Wallace "Swede" Linde

Wallace “Swede” Linde of Fargo passed away unexpectedly on January 25, 2016 at the Sanford Medical Center at the age of 89.

Swede was born on August 18, 1926 in Adams, North Dakota to Louis and Ella (Frovarp) Linde. He attended school in York, ND and college at NDSU in Fargo. He joined the US Navy in 1943 during WWII and served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He was assigned to the Navy Armed Guard and served on the S.S. Thomas Nelson operated by the Merchant Marines. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and received numerous medals for his service.

Swede began the sport of boxing while in the Navy and ultimately became a two-time Golden Gloves Boxing champion. Swede was a lifelong farmer retiring after almost 50 years of farming. He was awarded the Outstanding Young Farmer Award in 1961.

He married Joan Olson in 1954 and they lived on a farm outside of Churchs Ferry until their retirement. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Churchs Ferry and Messiah Lutheran Church in Fargo. Swede was a Mason belonging to Welcome Lodge #54 in Churchs Ferry and was a member of various boards and organizations throughout the years.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan; daughter, JoNell Moore (West Fargo); brothers, Marvin (Carol), (Billings, MT), and Louis (Phyllis), (Rice, MN); sister, Lillian Koffler, (Kimberly, WI); grandchildren, Preston (Jessica) Koenig, (Minneapolis, MN), Megan (Nicholas) Flom, (Grand Forks, ND), Tyler (Stefanie) Koenig, (Scottsdale, AZ), Terry (Teresa) Linde, (Devils Lake, ND); and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by sons, Jeff, Scott, and Craig; daughter, Elizabeth; brother, Percy; sisters, Mavis and Videll, and his parents.