Richard Paul Maetzold

Richard Maetzold, 90, of Fargo, passed away Friday, November 27, 2015 at Bethany on University, Fargo, ND.

Richard “Dick” Maetzold was born January 4, 1925 in Devils Lake, ND, the son of Charlie and Frieda “Brending” Maetzold. He attended Noonan Township School and graduated from Crary High School.

He proudly served in the US Army during World War II. He was honorably discharged shortly after the war and returned to college. He graduated from NDSU in 1951.

He farmed with his father and later took over the family farm where he raised grain and beef cattle. He combined his farming expertise and education service by leading a 4-H club for many years. He retired from farming in 1980.

He married Jeanne Palmer June 20, 1950 and they raised five children, Keith, Carol Schoen, Gayle Gette, Brenda, and Craig. Jeanne passed away in 1974. He married Ilean Cutler July 15, 1977, who had four children, Jeff, Paul, Mary Vargo, and Brad. Their combined family eventually grew to include 24 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. They made their home near Devils Lake until moving to Fargo in 1985.

Actively supporting the community and education was very important to Dick. He did so in many ways, including serving on the Community Homes Board in Fargo, Devils Lake School Board, Lake Region Community College Board of Trustees, and funding higher education scholarships.

Wood working was a great hobby for Dick and he took great pride in making toys for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His carpentry skills included home building, cabinetry, craft, and anything else that made sawdust.

Singing was a major part of his life, which he did at many weddings, funerals, and church choirs in Devils Lake and Fargo. He especially liked the Barbershop style of singing and sang with the FM Ambassador Chorus in Fargo and a number of men’s quartets in college, Devils Lake, and Fargo.

He was the ultimate Bison fan, attending as many games as he could, viewing on TV if he could not, but always ready to discuss the successes and mourn the losses. He also enjoyed spending time at their Lake Lizzie cabin with family and friends.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley and Bethany Retirement Living for the services provided.

The family request that memorials be sent to the Lake Region State College Foundation, NDSU Foundation, or Plymouth Congregational Church in Fargo.

Burial will be held Friday, December 4, 2015, 11:00 AM at The Devils Lake Cemetery, Devils Lake, ND, followed by an open house for family and friends to be held at the Gayle Gette residence (4668 78th Ave. NE, Devils Lake, ND) until 2:00 PM.