Obert L. Trostad

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/WhNzifvezS8 

Obert “Obie” Trostad, 88, Grand Forks, ND, passed away at Valley Transitions on October 1, 2025, with his loving family by his side.

Obert Louis Trostad was born on March 15, 1937, in McVille, ND, to Theodore & Selma (Reinhart) Trostad. He was the 2nd of their four children. He grew up on the family farm outside of Aneta. He attended school through 8th grade, then worked on the farm. During the draft, Obert volunteered to serve his country. He joined the US Army where he proudly served 1957-1959. Upon his discharge home, he began dating Marilynn Hanson, his Boo Boo. They married on July 1, 1960, and celebrated 62 years of marriage together. Obie held a variety of jobs and lived in several places until they settled in Grand Forks where they bought their first home. There they raised their five daughters and only son. Together, they taught their children a hard work ethic, commitment, generosity, and devotion to family. Obie was very proud of his children, grandchildren, & great-grandchildren. He loved attending their events, especially hockey. Obie and Marilynn made many bus trips following their son Gregg’s hockey and football teams. They both cherished the memories and the many friendships. They also enjoyed many RV adventures including nine years of WeFest with their dear friends. Obie joined in many trips for his grandson’s hockey games including an overseas one to Sweden.

Obie loved hunting and fishing. He cherished the many hunting trips spent with his son, his grandsons, and others who joined. He was quite the team player when it came to baking holiday goodies with his granddaughters, and they both appreciated when the girls came to help decorate. By trade, Obie was an ironworker. He was very proud of some of his big jobs including the old Altru hospital, the Sears building in Chicago, and a bridge in New York. He retired early due to a work incident which disabled him. Obie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. We enjoyed and appreciated his love for his family, his quirky comebacks, his sarcasm, and all the valuable lessons he taught each of us. “Do it right the first time or don’t do it at all” and “weight broke the wagon.”

Obie is survived by his daughters, Karen Deziel, Kathy (Gary) Klang, Cindy (Paul) Andrade, and Tracey Trostad; brother Duane (Bonnie); sister-in-law Kay; son-in-law Paul; grandchildren Aaron (Taylor), Dylan, Jamey, Josh (Amy), Jon, Tara (Andrew), Jenna (Jimmy), Shawnee, Cody (Gio), Toby, Dusty, Justin (Claire), Maxx, Brody, Emmi, & Irelynn; great grandchildren Dawson, Serenity, River, Rocky, Brixton, Braxton, Hazel, & Forrest; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Marilynn, his parents Ted and Selma, son Gregg, oldest daughter Pam, grandson Jared, brother Truman, sister Janice (Dean), son-in-law Donny, along with other family and friends.

Memorial Services will be 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025 in Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Inurnment will be at Resurrection Cemetery in East Grand Forks, Minnesota at a later date.