Richard Ames

Richard A. Ames, age 78, of Fargo, ND, died Monday, December 1st, due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Richard was born September 7, 1930, in Fargo to Joseph Ames, Jr. and Lenna Ames, the youngest of four brothers. He graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1948 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from NDAC in 1952. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve in 1952, and entered active duty at Perrin Air Force base, Dennison, Texas. Training and active duty stationed him at Air Force bases in Texas, Louisiana, and Fakenum, England. He was released from active duty in December 1956 and joined the North Dakota Air National Guard in March, 1957. Richard retired from NDANG June 15, 1980 with the rank of Colonel. Upon release from active duty in the Air Force, Richard joined his brothers Don, Bill and Gordon at Ames Sand & Gravel, Inc. He married Marlene Knorr on February 27, 1960, in Hunter, ND. They made their home in Fargo where Richard was actively involved at St. John Lutheran Church and the Military Officers Association. Richard retired in 1989, when the family business was sold. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, woodworking and building radio-controlled model airplanes. He was a dedicated alum and treasurer for the Fargo Central High School Class of ’48. Summer weekends were spent with family at their lake home, first on Detroit Lake, and, in later years, Floyd Lake. Richard is survived by his wife, Marlene; daughter, Cheryl (Kevin) Sailer, Bismarck, ND; and son; Robert (Bonnie) Ames, Fargo, ND; and granddaughters; Elizabeth and Rose Sailer. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers; Donald, William and D. Gordon. The family would especially like to thank the caregivers from Fellowship Care, Elim Rehab & Care Center and Innovis Hospital. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, with Prayer Service at 7 PM, Thursday, December 4th. Memorial Services will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 5th, at St. John Lutheran Church, Fargo. Internment will be 11:00 AM, Monday, December 8th at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND. Memorials may be sent to St. John Lutheran Church, Fargo, the Fargo Air Museum, or the National Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.