Fred Roy

Honoring the life of Fred O. Roy

With profound sadness, we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandpa, and friend, Fred O. Roy, who departed his earthly body October 3, 2025, at the age of 84, four days shy of his 85th birthday.

Frederick O. Roy was born October 7, 1940, in St. Vincent, MN to Paul and Doris Mabel (Miller) Roy. He carried a quiet humble strength like his dear mother whom all the grandkids called “Nanny.” Together they shared a birthday, and we can only imagine the size of the strawberries and angel food cake for his first heavenly birthday reunion.

Growing up, Fred walked to a K-8th grade country school located a mile from his farm home near Pembina, ND. All students learned together in the one room schoolhouse, and little Freddie surely had an edge as the teacher used to room and board at his farmhouse and would coach him extra for, he loved learning. Fred then went on to graduate from Pembina High School in 1958.

Fred’s life created ripples of love as vast as the ocean’s depths. He listened from his heart, offering encouragement, and extending a generous hand to all in need. Fred was a model for gentle patience and kindness, helping others truly feel a sense of belonging and full presence.

The origin of his 61-year love story with his cherished wife began at Aaker’s Business College in Grand Forks, where he noticed her long legs and short skirt in the classroom- the rest is history. On June 28, 1964, Fred married Elaine Wilberg in Roseau, MN, where temps broke records of 100 degrees. They honeymooned in Bemidji where they continued to take their girls for family vacations each year, starting out camping in a nylon tent and eventually landing a park model home. Together Fred and Elaine raised four daughters who carry forward their parents’ model of steadfast helpfulness and warmth.

Fred dabbled in jobs at Motor Coach Industries and Railway Express Agency prior to devoting 37 years as a broker at Wood Brokerage in Pembina. Fred valued hard work and visiting people in his occupation although the late-night calls to the border were his least favored. When his daughters would go visit his office, he’d pull open a snack drawer with many choices; food was a way of connecting and sustaining smiles beyond energy.

Fred’s long-term hobbies included farming 200 acres, chopping logs for the wood stove, and touring casinos on his way to spend summers at the lake in MN where he loved to relax on the pontoon, visit by the campfire with a cool one, and cruise the campground in a golf cart. Fred found joy in the simple things like tapping his fingers while listening to the twang of country music from Sirius XM radio during his travels and savoring a dish of ice cream in the evenings. Fred was a huge sports fan, attending local games and faithfully cheering for the Vikings and Twins. He and Elaine were snowbirds in AZ for a few years, relishing sunshine with dear friends down south while the rest of the family was in the frozen tundra. Fred enjoyed grocery shopping and then sharing goodies freely. We nicknamed him the ‘muffin man’ as he would whip up a favorite batch in minutes, golden every time. Fred perfected baked beans for family functions and potlucks, yet when asked for the recipe, he’d slyly grin and point to his head saying, “It’s in here.”

Fred greatly enjoyed spending time and attention loving UP his family; he adored every new addition, with an extra soft spot for babies and furry friends. Fred prized everyone and truly appreciated gaining 4 of the world’s best sons-in-law; what a treasure, even amidst teasing about his moustache. He believed good things are worth the wait.

Fred is survived by his soulmate Elaine; daughters: Sheryl (Larry) Pelletier, Grand Forks, ND, Michelle (Mike) Rude, Pembina, ND, Sondra (Kenneth) Gudmundson, Bemidji, MN, Paulette (Dustin) Weleski, Clear Lake, MN; grandchildren: Jessica (Noel), Zachary, and Benjamin Pelletier; Landon (Alden) Rude and Sydney (Gabriel) Hartje; Kenny (Amanda) and Kaylee Gudmundson; Dawson, Kellan, and Shayla Weleski; great-grandchildren: Autumn Rowan, Damien Pelletier, Nathan Hartje, and Bryce Rude; sisters-in-law Yvonne (Carl) Kroll of Argyle, MN, and Shirley (Leslie) Mitterling of Roseau, MN, as well as nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Preceding him in death were his parents and brothers, Dennis and Jimmy; parents-in-law: Bill and Inga; and brother-in-law: Russell. Fred was a beacon of light and friendship, leaving a legacy of LOVE and creating a cascading effect for joy. Fred's laughter and captivating smiles were contagious and will resonate in our hearts forevermore.

Isaiah 40:31, Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Fred’s well-lived life leaves hope for us to be inspired to carry forward his goodness and light; may angel wings continue to soar in his honor.

We will bid farewell to Fred on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church in Cavalier, ND and invite you to join us in honoring him. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour before the time of service. Burial will be in the St. Vincent Cemetery, St. Vincent, MN.

Fred's daughters are especially grateful for their dear mother’s devotion, whose tender loving care brought so much comfort to sweet Dad these recent years of compassionate caregiving. She gave him the gift of dignity, presence, and peace and in doing so, she showed us all the profound power of love in its purest forms, graceful, endless, and enduring.