James Thibodo

James Breese Thibodo, age 84, of Stephen, MN died peacefully surrounded by his family at Sanford Hospital in Fargo ND on March 1, 2014. James was born on January 24, 1930 on the family farm in Eagle Point Township, Marshall County, MN. James was the youngest child and only son born to Ray and Mary (Breese) Thibodo. James attended country school in rural Stephen, MN and high school at the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN. James was active in football and basketball. He was vice president of his class and MVP of his football team. He attended college at North Dakota Agricultural College (NDSU) in Fargo, ND for two years and was a member of the football team. James married Donalyn Pagnac on November 15, 1951 at the Presbyterian Manse in Stephen, MN. James and Donalyn lived in Long Beach, CA, where James worked for Boeing, and Elgin, IL where he worked for Toastmaster. They lived in Stephen, MN before settling on the family farm in 1958. To this union four children were born: Leslie, Lynn, James Scott and Kelly. James was fortunate enough to retire from farming in 1980 and was able to spend his time snowmobiling, camping, fishing and enjoying his grandchildren. James and Donalyn were able to winter in Texas and travel in Minnesota visiting family during the summer months. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge (over 50 years), Shriners, former board member of Farmers Grain Co. and original stockholder of American Crystal Sugar Co. Survivors include his wife Donalyn Thibodo, canine companion Chloe, and children: Leslie (William) Meek of Starbuck, MN, Lynn (Steve) Johnson of Wheaton, MN, Scott (Pamela) Thibodo of Beaumont, CA and Kelly (John) Prigge of Fargo, ND. Grandchildren: Jeni (Dennis) Wutzke, Elbow Lake MN, Andy (Aubree Holmes) Meek, Independence, MO, Patrick (Britta) Johnson, Moorhead, MN, Daniel (Stephanie) Johnson, Fergus Falls, MN, Jordan Thibodo, Ventura, CA, Anna Thibodo, Amarillo, TX, Sarah (Travis) Armstrong, Ventura, CA, Samantha (Paul) Stein, Denver, CO and Kaylene Prigge, Minnetonka, MN. Great-grandchildren: Cody Wutzke, Colton Wutzke, Hannah Wutzke, Morgan Meek, Brayden Meek, Nora-Rae Meek, Ryker Johnson and Elin Johnson. James is also survived by his sister Phyllis Sunsdahl, Stephen, MN and numerous treasured nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Mary Thibodo and sisters, Verna Miller and Jeanette Kane. A family and friends gathering will be held Saturday, March 8th from 1-2 PM at The First Lutheran Church in Stephen, MN followed by a 2 PM Masonic Service. Austin Funeral Chapel of Stephen, Minnesota is in charge of arrangements. www.austinfuneralchapel.com