Lynn Omar Fundingsland

Celebration of Life: https://vimeo.com/1068617682

Tribute Video: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/MZ84GMKRDWBWGRP7

Lynn Omar Fundingsland of Fargo, ND passed away on March 18th, 2025.

Lynn was born on September 3rd, 1948 in Minot, ND to Dale Fundingsland and Mable Rasmussen Fundingsland. Lynn graduated from Minot High School in 1966. He served in the Marines in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968.

Lynn earned Bachelor's Degree in Art from Humboldt State University and a Master's Degree in Community Planning from NDSU. The latter led to a long and rewarding career directing public housing and redevelopment authorities out of a passion to support his communities, first in Becker County, MN and then in Fargo, ND.

After retirement from decades of leading the Fargo Housing Authority, Lynn focused on his other passions, which included photography, travel, cooking, sailing, reading, golfing, and painting. He was also dedicated to spending time with his family.

Lynn expressed creative agency in every facet of his life -in his photography, painting, sculpting, gardening, and in the humor he brought into every conversation. Lynn was masterful at discharging the tense energy of a situation with a rightly timed lightly humorous comment - and then the sweetest smile ever in the world would show up on his face with his success.

Lynn nourished his creativity persistently in so many ways. Always at least three books open and in the midst of them - and many times even more books than that. He was always asking how what could he contribute to the wellbeing of others world. Lynn saw beauty where it wasn't always easily noticed.

His creativity was the foundation of his professional work in community housing. He sometimes spoke about how, as a young person, when his family would move into a new home, which they did on several occasions, he would look around and notice the fact that not all families were as fortunate as his. He recalled feeling that everyone should have the basic human dignity of safe and gracious housing, then he committed his adult life to making it so.

The books in his library attest to his many interests, primary among them becoming a better and better photographer and painter. He also pursued becoming a better person through understanding and following the tenets of Buddhist philosophies.

Lynn was predeceased by his beloved son, Patrick Omar Fundingsland, his parents, Dale and Mable Fundingsland, his siblings, Jerry Fundingsland, Sharon Paul, and Jodi Egge, and his niece Leah Paul.

Lynn is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Colleen Fundingsland/Cali Anicha and brother Kim Fundingsland. In addition, he is survived by four adoring stepchildren, Tahirih Bolton, Mara Morken (Jody Mousseau), Kaleb Morken, and Chris Morken; five adoring grandchildren, Connor Bolton, Amelia Bolton, Michael Stelzer Morken, Glen Fogarty, and Arden Morken; and seven nieces and nephews, Mark Fundingsland, Steve Fundingsland, Jaime MacDonald, Sara Fundingland, Kelli Fundingsland, Jen Egge, Lindsey Egge, and Mike Paul.