Thomas "Tom" Gerald Pettinger

Funeral Mass:

Tom Pettinger of Fargo, ND, 92 years of age, died peacefully in his sleep under the exceptional care of the staff at St. Catherine North Campus, where he resided over the past four years.

Tom was born in Fargo North Dakota to Mary (Donohue) and Joseph Pettinger on December 29, 1933. He graduated from Shanley High School in 1952 and NDAC’s School of Pharmacy in 1956. He was a member of Kappa Psi fraternity. Tom met his wife Joyce Tucker during college at the AC and they married in 1958, recently celebrating their 68th anniversary. They were blessed with four children, all of whom, Tom would proudly announce, are taxpayers. Tom was active in Scouting with his sons, serving as Troop Leader and in various District roles. His volunteerism in Scouting earned him a Silver Beaver Award, which is the highest distinguished service award a local scouting council can bestow upon an adult volunteer leader. Tom was also awarded the St. George Emblem by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting through the Diocese/Holy Spirit Church. This emblem recognizes adult leaders who have made significant, long-term contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youth through Scouting. He continued to support Scouting throughout his life. He was a member of the North Dakota Air National Guard, the Fargo Lions Club, and a life-long active member of Holy Spirit Parish. He recalls painting to finish the new school at Holy Spirit. Tom was a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, including serving as Grand Knight. Tom and his wife, Joyce, worked countless hours to restore the historic Holy Cross Cemetery North of Fargo (the oldest cemetery in Cass County) with the 4th Degree Knights.

Professionally, Tom’s first job as a pharmacist was for Johnson Northport Drug. During this time, he became ill with Polio. After getting to know Tom, his doctors proposed that Tom should open a pharmacy in The Neuropsychiatric Institute (TNI) founded by doctors Christoferson, Geib, and Gustafson. In this role as Chief Pharmacist and as Assistant Executive Director of TNI, Tom developed an orthotic brace service within the pharmacy to meet TNI’s patients’ needs. He then became a Certified Orthotist and brought the “halo” technology/treatment to Fargo. Tom worked for 33 years at TNI, finally serving as Vice President. Tom continued to work in orthotics until 76 years of age.

Tom was a strong believer and advocate of professional service, serving as an active member and President of the North Dakota Pharmacy Association. He was also active in the National Association of Retail Pharmacists, serving on examining boards and attending the White House Conference on Health in Washington D.C. He assisted at NDSU’s pharmacy program as an adjunct professor, focusing on Orthotic treatments within pharmacy. Tom and Joyce gave a scholarship for 25 years to NDSU pharmacy students.

In retirement, Tom stayed active in the Fargo Lions, at Holy Spirit Church, and volunteering at the Hjemkomst Center. He and Joyce were founding members of the Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society. Tom and Joyce enjoyed traveling including visiting remarkable public gardens.

Tom is survived by his wife Joyce (Tucker) Pettinger; his children: Timothy (Jane) Pettinger of Fargo, Terrance (Karen) Pettinger of Grand Rapids Michigan, Jennifer (Tom) Jones of Gaithersburg Maryland, and Tucker (Jodie) Pettinger of Mount Vernon Iowa; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren (and 2 more on-the-way); his sister Mary Joe (Lon) Cooke of Ann Arbor Michigan and brother Robert Pettinger of Fargo and many nephews and nieces. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his brother James Pettinger of Fargo.

Services honoring Tom’s life will be held on Friday, October 30th at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Fargo, ND.
There will be a visitation held from 1:00 – 2:00 PM Friday, October 30, 2026.
Recitation of the Rosary will start at 1:30 PM Friday, October 30, 2026.
Funeral Mass with be held at 2:00 PM Friday, October 30, 2026.
Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, 1502 32nd Ave North in Fargo, following a reception at the church.

Memorials are preferred to
St. Vincent DePaul Society at Holy Spirit Catholic Church or
Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society or
Any of the organizations named above or a charity of your choice.