September 15, 2015

Thomas Kellogg

Thomas Kellogg, 89, of rural Watford City, N.D., died Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, at the McKenzie County Hospital in Watford City, N.D.
Tom was born on March 11, 1926, in Polar, Wis., to Horace Buffum Kellogg and Letitia (Lettie) Uhlman Kellogg. He moved with his mother and sister to the Uhlman ranch, northwest of Watford City, at an early age. He attended grade school in a log school house at the ranch site and graduated from Watford City High School in 1944.
Tom was drafted into the army that same year. He served in the Pacific in WWII from Oct., 1944, to July, 1946. He was stationed in Japan after the atomic bombs were dropped in that country and received several decorations and citations including the following: Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, and Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal. In later years Tom enjoyed reading military history and telling stories about his experiences. His family is proud of his service to his country.
Tom married Donna Mae Quinnell on Oct. 30, 1955. They ranched with his mother at the Uhlman ranch for the next 15 years. Because of his hard work, in 1962 Tom was named the Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer. In 1970, Tom purchased the present Kellogg ranch where he resided until his death. Together Tom and Donna raised their four children; Terry Thomas, Judy Rae, James Lee and Gene Conrad.
Tom’s passion was working with cows and growing corn; however, he never inherited the love for horses that his mother had! He enjoyed raising Simmental cattle and was one of the first in the area to use the A I technique to breed them. He later was proud to export some of these cattle to Canada.
Tom was very involved in the 4-H program over the years. He served as a 4-H leader locally and traveled to Washington, DC, with the N.D. 4-H leaders group. He and Donna made great friendships within this group and continued to meet and travel with these friends in annual gatherings for many years.
Tom’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very important to him. He attended many 4-H livestock shows, county and state fairs, sporting events (basketball, football, gymnastics, volleyball, hockey), and school programs and concerts in which they participated.
Tom had several loves, which will bring the family pleasant memories. These included eating any form of chocolate, bird watching from his front window, feeding the young wild turkeys near his home, and watching thunderstorms. Most of all he loved to tease people using his great sense of humor, especially his children and grandchildren!
Tom attended the Watford City Wesleyan Church. In addition to his 4-H leadership, he also served on the McKenzie County School District Board of Education. He was a member of the Republican Party, the Simmental Association, N.D. Farm Bureau, and a 67 year member of the N.D. Stockmen’s Association.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister, Millie Jean Ceynar Wold.
Tom is survived by his wife of 59+ years, Donna, his children and spouses; Terry and Jonilla Kellogg, Judy and Duane Jacobson, James and Debra Kellogg, and Gene and Eda Kellogg. Other survivors include his grandchildren; Tabitha (Ted) Schuster, Teryl Kellogg, Tamera (Shane) Blowers, Brett (Melissa) Jacobson, Loren Jacobson, Arlen (Chelsea) Jacobson, Letitia Jacobson, Mari (Nathan) Schell, Brenna Kellogg, and Kavin, Nevaeh, Alexus and Maria Kellogg and 5 great-grandchildren; Parker, Paige, and Paxton Schuster, and Harlee and Evan Jacobson.
His funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015 at the Cross Point Church in Watford City, N.D. Pastor Jeff Ruggles officiated. Interment with military honors was held at the Schafer Cemetery, in Watford City, N.D.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the North Dakota 4-H Foundation, the McKenzie County Ambulance Service or the McKenzie County Hospital.
Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com

WATFORD CITY WEATHER