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Michael Fandrich

Michael P. Fandrich, age 68, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday June 21, 2016, at Carrington Health Center.

Michael Patrick Fandrich, the son of Theodore (Ted) and Inez Fandrich, was born at the hospital in Carrington, ND, on March 17, 1948. Michael was raised in Carrington and graduated from Carrington High School in 1966. After high school, he went to Bismarck State College to wrestle. In 1969, Michael was drafted into the Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War from 1969-1970. After returning home from the war, he built houses with his father. From Carrington, Michael moved to Wahpeton to pursue Professional Land Surveying. He then moved on to Grand Forks to work for KBM. On April 21, 1979, Michael was united into marriage to Judy VandeHoven, and they lived in Grand Forks. On August 5, 1981 their first daughter, Amanda Louise, was born, and two weeks later they moved to Dickinson, ND. On April 7, 1984, they had their second daughter, Mykke Patricia, and on September 22, 1986, Megan Elaine was born. Michael worked with Kadrmas Lee and Jackson while living in Dickinson. In the spring of 1989, they moved to New Rockford and Michael started his own land surveying business. He was a well-known land surveyor in the states of North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wyoming. He still surveyed part time until his untimely passing.

Michael enjoyed spending time with his family and friends; you could never get away without hearing one of his famous jokes, or stories. When he was around his grandchildren there was always a smile on his face. He enjoyed wood working and always had a long “to build” list.

Michael is survived by his Mother Inez Fandrich, Carrington, ND;  Daughters Amanda (Justin) of New Rockford, ND, Mykke (Michael) Kjellerson, West Fargo, ND, Megan (Matt) Swenson of Webster, WI; grandchildren: Addysen Fandrich, New Rockford, ND, Carsen and Ashlyn Kjellerson of West Fargo, ND; siblings: Debby (Leon) Paczkowski, Cooperstown, ND, Becky (Steve) Heiden, Vincennes, IN, Rosemary (Paul) Ebert, Fargo, ND, Neil (Jill) Fandrich, Carrington, ND and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Theodore Fandrich, and his wife, Judy Fandrich.

 

PRAYER SERVICE:

Friday (June 24th) at 7PM in First Lutheran Church, New Rockford

FUNERAL SERVICE:

First Lutheran Church, New Rockford

DATE AND TIME:

Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 10:30AM

BURIAL:

Carrington Cemetery


Posted Condolences:

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Name: Rich McDaneld

Date: 8/24/17

Message: I want to send my condolences to the family.

I have been looking for Mike about three years. I served with Mike in the Marines. He was my Squad Leader when I arrived in Nam. I was on Operations with him when he broke his leg. He was a great person and I hoped I would see him again. He served in Fox Company 2nd Battalion 7th Marines 1st Marine Division. I have a few pictures of him, his family may like to have.

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Name: Buster Little

Date: 6/27/2016

Message: I worked with Mike in Grand Forks. An  outstanding associate and an outstanding man. He was one of the few people I have known who always left you with the feeling that no matter what I did he would always be my friend. Everyone who knew Mike will fondly remember his stories. My wife, Bonnie, and I both send our condolences

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Name: Mulvey Family

Date: 6/27/2016

Message: Sorry to hear about Mike. He was a great guy, fun to be around and he will be missed by many.

 

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Name: Joel Zimmerman

Date: June 26, 2016

Message: My condolences to the family. Mike was one of my best neighborhood buddies as we were growing up in Carrington. May he rest in peace.

 

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Name: Diane Holth-Jaeger

Date: 6-25-2016

Message: Sorry to hear about your Dad, girls.  He was a fun guy.

 

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Name: Galen J. Mack - Mack Law Offices, P.C.

Date: 6/25/2016

Message: We worked with Mike professionally for nearly two decades.  He was always prompt, professional and personable.  We will miss him very much.  Our deepest condolences to Mike's family. 

Galen J. Mack

 

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Name: Rosemary Voglewede

Date: June 25th.

Message: My sincere sympathy for the family of Michael. He will be remembered by many. A good man.

Rosemary Voglewede

 

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Name: Judy Hafner Bussell

Date: 6-24-2016

Message: To the family of Mike, my condolences.  Mike was my best friend  in high school, a very kind person and he will be missed greatly!  Judy

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Name: Jim Sheets

Date: 6-24-16

Message: Shocked and sad to hear of Mike's passing.  Mike was my summer buddy when I would come to Carrington in the summer for the wheat harvest in the 50's, 60's, 70's & 80's.  Many adventures with Mike.  He was a great guy, ornery most of the time, but had a huge heart.  Was hoping to see Mike again before this sad day came.  Just want Mike's family to know that he was a great guy and a great friend.  RIP Mike.

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Name: Rick Leach

Date: 6/23/2016

Message: I can say with all sincerity, Mike was someone who taught, mentored, inspired, and helped me throughout my career. I fully recognize the impact he had on me and can honestly say, I would not be the land surveyor I have become, without his patience and willingness to take the time to teach me. I spent countless hours with Mike over a 5 year period when he worked for KLJ. We became co-workers and quickly, friends. He was one of the toughest/strongest people I have ever met and loved the profession of land surveying. He may be gone from us physically, but anyone who had the opportunity to meet him, carries a piece of Mike with them. My sympathies to each of you and Mike's family, for your loss. His laugh and legacy live on.

 

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Name: Morris Beaton

Date: 6-23-16

Message: So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Always looked forward to seeing that big smile again, just like his dad's. God bless all your family.

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Name: James Jung

Date: 6/23/16

Message: Mike will be missed, but not forgotten. I offer my sincere condolences to the family. I worked with Mike while at KLJ and got to be friends with both your parents. Mike was always a lot of fun to be around, good sense of humor & always had a story or two to tell.

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Name: Gerry Engelstad

Date: 6/23/2016

Message: I was shocked and saddened to hear of Mike's passing. My sincere condolences to the family.

Gerry Engelstad

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Name: Roger and Luane Zink

Message: Luane and I offer our sincere condolences for your loss.Mike will live on in our fond memories.

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Name: Tom Gabrielsen

Date: 6-22-16

Message: I remember Mike from my days as a teacher/coach at Carrington HS 64-68.

Great young man, good athlete, fun person to be around. 

We ask for Gods Blessings on his family!

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Name: Jane

Date: 06/22/16

Message: To the family of Mike,  My condolences.  I knew you dad growing up and later when your parents moved to Dickinson we got to be friends and spend time together.  Your dad had a great laugh and a marvelous sense of humor.  Jane Kallberg

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