Chester Vosburg

Chester M. Vosburg, 95, of Fargo, North Dakota, died Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at Sanford Palliative Care, Fargo. Chester M. Vosburg, the son of W.H. “Tom” and Marie (Gulbranson) Vosburg was born March 27, 1917 at Lisbon, North Dakota and graduated from Lisbon High School. Chet enlisted in the U.S. Army March 17, 1941 and was discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant from the regular Army in November 1965 after serving 24 years. During WWII, he was a member of the 776th Tank Destroyer Battalion which was an active unit in the North African, Italian and Central European Campaigns. He had been awarded five campaign stars, plus the bronze star. He married Alice E. Bot of Lisbon, North Dakota, at Temple, Texas on June 17, 1946. Alice passed away August 25, 2004. Chet noted that his Army career instilled in him the true meaning of teamwork and for giving his best effort in everything he did. After WWII, Chet continued his military service in the regular army, serving two tours in Korea and ended his military career as a regular army recruiting supervisor based in Fargo. After his military career, he was employed by the Social Security Office and the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals until his retirement in March 1979. Chet was a charter member of Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo. He had been active in Senior Citizens volunteer activities and had served two terms as a member of the Fargo Senior Commission. He also volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Rosewood on Broadway. In 1987, he was honored as one of the Red River Valley’s ten “Most Admired Seniors” by the Metropolitan Federal Bank. In 1999, he received the Colonel’s Way Award, an honor presented by Kentucky Fried Chicken to seniors in each state who remain active later in life. Chet was also active in the Fargo Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees as well as the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Chet was a life member of the Fargo Elks Lodge, VFW, DAV and a long time member of the American Legion. He was also a member of Sons of Norway Kringen Lodge and the Fargo Golden K Kiwanis Club. He was one of the organizers of the Red River Valley Senior Golf Tour and served as the secretary/treasurer for 12 years. Chet is survived by his sister-in-law, Kay Vosburg, Oakes, ND; nephews, Gerald (Rose) Vosburg, Salina, KS; James (Pat) Vosburg, Woodbury, MN ; Alan (Colleen) Vosburg, Bozeman, MT; Donald (Joan) Vosburg, Lisbon, ND; Mark (Jaqi) Vosburg, Hibbing, MN; and many grand-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Alice; one sister and four brothers; several nephews and nieces. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hope Lutheran Foundation, Fargo Senior Commission or a charity of your choice. Funeral Service: Saturday, May 12, 2012, at 10:00am at Hope Lutheran Church (North Campus), Fargo. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Burial: Saturday, May 12, following the service, at 2:00pm at the Oakwood Cemetery in Lisbon, ND.