Frank E. Ferguson

Frank Elton Ferguson, age 80, passed away with family by his side on May 21, 2023 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Frank was the sixth of nine children, the first boy, born to Elton & Eva Ferguson.  He grew up and helped on the family farm just outside Lakota, ND.  Throughout his school years, he played baritone in the school band, football all four years of high school, and was President of his senior class, graduating from Lakota High School in 1961.  He started college at NDSU & finished at Mayville State University, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.  He went on to teach high school math and science in Tolna and Michigan, ND.

In August 1968, the U.S. Army drafted Frank for the Vietnam War.  After his basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, he was assigned a tour of duty in Vietnam.  While serving, he was awarded The National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Army Commendation Medal, and The Bronze Star Medal.  In May 1970, when his tour ended and he was honorably discharged, he returned home to help his father on the farm.  After the fall harvest, he moved to the Twin Cities for a fresh start and the beginning of a 40-year career in commercial banking.

His banking career started at Marquette State Bank working as a loan officer, where he met the love of his life and future wife of 51 years, Bernadette (Bernie) Bruneau.  In 1973, Frank took a position as Assistant Vice President for Fridley State Bank in Fridley, MN.  It was there where he and Bernie purchased their first home and raised their son, Robert, and two daughters, Tina and Lisa.  He was active in his church at Fridley Methodist and also served as treasurer on the Board of Directors for Rainbow School & Day Care for many years.  In 1995, Frank accepted a position as Executive Vice President at Blaine State Bank where he remained until retirement in May 2010.  Frank enjoyed working with the public & serving his customers over the years, so many becoming close friends.

Following his retirement, Frank & Bernie moved to their haven on Sunrise Island in Crosslake, MN to enjoy the next chapter and spend more time with family & friends.  Frank had many interests, enjoying camping, cruising, helping out on the family farm, traveling to and sightseeing in every state across the U.S.  He loved his three children, each with their own personality, interests, and individual abilities.  He was proud of all they accomplished and enjoyed every moment spent with them and their spouses.  As for his grandchildren, they were special lights in his life, whether taking in their school and extracurricular activities and sporting events or being involved in all their water activities at the lake.  With the boys, Ben, Adam, and Karson, he spent time trap shooting, duck and deer hunting, tinkering on bikes, 4-wheelers, and eventually cars.  These active three musketeers were always keeping him busy with projects!  As for his granddaughters, Alison gave him his forever new nickname, “Papa” & brought him to his first dance recitals.  She was the studious one and Papa was always so impressed with her constant hard work, goal setting, and academic achievements.  Kiera had a special connection cruising the Caribbean with Papa.  She also had a love for horses, so Grandpa made it a point to take her horseback riding on her weeks in the summer at Nana & Papa’s.  No matter what the activity, or whether just hanging out spending time together, or making their favorite waffle breakfast, Papa was excited to be with the grandkids.  He loved to teach them, share his stories and experiences, and be involved throughout their growing years, and he was SO proud of each one!

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Bernie; son, Bob (Jill) Ferguson; daughters, Tina (Jeremy) Meyer and Lisa (Paul) Fischer; grandchildren, Alison & Karson Meyer, Benjamin & Adam Fischer, and Kiera Ferguson; as well as many other relatives & friends.

Frank, our loving husband, amazing father & grandfather, dear brother, uncle & friend, may peace be with you.  You were dearly loved & will be greatly missed by all.  It will be difficult for some time, but one day we will be able to look back & remember all of the wonderful times & special occasions you brought us, and that will bring joy to our hearts and smiles to our frowns.  In loving memory.

A graveside service will be held at the Lakota Cemetery, Lakota, ND, on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

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