Thomas "Tom" Buchholz

Thomas Michael Buchholz, 70, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away peacefully at his home on April 7, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones and the comfort of cherished memories.

Tom was born on March 11, 1956, at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, to Kenneth W. Buchholz and Inez (Miller) Buchholz-Woell. He grew up in Casselton as the fourth of eight children and enjoyed a happy, active childhood. Tom often shared stories of creating their own outdoor games—rubber band guns, baseball, basketball, and neighborhood football. After delaying his entry into the Army, Tom graduated from Central Cass High School in 1974 and enlisted over Labor Day weekend that same year. Following boot camp and specialized training, he was stationed in Berlin, Germany, where he worked as a secure voice telephone technician. After his honorable discharge, Tom returned to North Dakota and held various jobs until beginning a long career with Simplex Time Recorder. The company relocated him to Grand Forks, where he worked for nine years. After being promoted to Service Manager, Tom moved to Fargo, where he remained for 34 years. He retired in February 2020.

In 1990, Tom married Kim Alexis Kroeber Buchholz, with whom he was blessed with three children, Scotty, Katie, and Jay. Kim passed away peacefully at home in her sleep in January 2020. In April 2020, Tom believed God brought a special person into his life. After two years of dating, Tom and Carolyn were married in an intimate ceremony surrounded by their children, Tom’s mother, and their pastor and his wife.

Tom’s greatest joy was his family. He cherished watching his children play hockey, fish, swim, and simply enjoy their childhood and teenage years. As Scotty and Katie grew older and left home, and Jay became more involved in hockey, Tom especially treasured the trips spent watching Jay skate.

Tom will be remembered as a hardworking man of strong character, integrity, and faith. His presence will be deeply missed, but the legacy of his love, laughter, kindness, and strong values, along with his unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Tom is survived by his wife, Carolyn Buchholz; his three children, Scotty (Bridget) Buchholz, Katie (Eric Pickle) Buchholz, Jay (Bergen Mogck) Buchholz; his three step children, Stefanie (Tim) Rath, Stacey (Todd) Southard, and Michael (Krista Michaelson) Wolpe; as well as three step grandchildren, Abigail Rath, Claire and Emma Southard; his niece, Serenity; along with the following siblings, Gerald Buchholz, JoAnn Glarum, Dennis Buchholz, Patricia Freiborg, and Cynthia Althoff.

Tom was preceded in death by his first wife, Kim Buchholz; parents, Inez Buchholz-Woell, Kenneth Buchholz, and stepfather John Woell; sister, Jean Wilcox; and brother-in-law, Greg Wilcox.

*******In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Fargo Air Museum, the Fargo Jet Center or the Fargo National Cemetery.*********

Funeral Service: Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:30 am, at Harvest Plains Church, Mapleton, ND, with visitation one hour before the service.

Interment: A private family interment will be held at Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas "Tom" Buchholz, please visit our floral store.