Vicki Fugleberg

   On Monday, December 19, 2022, Vicki Strand Fugleberg, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away at the age of 78.

   Vicki was born on March 25, 1944 in Glendale, CA to Gilman A. Strand and Pauline (Thorwaldson) Strand.  Vicki moved to Portland, ND in 1945. She graduated from Portland, ND High School and graduated in 1962. She received her Bachelors in Mathematics in 1965 from NDSU and a Masters in Mathematics Education from Minot State University.

   She married Richard H. Fugleberg on July 23, 1966 and they made their home on a farm outside of Portland, ND adding four children and many, many animals over the years.

   Vicki taught math for close to 40 years with the majority of them being in the May-Port school district. In 1997 she won The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching. Her dedication to improving as a teacher shone through in many ways, like choosing to live in the dorm at Minot State (in her forties) when pursuing her Master’s degree over the summer semesters. She also enrolled in Calculus at UND (in her 50’s) after hearing that her past students were struggling when they got to Calculus in college, simply so she could better prepare future students.

   Through her teaching, she touched the lives of thousands of students. Many of her students recall her saying “quite so, quite so”, “you know, you know”, and telling holiday jokes like “Where does a snowman keep his money? A snowbank.” She was proud of her years advising FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) with Gail Strand, where they led May-Port to an unprecedented run of FBLA State Championships lasting around 20 years. She also shared her love of optical illusions, mental puzzles, and foam cube puzzles with family, friends, and students. Her love of challenging herself and her ability to problem-solve and think quickly is a gift she has passed on to many who still enjoy it to this day.

   Outside of school, Vicki enjoyed playing cards and games of all sorts, reading, gardening, canning, cooking, traveling, and spending time at the log cabin and lake with family and friends. If she wasn’t in the garden or the kitchen, you’d most likely find her with her nose in a book.

   Over the years, Vicki and Richard traveled the US and visited many countries, often traveling with their close friends Roger and Linda Erickson, Lee and Cheryl Vinje, and Gil and Carol Rud. Vicki loved to see the world and share the experiences with loved ones. Closer to home, they enjoyed spending time with Brad and Ellen Amb anywhere, but especially in the “Shop Lounge”.

   In 2002, Richard and Vicki bought a lake home on Silver Lake and it truly became the place that cousins went to become best friends. Vicki enjoyed being surrounded by her family and extended family at the lake and the opportunities it provided to spend more time together. Over the summers, she made more pancakes and “Jim’s chili” than most people will make in a lifetime. She and Richard enjoyed watching their grandchildren learn to swim, waterski, wakeboard, wakesurf and more. But mostly, they loved to watch them make up games and jump off the dock (endlessly).

   Vicki was intelligent, quick-witted, funny, independent, forgiving, and strong willed.  She was quick to laugh and crack a joke. We feel blessed that her quick wit and sense of humor passed on to her children and grandchildren and will live on in this world. 

   Vicki lived a long and full life for which she expressed gratitude for - even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and learning the end of her life wouldn’t be as long or full as we would have hoped.

   Vicki is survived by and her memory will live on through her husband Richard Fugleberg, Her son Mike (Jill) Fugleberg, her daughter Sara (Jon) Labraaten, her son Lance (Jodi) Fugleberg, and her daughter Rikka (Chris) Brandon. Her 10 much loved grandchildren, Devin and Cassie Fugleberg (Mike), Rumer, Macy, and Ridge Flatness and McKinley Labraaten (Sara), Breck and Lucas Fugleberg (Lance), Carsten and Tegan Brandon (Rikka). As well as her first great-grandchild Grayson Mundt (Cassie). She is also survived by her siblings Andrea (Jim) Rud,  Eric (Alice) Strand, Kris Holm, and Margaret (Ken) Dahl.

   A visitation from 5pm to 7pm followed by a prayer service starting at 7pm will be held on Friday, December 23, 2022 at Baker Funeral Home 38 1st Ave NW, Mayville, ND 58257. A burial and celebration of life will be held this summer.

   In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Vicki to the Bang Cemetery Foundation. Donations can be sent to PO Box 381, Portland, ND 58274.