N. Bruce Thom

Celebration of Life: https://vimeo.com/event/4836959

Tribute Video: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/KXPY6SQ272FRKS5R

Norman Bruce Thom was born to Harriette and Norman Thom in Fargo, ND on June 7th, 1941. He entered into eternity on January 2, 2025. Memorial Services will be at Olivet Lutheran Church on Friday, January 10th at 2 pm with a visitation one hour prior and will be livestreamed on the funeral home website. Bruce is survived by his wife Sylvia, sons Steve (Tara), and Brad (Kathy). He was "Papa Bear" to grandchildren Larissa Thom, Allie Thom, Will Thom, Libby (Adam) Ness, Harrison Thom, and great grandson Milo Thom. He is also survived by his nephews - Gary Thom, Greg Thom, Aaron (Michelle) Stenslie, and Grant (Jeni) Evavold, nieces - Carmen (David) Kopp, Robin (Mike) Honken, and brother-in-law Dale (Shary) Evavold.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Ephraim and Inez Evavold, brother Warren, sister-in-law Joyce, brother-in-law Charles Stenslie, and sister-in-law Mary Anne Stenslie.

Bruce grew up as an active member of Olivet Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and confirmed. His education began at Clara Barton Elementary and Fargo Central High, graduating in 1959. His graduating class continued their friendships, gathering often over the years. He attended Concordia College where he was active in student government and musical productions, and shared a class with Sylvia Evavold, who became his future wife. Bruce and Sylvia recently celebrated their 61st anniversary. They both graduated from Concordia in 1963. While Bruce was in college, he was on the staff of U.S. Senator Milt Young of North Dakota, spending the summer in Washington D.C.

After graduation, Bruce's professional career began as a high school teacher and debate coach in Granite Falls, MN. He began a career with the Chamber of Commerce in Great Falls, MT, in 1965, followed by a move to Fergus Falls as the manager of the Chamber of Commerce, where his family lived for 42 years. In 1967 he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve, serving for six years.

Bruce started Thom Linen Service in Fergus Falls, MN in the early 1970s, with additional locations in Worthington, New Ulm, and Crookston, MN, as well as Fargo, ND. This expanded into dry cleaning businesses in several area locations. He transitioned to Economic Development creating Project 500 in Fergus Falls in 1984. This evolved into Midstates Development and later Varistar Corporation, which was the diversification holding company of Otter Tail Power Company. He served many years on the Minnesota Economic Development Board and on the North Dakota Economic Foundation Board.

In 1995 Bruce was instrumental in making the F-M RedHawks a reality. His fond memories of enjoying the FM Twins baseball games as a youngster created a strong desire to bring that opportunity back for area children today. He was President and CEO until 2010, when the torch was passed to his son, Brad. Bruce remained active as Chairman until his death.

While in Fergus Falls, Bruce was an active member of First Lutheran Church and a supporter of his sons' basketball and swim teams. After moving to Fargo, Bruce and Sylvia became members of Olivet Lutheran Church. Bruce enjoyed Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) for many years. He was also a member of American Veterans (AMVETS) of Fargo.

Bruce befriended many people during his life. He was instrumental in helping people find their drive and reach their potential. Bruce championed those around him by promoting their strengths and encouraging them to step up to the next level. He was not afraid to fail, creating opportunities for others in his wake and delighting in their success. Bruce lived out what it means to be strong-willed and kind-hearted, generous with time and treasures. He cut to the chase but meant what he said.

Bruce appreciated the beauty of God's world and enjoyed many years living on Swan Lake and later, the peaceful view of living on a golf course. "He did the best he could with what he had" is a mantra that guided Bruce as he enjoyed a productive life.

In Bruce's honor, a fund is being established to provide scholarships for children to join the F-M RedHawks Knothole Gang. Memorials may be made to the F-M RedHawks indicating 'NBT Scholarship' on the memo line. Memorials may also be made to the Olivet Foundation, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND