Ryan Eric Thorpe

Ryan's service may be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/728173372

Ryan's tribute video can be viewed here. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/GCN8PP7CC3JDWZ6K

Ryan Eric Thorpe, 47, of Fargo, ND, passed away at Pelican Lake, MN, on July 7, 2022.

Ryan was born on May 12, 1975, to Larry and Jeanne Thorpe in Oakes, North Dakota. He was the eldest brother to Robyn, Robert, and Ross. He was definitely the leader of the pack.

Ryan attended school in Oakes where he developed his life-long passion for wrestling. His work ethic and leadership helped secure a State Championship and Team State Title. He went on to wrestle at Northern State University where he graduated an Academic All-American.

On March 3, 2012, he married the love of his life, Jackie Skjefte, welcoming Zane, Brair, and Zacobi to their union. He fiercely loved and cared for his family always. He took care of everyone and was their entire world. He especially loved the role of Papa to his favorite little people.

Ryan began working on the farm at a young age and was always very passionate about agriculture. When he left the farm, he was employed at various banks before becoming the Chief Operating Officer for Tharaldson Ethanol in Casselton, ND. He was known for being an accomplished public speaker and was well known in several agriculture magazines. He was regarded not just as their leader, but as a good friend as well.

Ryan was always very upbeat and a great problem solver. His charisma never quit, and his infectious smile always stood out. He made friends wherever he went, and he was very well respected in the business world!

Ryan loved to travel to warmer weather during the frigid ND winters but weekends in the summers were always spent at the lakes. Ryan would count down the weekends that were left in the season and never wasted a single one. If he wasn’t doing cabin projects or floating on the pontoon, you would find him hanging out with some of his many many friends. He loved hosting gatherings and accommodating everybody’s needs. His friends were like his extended family and the love he showed towards others was second to none.

Ryan is survived by his wife Jackie; children, Zane, Lexi, Braylin, and Zayden Zieman; Brair, Dom, Porter, and Onyx Hawkins; Zacobi Zieman; parents, Larry and Jeanne Thorpe; siblings, Robyn, Jason, Zoey, and Zade Maley; Robert, Erica, Lily, and Beau Thorpe; Ross, Dana, Tate, Jack, and Levi Thorpe; numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leo and Shirley German, and William and Pearle Thorpe; uncle, Jay German and Bernie Brown.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, July 12, at 2pm at Hope Lutheran Church South Campus. 3636 25th Street South, Fargo. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment of ashes will be at a later date at the Ludden Cemetery in SE North Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Oakes Wrestling Club and American Gold Gymnastics Acro Team.