Thomas Robert Gourde

Thomas Robert Gourde, 74, son of Verna and Albert Gourde, was born on August 22, 1951, in Grafton, N.D., and died at Essentia Hospital on September 3, 2025. Tom grew up in Oakwood, N.D., and graduated from Grafton High School in 1969. He enrolled at the University of North Dakota and received his bachelor’s degree in 1973. Tom spent his career working with numbers and accounts at companies that sold office supplies and equipment, including GR Graphics, Liberty, and Reardon’s.

On June 11, 1977, Tom married Nancy Givens at Nativity Church of Fargo. They resided on the north side of Fargo where they raised their three children. During his lifetime, Tom was a bowler, a softball player, a curler, and a fisherman. He was a loyal fan of the Twins and the Vikings. Tom good-naturedly accepted the presence of pet cats and was a master at telling dad jokes. He always considered the pun to be a true art form.

Tom is survived by his wife; his children James (Kristin), Charles (Jessi), and Rebecca (Cal Fougner); his grandchildren Josephine, Thomas, Armaan, Ayvin, and Elayna; and his siblings Donna, Dan, Kevin, Phylis, and Gerard. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Paul.

Tom faced the diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer with determination and hope. The health complications that resulted from the disease were exhausting and debilitating, but he never ceased to exhibit the qualities that made him the good man that he was. Tom was ever the loving father, grandfather, and husband, and he will be dearly missed.

Memorials can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society and JP II Catholic Schools.