Ward Thomas Stine

Ward Thomas Stine, age 67 of West Fargo, ND, died September 20, 2009 surrounded by family under the care of Hospice at MeritCare’s Palliative Care, Fargo, ND. Ward (Tom) was born on August 27, 1942 to Walt and Joy (Benshoof) Stine in Valley City, ND. He graduated from Valley City State University in 1965 with a Composite Music Degree, and from the University of North Dakota in 1967 with a Master’s degree in Music Education. Ward (Tom) taught band and choir at Kathryn, ND and Larimore, ND before moving to Modesto, CA in 1969. He taught band and orchestra for Mark Twain Jr. High School, was Music Department chairman and prepared the music curriculum for band, orchestra and choir. Ward (Tom) was the originating Chairman and Band Director of Beyer High School Music Department. While there, he wrote the school hymn and fight song for them. In the summer of 1972, he was hired by the Band of Stanislaus County (MoBand) to conduct the summer concert band in the park. In 1979, he moved back to Valley City, ND to take over the family business, Fleet Wholesale. In 2002, he moved to West Fargo and has been in sales since. Ward (Tom) was active in the Chamber of Commerce, community fundraising, Elks, Wheatbelt buying group, and the Atmospheric Resource Board. He was a member of Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church and their choir. He was also recently inducted into the Knights of Columbus. Ward (Tom) married Becky Sharp in 1973; they had two children Wade Thomas and Katie Joy. In 1993 he married Marilyn Flynn at the Stine reunion in Stouten, WI. Ward (Tom) is survived by his wife, Marilyn Stine, West Fargo; son, Wade of Fargo, and daughter Katie Stine (Andy) Suess of Decatur, GA. Two step sons, Mike (Barb) Flynn of Fargo, Tim (Heidi) Flynn of Arvada, CO; three step daughters, Kate (Gene) Freimanis of West Fargo, Mary Jo (Rich) Sieg of Fargo, Tricia (David) Massart of Elm Grove, WI; 14 step grandchildren and 2 step great granddaughters; his brother Michael (Carol) Stine of Andalusia, IL, and sisters Mary Joy Quinn of San Francisco, CA, and Lynne (Lowell) Jacobson of Mandan; 3 nieces and 3 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Ward (Tom) loved his family, music, friends, cooking, parties, traveling, and the great outdoors. For those of you reading this bio, have no fears, Tom will organize, rehearse and conduct the Heavenly Choirs for your arrival. Visitation: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM at the church and one hour prior to services at the church. Vigil Service: Tuesday, 7:00 PM at the church. Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 10:30am at Sts Ann and Joachim Catholic Church, 5205 25th St. S. Fargo, ND. Burial: St. Catherine’s Catholic Cemetery, Valley City, ND at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, September 23, 2009