Russell Remark Onstad, 84, of Fargo, ND, formerly of Ada, MN, died on Thursday, February 23, 2012, at his residence. Russ was born in Ada, MN, on November 3, 1927, to Oliver and Clara (Remark) Onstad. He was raised in Ada, graduating from the Ada High School in 1946. He entered the United States Army and was honorably discharged.
On January 2, 1952, Russ was united in marriage to JoAnn Hemmelgarn at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN. Russ sold GE appliances with his father, before entering into regional sales selling various products. In the mid 1960's, Russ became an agent for State Farm Insurance. He retired from State Farm in 1992. He was elected mayor of Ada and was serving during the 1997 flood. His leadership assisted the Ada community in rebuilding after a devastating natural disaster. In the spring of 2004, he and Jo moved to the Moorhead/Fargo area.
Russ was outgoing and very social, which made him a natural sales person. His determination to succeed and do things "right" brought him a lot of success. Being generous toward community organizations was his way of giving back to the community that helped him develop into a man of integrity. May God bless the memory of Russ Onstad.
Russ is survived by his wife of 60 years, JoAnn, Fargo; one daughter, Clare Garberg, and her husband, Bryan, Moorhead, MN; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Andra Kuznia, and her husband, Nathan, and their daughter, Emma; Kris Garberg, and his wife, Tami, and their daughter, Makenna; Adam, Maggie, Matt Garberg; and Liz Bennett. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, infant granddaughter, Abby Garberg; two sisters: Helen Onstad, and Gladys Kee.

Memorial services will be on Thursday, March 1, 2012, at 2 PM in the Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation will be one hour before the services in the church.

Fredrikson Funeral Home
Ada, MN
www.fredriksonfh.com