March 22, 2016

James Gudmunsen

James Gudmunsen, 79, of Arnegard, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2016.
James Leonard Gudmunsen was born June 28, 1936, in Watford City, N.D., the son of Leonard and Dagny (Vallevik) Gudmunsen.
He was baptized and confirmed at Zoar Lutheran Church, rural Arnegard, N.D.
The Ellsworth Country School, across the road from the family farm was where he attended school through grade eight, when his help was needed on the farm.
He was united in marriage to Gladys Zubke on Feb. 11, 1958, at First Lutheran Church, Watford City, N.D.  To this union were born three children, Kathyrn, Mark, and Susan.
Jim served his country in the U.S. Army from 1960-1962 in Crailsheim, Germany.
As a member of Wilmington Lutheran Church, serving as sexton for Zoar Lutheran Cemetery for many years. He was a member of the Arnegard Lions Club, the VFW, the American Legion, and the Eagles Club, where he served in multiple offices. He liked serving in his community, and is known for the awesome beef roasts he cooked for the Arnegard community for the 4th of July celebrations, the McKenzie County Fair, and the Sweet Corn Festival at UMM (Upper Missouri Ministries bible camp, Epping, N.D.). In addition he cooked for numerous other private and public events.
He enjoyed dancing, fishing, hunting, playing cards, and visiting with family and friends. Mark says of his dad, "When Dad danced, it seemed like he thought he was the biggest rooster in the henhouse!" One of Susan's favorite memories was waking up to Dad loudly knocking on her bedroom door and saying, "Let's go fishing!!!". He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He liked taking them fishing and hunting, creating memories to be shared for years to come.
As a young man, Jim worked at the Amoco Oil gas station in Arnegard, as well as a roustabout on oil rigs. He then took a job working for Tom Thompson as a farm laborer. A self-taught carpenter, he took on many building projects around the community. He and Gladys purchased the Melvin Hill farm in 1976 and farmed/ranched together until their retirement in 2014. Working with cattle and horses was one of his favorite things to do.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gladys, Arnegard, N.D.; his son, Mark (Betty) Gudmunsen, Center N.D.; daughter, Susan (Colin) Vachal, White Earth, N.D.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren,  Cassandra (Josh) Goetz and their children Lily and Arabelle Goetz, Washburn, N.D.; Kyle (Mindi) Gudmunsen, Hazen N.D.; Lindsey and Brooke Vachal, White Earth, N.D.; brother, Don (Ann) Gudmunsen, Williston, N.D.; sister, Carol (Dennis) Johnson, Watford City, N.D.; brother, Robert (Faye) Gudmunsen, Arnegard, N.D.; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Dagny; daughter, Kathryn; sister-in-law, Lowaine Gudmunsen; and sister-in-law, Ellen Johnson.
His funeral service was held at the Wilmington Lutheran Church in Arnegard at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 19, 2016. Pastor Dan Paulson officiated.
Friends called at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Watford City on Friday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., and at the church one hour prior to services.
His funeral arrangements are being handled by Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Watford City. Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com

WATFORD CITY WEATHER