Thomas Odell Alberts

Thomas Odell Alberts, age 83, of Fargo died January 1, 2017 at Manor Care in Fargo, ND. He was born January 9, 1934 to Elmer and Ardith (Paulson) Alberts in Galesburg, North Dakota.
Tom grew up in Galesburg, ND. He was confirmed at Elm River Lutheran Church and worshiped at Stordahl Lutheran. He graduated from Galesburg High School and attended one year of college at Mayville State University.

After his mother’s death, in 1984 he completed the Transitional Living and Vocational Development Training conducted by Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota. He lived in Fargo at a downtown apartment and University Manor and bused to Holland’s Landscaping and Garden Center in Moorhead for work with plants; one of his favorite pastimes taught to him by his Grandma Anna.

His boss, Herman “Hermie” Holland became a mentor and until his death, Mr. Holland was a faithful visitor and stellar friend and confidant. When Herman passed away, his son, Johnny Holland, assumed the caring his father had created. In 2011 Tom moved to Manor Care. He captured the hearts of staff and participated in activities. He was up and sociable unless ill. On weekend days weather permitted, Tom and Johnny Holland enjoyed rolling around the beautiful neighborhood north of the Manor checking out the plantings and the architecture of the homes.
Tom became a regular at worship at Olivet Lutheran Church and became a commissioned Stephen Minister in 1989. While at Manor Care he was visited by clergy and friends of the congregation. He loved faith music and his last outing was to the Concordia Christmas Concert in 2016. His cousins and the church kept him informed with mail and visits. Hospice visits made Tom’s final months extra full of caring people.

Tom was preceded in death by his nuclear family: mom and dad; brother, Jerome Alberts; several Aunts and Uncles and Grandma Anna.

Thomas is survived by one aunt, Jeanne Paulson, Hunter, ND and cousins: William (Karen) Paulson, Hoffman, MN; Becky (Gary) West, Mesa, AZ; Terry (Karen) Paulson, Perham, MN; Mike Paulson, Hunter, ND; Jennifer (Rueben) Rud, Galesburg, ND; Jeff (Lori) Paulson, Galesburg, ND; Jill (Walter) Suhr, Mentor, MN; Melissa (Mike) Bring, Galesburg, ND; Joan (Tom) Hansen, West Fargo, ND; Gail (Jim) Olson, Wadena, MN and good friend, Viola Rygh, Cooperstown, ND.