Thomas Dale McNamara

Thomas Dale McNamara, 72, Bismarck, passed away on October 24, 2010, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family under the care of St. Alexius Home Health and Hospice Care. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Bismarck with Rev. Wes Aardahl officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, and will continue on Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Thomas was born on July 5, 1938, in Minot, ND, the son of Donald and Edith Tank McNamara. He grew up on his grandparents' farm in Keene, ND, and graduated from Dakota Lutheran Academy High School in Minot, ND, in 1957. After high school, he attended North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND, where he earned certification in welding and mechanics. Thomas was united in marriage to Carolyn Wilson on June 20, 1959, in Williston, ND. He retired in 2000 after 23 years at North American Coal Coteau Properties in Beulah, ND. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, working in his yard and garage, cleaning and polishing his automobiles, spending time with family and friends, and attending his grandchildren's activities. Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Carolyn of Bismarck; daughter, Brenda Kevin Mahon of Bismarck; son, Jay Angie McNamara of Lincoln, ND; granddaughters, Kristie Clint Kitzen of Lincoln, Katie Mahon of Bismarck, Erin McNamara of Lincoln, Jesse Pfliger Bernal and Hailee Pfliger of Wisconsin; and Emilee Pfliger of Hazen; grandsons, Cory and Nathan McNamara of Lincoln; great-granddaughter, Kira Bernal of Wisconsin; great-grandson, Jadon Bernal of Wisconsin; brother, Bill Loretta McNamara; nephews, Randy Tonja and family, Brian Shari and family, all of Vernal, UT; half-sister, Cheryl Tom Fiest of Williston; nephews, Tommy and Travis Fiest of Bismarck; and many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Terry; his parents, Donald McNamara and Edith Harms; his step-father, Arne Harms; his grandparents; and aunts and uncles.

Thomas Dale McNamara

July 5, 1938 - October 24, 2010