James Kertz

James D. Kertz, 81, died Sunday, April 8, 2018 at Eventide Fargo. Jim was born June 27, 1936 in Langdon, ND to John L. and Rose (Wilhelmi) Kertz . After graduating from St. Alphonsus High School in Langdon in 1954, Jim attended the University of North Dakota for one year before being drafted into the US Army. He served from 1955 until 1957. He returned to UND and graduated in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He remained a life long supporter of UND and was honored with the Sioux Award in 2000. Jim married his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth Dempster, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND on August 4, 1959. A year later they moved to Wahpeton, ND where Jim began his career selling advertising for the Farmer-Globe before moving into the publication/editorial ranks. He spent two years working at the North Dakotan magazine, a publication of the Greater North Dakota Association and the State Chamber of Commerce. Jim joined Melroe Company’s advertising division in 1969. He then served in various marketing and administrative positions before being named General Manager of Melroe Bobcat’s European Operation in Brussels, Belgium in 1978. Upon returning to the United States in 1982, he was named Vice President of Marketing. Jim became Executive Vice President in 1987 and President and Chief Executive Officer in 1992. He retired from Bobcat in 1996. In retirement Jim spent time traveling with Liz and their family, summers at the lake, and winters in Lake Havasu City, AZ. He enjoyed golfing, crossword puzzles, music, and watching his favorite sports teams. He enjoyed the friendship of his Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers and looked forward to their yearly reunions. He also found great enjoyment in his friendships at the Eventide Senior Living community. Jim was a man of quiet faith and great humility. He was a loving father, grandfather, and uncle, a good friend to many, and a generous benefactor. He will be greatly missed by his five children, Barbara (Brad) Richards, Lake Park, MN; Jane (Doug) Kading, Herriman, UT; Nancy (Dean) Bangsund, West Fargo, ND; Jill (Tom) Moraghan, Nisswa, MN; Jamie (Lori) Kertz, Fargo, ND. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jonathan (Claudia) Richards, Robert Richards, Kelly Kading, Chris (Ashley) Kading, Jack Kertz; Joseph, Patrick, Catherine, Matthew, and Nicholas Moraghan; sisters-in-law Marlyn Kertz, Mary (Don) Kind, Margaret (Gary) Koeder, Ruth (Bill) Waltrip, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Liz, and his brothers, John, Francis, Victor, Harold, and Robert. VISITATION; 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Boulger Funeral Home, 123 10th St. S., Fargo, ND. PRAYER SERVICE; 7 PM Thursday, at Boulger Funeral Home. FUNERAL MASS; A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April, 13, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1420 7th St. N, Fargo, ND with visitation at the church one hour before the service. BURIAL; Holy Cross North Cemetery, Fargo, ND. Arrangement entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo. Those wishing to make a memorial donation, please consider Great Plains Food Bank, Heart-n-Soul Community Café, or Saint Gianna’s Maternity Home.