Noel Ingebrigt Fedje

Noel Fedje, child of God, took his last breath on February 8, 2025, holding the hand of his beloved wife of 67 years, Judy, and surrounded by his four children and numerous grandchildren. Born in 1933, Noel was a proud North Dakotan throughout his life. He was raised in Hoople, ND where he enjoyed both academics and sports. He played on the “legendary” Hoople basketball team where he developed lifelong friendships. Throughout his life, Noel thought there was no better basketball to watch than the North Dakota Class B state tournament. Noel attended and was elected Governor of Boys State. In 1953, Noel received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1957.

Perhaps the best day of his life was June 23, 1957, when he married Judith Gryte. While neither was perfect, they were a perfect match for each other and were deeply in love until his death. After leaving the Army, Noel joined the investment firm, J.M. Dain in Minneapolis, MN. In 1964, he opened and managed the Dain office in Fargo. Grateful to return to North Dakota, Noel and Judy made Fargo their home for the next 58 years. Noel loved Fargo and was involved in the community in numerous ways including serving as a board member of the State Bank of North Dakota, president of the Kiwanis Club, and a strong supporter of the United Way. Along with Judy, he established the Noel and Judith Fedje Foundation supporting many charitable organizations in the Fargo-Moorhead area. As avid readers, they funded a program at Madison Elementary School that enabled students to earn a free bike if they reached their reading goals.

Noel was also a man of faith and used his financial acumen in service to the Lutheran Church. He was chair of the National (ALC) Church Board of Trustees and of the Board of Pensions for the newly formed Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He also served on the board of the international ecumenical group, Fund for Theological Education. In addition, he served on and later chaired Concordia College’s Board of Regents. Noel was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Fargo and a frequent volunteer. He especially relished “volunteering” as the “official taster” for all the homemade pies after Lenten services.

Throughout his life, Noel was a kind man. Recently, he was not feeling well and was in an emergency department waiting room. He noticed a man who appeared homeless, sitting alone in a wheelchair near a drafty door on a bitterly cold day. Despite feeling unwell himself, Noel was concerned about this man’s condition and asked his daughter to check on the man to see if he wanted help moving away from the door and a blanket to keep him warm. The man gratefully accepted both.  That was classic Noel Fedje–looking out for others, finding ways to help. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Noel was predeceased by his parents, Olaf and Marion (Midgarden) Fedje; his two sisters, Isobel Johnson and Joann Heiss. In addition to Judy, he is survived by his four daughters, Kari (Dan) Fedje Rasmus, Lori (Bruce) Fedje Paulson, Jill (Eric Johnson) Fedje and Julie (John) Fedje-Johnston; 9 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren-with a third on the way.  A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Memorials preferred to the United Way of Cass-Clay or First Lutheran Church of Fargo.