John "Mike" Rostad

John M. “Mike” Rostad, Sr., was born on March 10, 1936, in Fargo, ND, to Otto and Clara (Lokken) Rostad. He grew up on the family farm north of Colfax and graduated from Colfax High School before attending Concordia College in Moorhead.

On June 27, 1959, Mike married the love of his life, Vonnie Bakken, in Moorhead, MN. They made their home in Fargo before settling in West Fargo in 1961, where they raised their family and continued to reside.

Mike dedicated 38 years of his career to Cass-Clay Creamery, where he worked faithfully and formed lifelong friendships. He also served the West Fargo School District as a school bus driver and spent over a decade running Mike’s Saw Service, a part-time saw sharpening business. His work ethic, reliability, and kindness touched many throughout the community.

A talented woodworker, Mike enjoyed creating detailed scale model farm machinery, refinishing furniture, and taking on woodworking projects of all kinds. His handiwork brought joy to family, friends, and neighbors.

He was a man of faith. He was a longtime member of Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Fargo, where he shared his gifts and volunteered generously. He eagerly looked forward to working the Lutefisk supper with his cousins and other relatives at Richland Lutheran Church in Walcott. Mike also gave his time to the Salvation Army through holiday bell ringing and served his community by delivering Meals on Wheels.

Mike was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Mike is survived by his wife of 66 years, Vonnie; their children John M. (Teresa) Rostad, Jr. of Eden Prairie, MN; Jerald (Tami) Rostad of Fargo, ND; and Jeffrey Rostad of Inver Grove Heights, MN; grandchildren Sarah, Justin, Braden, Taylor (TJ), Joshua, and Rachel; step-grandchildren Craig and Scott; and great-grandchildren Jack, Ellie, Ryan, Logan, Edison, Roman, Wren, and Maren.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Betty (Ray) Workin; his brother, Kenneth Rostad; and sister-in-law, Maxine Rostad.

Memorials preferred to Pontoppidan Lutheran Church or the Salvation Army.

Mike will be remembered for his steady presence, his love of family, his craftsmanship, and the quiet generosity with which he served others. His legacy will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral Service:  Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11 AM, at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND, with visitation one hour before the service.

Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.          

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