Clifford M. Stadum

Clifford M. Stadum, 86, 1504 2nd Street South, Moorhead, MN, died Thursday, November 9, 2006 in Moorhead, of complications from Parkinson's disease. Cliff was born January 10, 1920 to Carl and Mable Stadum in Esmond, ND. He was raised on the family farm and attended grade school at Baker, ND graduating from Baker High School in 1938. After graduation he worked on his parent's farm, and then enrolled at the State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND, from which he graduated.Cliff married Betty Stenberg on July 10, 1945 at the First Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND, and together they raised four children in Moorhead, MN. Cliff was employed at Interstate Seed and Grain Company in West Fargo, ND. After his time at Interstate Seed and Grain Company he became business manager for W.W. Wallwork of Fargo. In 1949, Cliff and Meryle Anderson Purchased the Pontiac Automobile and International Truck dealership in Moorhead and continued that operation as Anderson Stadum Pontiac Company for seven years. After his career in the automobile industry, Cliff became an investment broker with Piper, Jaffray and Hopwood. He received his training at Piper, Jaffray and Hopwood headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. and at Northwestern University at Evanston, IL. While at Piper Jaffray he became Branch Manager and Senior Managing Director and continued in that capacity until his retirement. Cliff was awarded the company's highest community service award The James Snow Service Award for his outstanding service in Fargo Moorhead.Cliff was active in community service his entire life. He was secretary of the Fargo-Moorhead Baseball Twins, served as President of the Moorhead Jr. Chamber of Commerce and in 1954 was chosen as the outstanding young man of Clay County for his various civic activities. Cliff was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church council and served as treasurer of the Trinity Lutheran Church Foundation for twenty six years. Cliff also served as the treasurer of the Pelican Lake Property Owners Association. He was a member of the Moorhead Rotary Club, The Elks Club, Fargo Country Club and the C-400 of Concordia College. He participated in the initial fund drive for the Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center and later as board member. Cliff served as President of the Sons of Norway corporate board and the Sons of Norway Lodge of which he was an active member for many years. Cliff enjoyed his time at their family lake cabin and especially enjoyed family gatherings with his wife, children and grandchildren. Cliff is survived by his wife, Betty; sons, Roger Cindy, Fargo, ND, Kent Cathy, Mahtomedi, MN; daughters Carolyn Chris Kopca, Portland, OR, and Elizabeth Stadum, Edina, MN; eight grandchildren, Carly, Kate, and Thomas Stadum, Fargo, ND, Nessa Jeff Sander, San Francisco, CA, Benjamin and Anne Kopca of Portland, OR, and Kelly and Peter Stadum of Mahtomedi, MN; one great grandson Charlie Sander, San Franciso, CA; two brothers Orville Stadum, Maddock, ND, Rev. Ernest Lilly Stadum, Fargo, ND; and three sisters Ina Stadum, Fargo, ND, Selma Sundet, Maddock, ND, and Elaine George Marquette, Milnor, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Norman and one sister, Mildred. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church Foundation, Eventide Lutheran Home, Rotary Club, and The Sons of Norway.