Thorfin Tangedahl

T.N. Tangedahl, 92, Bismarck, former Director of Social Services for the state of North Dakota, passed away on July 27, 2008. Services will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday at First Baptist Church, Bismarck with Pastors Steve Wisthoff and PJ Tangedahl officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, and continue one hour prior to services at the church. Thor was born on September 27, 1915, near Van Hook, ND, to Norwegian immigrants Erick and Maria Skaar Tangedahl. Prior to attending college, he taught at a rural school in Mountrail County. He received his BA degree from Minot State College and did graduate studies at UND and the University of Minnesota where he earned his Masters degree in social work. He married Lucille Swedlund on January 18, 1941. Together they raised three sons. Thor and Lucille were active members of First Baptist Church in Bismarck for over 50 years. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2006. Lucille died September 6, 2006. During WWII Thor served in the US Army Air Corps with assignments at the pentagon and later in the China-Burma-India Theater. Thor had a distinguished career of 43 years of public service to the people of North Dakota. From his early beginnings as a McKenzie County caseworker in 1938 through his ascension to Executive Director of the State Social Service Board in 1972, Thor devoted his tireless energies to strengthening the social fabric and structure in our society. Thor enriched the lives of countless children and families in North Dakota by his resolute dedication to improving the quality of life through social services. Thor’s ability to inspire hope, instill confidence, and influence outcome made him and architect of social progress. His progressive thinking, positive attitude, soft-spoken approach, and tenacious persistence engendered a benevolent social consciousness that was embodied in one of the most responsive human service programs in the nation. Thor’s compassion for the poor, love of children, respect for the elderly, and appreciation of the family are reflected in the lives of all who knew him. Thor earned high respect and profound regard of the Legislature through his wise and forthright counsel to lawmakers, contributing substantially to the understanding of social problems and the enactment of laws fundamental to progressive social service programs. After his retirement in 1981, Thor served as mentor, advisor, supporter and beloved friend to his kids, grandkids and their families. He is survived by two sons, Lee Mary Jane Tangedahl, Turah, MT and Guy Brenda Tangedahl, Bismarck, ND; eight grandchildren and their spouses, Katrina Tangedahl, Spokane, WA, Maria and Damien Fitzpatrick, Spokane, WA, Amy Jo Tangedahl, Temple, TX, Joshua Tangedahl, AZ, Eric and Janna Tangedahl, Missoula, MT, Amy Lynn Tangedahl, Missoula, MT, PJ and Amanda Tangedahl, Spanaway, WA, and Tyler and Lacy Tangedahl, Billings, MT. He also leaves, five great-grandchildren, Coy, Journey, Kolby, Zach and Anna Lucille. He was preceded in death by his wife; son, Dr. Tim N. Tangedahl; and two sisters.

Thorfin Tangedahl

September 27, 1915 - July 27, 2008