar teaching at Abercrombie. He was a very kind, quiet person who loved kids, very patient. I also worked for him one summer when he was superintendent of schools. May God’s compassion and love give you comfort and peace.

  5. I offer my condolences to Rita and family. I have good memories of Omar teaching in Abercrombie. He was a kind, quiet, and patient teacher who loved kids. I also worked for him one summer when he was Superintendent of Schools. May God’s eternal love and compassion give you comfort and peace.

  6. Rita and Family
    I was saddened to learn of Omar’s passing. I wish all of you my sincere condolences. When we met in Ukarumpa Omar welcomed me with warmth and supported me throughout my time in PNG.
    Please accept my sympathy also on behalf of my mother.

  7. Our condolences to you, our friend, Rita Amundson. We became friends while we were all in Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea as hostel parents. We are blessed to be able to see you from time to time since in Windham, MN, Walcott, ND, Fargo, ND and Winnipeg. We have so many good memories with the two of you.

  8. Rita and Family, We are saddened to hear about Omar passing and want you to know we are thinking about you and your family. I have many fond memories of hanging out with your family and staying with you when you lived in Wahpeton. The legacy that Omar leaves, among many things, is your great family. I hope all your great memories together help you during this time. With love, Jill and Keith Swenson

  9. We are so sorry to hear the news about Omar and feel with you in your deep sorrow and great loss. Thankful for the time we had together as “neighbours” in Papua New Guinea, and also that we had a chance to meet while you visited Norway. Good to be friends on Facebook, Rita!

  10. It’s been almost 10 years, but as I gaze daily at a group photo of Concordia alumni who traveled to Egypt, I think about Rita and Omar. Their life experiences brought a certain charisma to our group of rag tag travelers. Searle

  11. Rita and family—Sorry to hear of Omars passing. I met Omar went he was superintendent of Richland County schools and who knew we would be related years later when I married Jerry Swenson. I remember when you lived by the Park in Wahpeton and the saddle club I was a member of when I was about 6yrs old had a horse show at the park and he came over and asked if Twila could have a ride on my pony. She probably doesn’t remember this. This is one of the first memories I had of Omar and remember him coming to the rural schools I attended and the PTA meeting.

  12. Barry and Family,
    I got to meet your Dad and Mom at your apartment in Sioux Falls I remember helping your Dad to the car when they were leaving for home I enjoyed visiting with your parents It was so good that you moved back home to spend time with your folks but we sure miss you living in Sioux Falls Thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time May you find tranquility in knowing that friends and loved ones share in the loss of your dear Dad Deepest Sympathy
    Love Joyce and Don

  13. Rita,

    We weep with you at your loss, Omar was a wonderful man. And we rejoice with Omar as he gets to enter the presence of our precious Savior and hear the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant”.

    We are so glad we had the privilege to serve with you in PNG.

    Blessings,
    David and Robbin Moore

  14. Rita, Monte, Heidi and family,

    We are so sorry for your loss, but so happy that we knew Omar. May God’s peace be with you at this difficult time.

  15. Dear Cousin Rita and Family – I have so many fond memories of growing up and spending time with your family over the years in Wahpeton, Abercrombie and (I think Fargo) then moving you to Windom. It was always a pleasant surprise to have Omar come to my high school BB games and stop and see me at my first job in Mpls. after college.
    His character, gentle spirit and subtle dry humor will always be remembered until we get ‘home’. Omar, ‘leave the light on’ we’re not far behind you.

    Curt & Susan Swenson — Houston, Tx.

  16. Sincere condolences

    I will always remember Omar as a fantastic hostel parent and great role model.

    He will be greatly missed by family and friends and now he is in Gods arms.

    Regards

    Justin & Family

  17. Randy and family – so sorry for your loss. Stay close to each other, it’s so important. My sympathy to you all. – Andrea

  18. Rita, Twila, Barry & family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Omar was such a kind man! He influenced me to become a recreation therapist and work with adults with special needs. I will always have a place in my heart for him. May your family find comfort in your special memories of him. Hugs to you all! Love, Sonja

  19. So sorry for your loss! Rita,you were blessed to have Omar for all those years….he was an amazing man.Gone but never forgotten.Love to you all.Tribute video was amazing!

  20. Amundson Family,
    Seeing Omar’s obituary in both The Forum and the Cottonwood Co Citizen was a surprise and brought back memories. My sister, Patti Horkey, was a student of Omar’s in Windom. My parents thought the world of Omar. He was kind, tender hearted, patient. He stood by his profession well. My only regret is that I didn’t realize Omar and Rita had moved back home to the Walcott area. It would have been good to connect with him again. My sincere sympathies. What a legacy he leaves.

  21. Rita & Family –

    So sorry to hear of the passing of Omar. I sure enjoyed your whole family when you lived in Windom. I especially liked helping Rita out with the lefse making on occasion.
    And Twila was such a good friend.

    My heart goes out to you all at this time. God Bless!!

    Stu

  22. Dear Rita and Family,
    So sorry to hear of Omar’s passing. I have fond memories of times spent with Omar and you at church in Walcott and at other activities in our friendly town. Please know that you are in my thoughts and that I extend my sympathy to you and your family.


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