Afton "Podge" Nellermoe

Afton Adair “Podge” Nellermoe, age 85, of Moorhead, MN, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Afton was born on January 2, 1940, in Fargo, ND, at St. Luke’s Hospital to Ed and Clara Fuglestad. She grew up in Moorhead and graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran High School. Ron and Afton, high school sweethearts, were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, August 27, 1960. She earned her degree in physical education from Concordia College. She began her teaching career in Gonvick, MN, and later returned to Concordia to coach field hockey, sharing her love for athletics, teamwork, and mentorship.

Her greatest joy and purpose in life was found in her family. Afton was a devoted and loving wife of 65 years to Ron, and together they raised five children in the south Moorhead home they shared for 56 years. In the early years of their marriage, Afton supported the family through her talent and creativity—designing and selling handcrafted jewelry—while Ron completed his graduate education. It was one of the many ways she gave of herself with quiet strength and unwavering love. Her service to others included, Dorothy Day House, opening her home to many Concordia college students throughout the years and hosting Sunday dinners after church. Everyone that knew Podge, knew that coffee was always brewing at the Nellermoe residence and all were welcome, especially Norwegians – Velkommen.

Podge was the rock of her family, but her own foundation was firmly rooted in her faith in Jesus Christ. She lived her beliefs every day, demonstrating grace, service, and compassion in all that she did. Her warmth, wisdom, and hospitality touched countless lives—as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and mentor. Fond memories of late-night chocolate chip cookies and Sunday evening popcorn will always be a memory that her family will cherish. Afton’s creativity led to teaching countless people how to knit over the years.

Afton is survived by her husband, Ron; her children, Lisa (Dan) Thompson, Greg (Julie) Nellermoe, Chris (Jeri) Nellermoe, Karin Nellermoe, and Andrea (Carl) Kaster; and her siblings, Vercel (Marcia) Fuglestad, Torkel (Shirley) Fuglestad, Roald (Pauline) Fuglestad, Rene (Judy) Fuglestad, her sister, Shelah Blixt; and sister-in-law, Romayne Fuglestad. She is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was affectionately known as “Nonny” to her beloved grandchildren: Jacob (CeAnn), Christian (Kaitlyn), Annika (Sam), Lacey; Olivia (Sean); Jessica (John), Taryn (Tim), Kai; Braden, Tessa, Ethan; Stella (Mbonisi), Soren, and Bjorn. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Cohen, Crosby, Fitz, CeCe, Axel, and Abigail and two babies who will arrive very soon!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Clara Fuglestad; her brother Corky Fuglestad; sister-in-law, Geri Fuglestad; and brother-in-law, Gordy Blixt.

Afton’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith, family, and love. Everyone loved her because she loved everyone. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Memorials may be made to the Memory Café of the Red River Valley at: PO Box 883 Fargo, ND 58107 or Park Christian School at: 300 17th St N, Moorhead, MN 56560

A visitation for Afton will be Friday, May 2, 2025, at Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church in Moorhead from 5pm-7pm, with a Prayer Service at 7pm. Her funeral service will be Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 3pm with family and friends gathering one hour prior.