Wayne S Tonsfeldt

Wayne S. Tonsfeldt, 88, died Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at Meritcare in Fargo, ND. He is survived by his wife, Becky Tonsfeldt, of 65 years; son, Dean (Mae), Oxbow, ND; daughters, Karen (David) Farrington, Lakeville, MN; and Renee (Wayne) Hanson, Barnesville, MN. Grandchildren are Carla (John) Grafstrom, Maple Grove, MN; Ryan (Michelle) Tonsfeldt, Barnesville, MN; Derek Hanson, Barnesville, MN; Heather (Craig) Hedlund, Moorhead, MN; Mark Farrington, St. Paul, MN; and Tom (Faith Binman) Farrington, Denver, CO. Great-grandchildren are Jacob and Emma Grafstrom, Isabelle, Luke, and Adam Tonsfeldt, Hailey, Kelsey, and Justin Hedlund, Danielle and Millie Farrington. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Bertha Tonsfeldt; siblings, Virgil, Hazel, Richard, Delta, Cliffton, and Doyle, and great-grandchild, Hope Tonsfeldt. Wayne Tonsfeldt was born to Herman and Bertha (Rehder) Tonsfeldt February 10, 1921, at Bona Farm, Alliance Township, Clay County, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sabin, MN and attended rural Koester School. He worked for a time in Boone County, Iowa, where his father grew up. Returning to Clay County, MN he married his beloved Becky, September 11, 1943. After serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII, he farmed in the same community where he was raised. Wayne was also a successful inventor with US patents, including the dual disc, the hydraulic beet topper, the row guide system and the guide master cultivator. All were manufactured at Alloway Manufacturing, Fargo, ND. Wayne was honored at NDSUs Harvest Bowl in 1980 as an inventor who contributed to the agriculture and economy of the region. (Fargo Forum, fall, 1980) Wayne was grateful for every day that he could work with his hands: farming, creating inventions, and repairing machinery. He regarded family, friends, and, most of all, his wife, Becky, as his best blessings from the Lord. VISITATION: Friday, March 6, 2009, from 5-7 P.M. at Dobmeier Funeral Home, 503 4th Street SE, Barnesville, MN. FUNERAL: Saturday, March 7, 2009, 11 A.M., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 100 2nd Avenue West, Sabin, MN, with visitation one hour before the service. INTERMENT: Will immediately follow the service.