Elroy "Roy" Folstad

Elroy Conrad Folstad, 85, passed away on July 18, 2022, at Essentia Health in Fargo with his wife and daughter by his side. 

            Roy (as he was known) was born March 9, 1937, at home in Hendrum, MN to Manfred and Tillie (Dybing) Folstad.  He grew up in Shelly, MN where he attended grade school.  In 1955, Roy graduated from Climax High School where he was class valedictorian, and participated in football, baseball, basketball, track, choir, glee club and band.  After graduation, Roy enlisted in the United States Air Force to pursue his dream of being a pilot.  He volunteered for the Drum and Bugle Corp at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX where he completed his basic training which he didn’t know at the time would save him from many unsavory duties.  Unfortunately, perfect eyesight was required to operate planes so based on Roy’s skill test they thought he was well-suited for the medical field.  He was trained as a dental technician and was stationed at Rushmore Air Force Station in Rapid City, SD.  He was honorably discharged in 1961. 

            Roy served 4 years of active duty before enrolling at North Dakota Agricultural College (NDSU) in 1959 where he received his Degree in Pharmacy in 1963.  It was while at NDSU that he met his wife, Collette.  Roy was on the NDSU Bowling Team and both he and Collette worked at the NDSU bowling lanes.  He would often joke that they met in the “alley.”  Roy and Collette were married on August 17, 1963, at St. James Catholic Church in Page, ND.

            After graduating from NDSU, Roy first worked at Johnson Northport Drug Store in Fargo before moving to Casselton, ND and shortly thereafter opening his own store, Folstad Drug, in 1969.  After 41 years as a licensed pharmacist and mentoring many young pharmacists along the way, Roy retired from Medical Pharmacy in Fargo, ND. 

            In retirement, Roy spent time outdoors working part-time at the golf course, restoring a 1930’s Ford Model A, as well as sewing many beautiful quilts for family and friends.

            Roy was a man of many interests and talents.  He loved to fish, which was something he learned from his dad, and he developed a love for farming from the time he spent working on Mauritson’s farm while growing up in Shelly, MN.  Roy was very handy and was able to find a solution to almost any problem.  His beautiful oil paintings hang throughout Roy and Collette’s home. 

            Roy will be remembered for his piercing blue eyes, quiet strength, quick wit, and humble heart.  And most importantly, for being “Mr. Mom” to Missy which enabled Collette to pursue her coaching career.  He was a man ahead of his time.

            Roy is survived by his wife Collette of nearly 59 years, his daughter Michelle (Rich) Mack of Eden Prairie, MN, granddaughter Addison Mack; sister Ione Johnson of Moose Lake, MN; sister Nancy Nelson of Shelly, MN; sister Helen (Chuck) Bernhardson of Shelly, MN; brother-in-law Arnie (Barb) Buhr of Buffalo, ND; sister-in-law Connie (Ray) Sletteland of Devils Lake, ND; sister-in-law Cloyce (Jim) Voeller of Lake Elmo, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

            He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law Stuart Johnson and Howard Nelson.

Visitation:  Tuesday, July 26, 2022, from 5-7 p.m., with the Vigil at 7 p.m., at West Funeral Home Chapel in West Fargo, ND.

Funeral Mass:  Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, West Fargo, ND.

Interment:  Page Cemetery in Page, ND.

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