Thomas Joseph Gaughan

Thomas “TJ” Joseph Gaughan, 83, passed away peacefully, under care of Hospice and surrounded by family, on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at Eventide Lutheran Home, Moorhead, MN.

Thomas “TJ” Gaughan was born February 10, 1930 in Fargo, ND to Thomas Joseph Gaughan II and Blanch (Freeman) Gaughan. He grew up in Verona, ND and was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and perhaps most importantly, the friendships that were built and memoires shared while on the water and in the field. Tom loved nothing more than being outdoors spending time with friends and finding something, usually controversial, to philosophize about.

Tom joined the Navy in 1949 after graduating from Verona High School in 1948. He was honorably discharged after 1 year and subsequently recalled for the Korean War during which time he served aboard the USS Iowa as a Communications Officer. After the Korean War, Tom worked construction with his brothers, Mike and Bob, while attending college at UND, where he graduated in 1958 with degrees in both Business and Law. After graduating, Tom applied his law degree and began to clerk for the late “Honorable Judge Ronald Davies” until his retirement. In post retirement years Tom began working as the prosecuting attorney for the City of Fargo with the Solberg Law Firm until he suffered a stroke in 1998, ending his legal career.

Tom was united in marriage to Fay K. (Reminga) Gaughan on Feb. 9, 1969 in Fargo, ND, and together raised Shawn and Kelly Gaughan.

Tom is survived by his wife, Fay; son, Shawn; daughter, Kelly Villa Nueva; grandsons, Roman Gaughan and Cody Villa Nueva; and sister, Blanch Hanson. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Blanch Gaughan; his 2 brothers, Robert and Mike Gaughan; and sisters, Jane Schmid and Margaret Gaughan.

In lieu of flowers, donations/memorials can be made to the Salvation Army.