Peter Bilstad

Peter Robert Bilstad, 82, of Fargo, ND, passed away at home on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from complications of lymphoma, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Peter was born on April 27, 1943, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fargo, ND. He was raised in Fargo by his mother, Margaret (Bergstrom) Bowers, stepfather Jack Bowers, and his father, Winston Bilstad. As a child, Peter was full of energy and mischief. Family often heard stories of him being hit by a car, nearly setting the family home on fire, and falling into the Red River. Summers were spent at Lake Melissa near Detroit Lakes, MN.

Peter graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1961 and briefly attended North Dakota State University (NDSU) before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1963. During his six years of service, Peter served aboard the USS Long Beach missile cruiser and the nuclear-powered USS Tinosa submarine, stationed out of New London, Connecticut.

While serving, Peter met Sandra (Mansfield) Bilstad of Stowe, Vermont. They married on August 17, 1968, and settled in Fargo, where Peter returned to NDSU to earn a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. Peter spent most of his career with the City of Fargo Waste Water Treatment Plant, beginning as a chemist and later being appointed Superintendent. He took great pride in his work, especially in the role he played during the Red River flood efforts.

Peter was an active member of American Legion Post 2 and proudly served as Commander in 1981. Peter was a devoted father and grandfather, always present for his kids’ and grandkids’ activities. He loved fall hunting trips to western North Dakota with the Friedt and Olson families and was a passionate fan of NDSU Bison football, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Twins. Peter’s passion project was restoring a 1929 Model A.

Peter cherished time spent at Big Floyd Lake with his family. He enjoyed slow mornings on the deck with coffee and the newspaper, fishing, making virgin pina coladas for the grandkids, and tending to bonfires late into the night.

He and Sandy shared a love for travel—whether a warm winter escape or a quick trip to Las Vegas, Peter was always ready for an adventure. They were blessed with friendships that became extended family, including

Kenny and Charlie Long, Paul and Marie Etterman, and Ken and Carol Graalum.

Peter is survived by his children: Paul Bilstad (Natalie) of West Fargo; Scott Bilstad (Christina Bennett) of Fargo; and Nicole Braaten (Rodney) of Moorhead, MN. He was a proud grandfather to Blessing Braaten of Moorhead, Zaine Braaten of Green Bay, WI, and Jack, Andrew, and Kate Bilstad of West Fargo. He is survived by his sisters Mary Vigen (Kevin Steen) and Margy Nelson (Rick), brother-in-law Don Olson, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Peter was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra; brothers Paul Bilstad and Doug Bowers; sister Barb Olson; brother-in-law David Vigen; niece Laura (Nelson) McShane; parents Margaret and Jack Bowers and Winston Bilstad; and many cherished family dogs, cats, birds and fish.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to 4 Luv of Dog Rescue in Peter’s honor.

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND.