David Cole

David Gustav Cole died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 while at his home in West Fargo.

Dave was the eldest of four children of the late Lillian and Reverend Howard Cole. He was born on July 5, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York, where his father was serving as a chaplain in the U.S. Army. Dave spent his childhood years in Heidelberg, Germany, Granada Hills, California, and Red Wing, Minnesota, before his family moved to Fargo in 1967.

While attending Fargo North High School, Dave was active in golf and tennis. He was a member of the Fargo Ski Club and the First Lutheran Church Youth Choir. Dave and several of his close friends formed the rock band “Bob E. Sox and the Sneakers” and performed at numerous gigs in the ND/MN regional area. Dave graduated from Fargo North in 1972.

Dave followed in the footsteps of his grandparents and parents and attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, graduating in 1976. After graduation, he returned to Fargo and began his life-long career in the insurance industry. Dave’s business knowledge, engaging personality, and commitment to his clients resulted in a very successful career. Dave was a Vice President/Wealth Advisor with Bell Investments, Fargo. He was the consummate professional and truly loved his job.

Dave had an active role in the Fargo-Moorhead community, serving on many boards. He was past chair of the Sanford Health Foundation Board, a past member of the Fargo Country Club Board, and was currently serving on the Berg Foundation Board. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Fargo Kiwanis, and the Fargo Country Club. He enjoyed countless rounds of golf with his friends.

If there was an award given out for “all-around great guy”, Dave would win the category. He was an amazing brother to us. Fiercely loyal to his family. He selflessly put the needs of others before his own. He lived his life with integrity and respect for others. Much like his father, he enjoyed telling a story often spun with his quick sense of humor.

We will miss him dearly... especially hearing his voice on the other end of the phone line. He was always ready to share in our joy, give meaningful advice, or laugh at the latest happenings in our lives. He was one of the first people we called to share our latest news. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Dave is survived by his brother, Steve (Pam) of Fargo; and his sister, Laurie Ness (Dan) of Park City, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Beth; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Fargo Country Club on Wednesday, October 9, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  A private graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Fargo.

Memorials may be directed to the Fargo Sanford Hospice House, 820 4th Street North, Fargo, ND 58102, or to the charity of your choice.