Reed B. Jonason

Reed Blaine Jonason, 75, of West Fargo, ND (formally of Hope, ND) passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Sanford Health’s Palliative Care Center, Fargo, ND.

Reed was born on September 28, 1948, in Fargo, ND, son of Ole and Florence (Dyson) Jonason. He grew up in Hope, ND and graduated from Hope High School in 1966. Following graduation, he attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND, graduating in May 1969 with a degree in Business Management and Salesmanship.

Reed was a self proclaimed "Jack of All Trades, Master of None" and worked various jobs following college including the City of Hope, ND. Reed was a farm boy at heart, whether he was helping his brother-in-law in the field, or other area farmers, he was happiest working on the farm.

Reed had 2 children, Joshua and Jodi, with his first wife, Jill. Joshua and Jodi were his greatest pride and joy.

On April 2, 1988, Reed met Lorray Geiszler and they were united in marriage on December 31, 1988. Reed gained 3 bonus sons that he loved as his own. Reed and Lorray spent the next 35 years doing everything together, from attending grandkids sporting events, car races, traveling to AZ for the winter and MN for the summer months and many other adventures.

Reed retired from the state of MN in March 2013, but continued with various jobs to keep busy including mowing at Forest Hills and hauling beets for Faus Farms, as long as his health allowed.

Reed's passion was woodworking. He would spend hours building gifts for family and friends with his woodworking skills, all made by his hands with love. Some of his other favorite pastimes were watching car racing, golfing with friends, cheering on his Green Bay Packers, riding on his side by side UTV in the mountains of Arizona, and he always loved getting together with family and friends. Reed was a kind, helping, loving and gracious man with the best sense of humor and he will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Reed is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Lorray; daughter, Jodi (Phil) Schafer; daughter-in-law, Staci Jonason; sons, Tony (Missy) Leaf, John (Luda) Leaf and Scott (Chantel) Leaf; brother, Larry (Kathy) Jonason; and sister, Sally Winnerstrom. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and many more relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ole & Florence Jonason; his son, Joshua Jonason; and his brother, Lee Howden.

Reed was an avid Green Bay Packer's fan, so please wear your favorite team jersey or dress casual and join in celebration of Reed's life and love.

In lieu of flowers, make a donation to Roger Maris Cancer Center in Reed's honor.

A celebration of Reed’s life will be held Monday, May 20, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at Wright Funeral Home, 605 2^nd Ave S., Moorhead, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.