Thomas Restemayer

To join Tom's family for his Celebration of Life Service, please click on the Live-stream link below his obituary on this page. 

Thomas Restemayer, 71, of Fargo, ND passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at First Care Health Center in Park River, ND.

Thomas Lee Restemayer was born on October 14, 1953, the son of Clarence and Anne Restemayer. He grew up in Cavalier, ND and graduated from Cavalier High School in 1972. He worked various jobs before starting work at Consolidated Waste in Park River, ND. His favorite thing to say about that job was "$50 a week and all I can eat." He spent over 20 years at that job making many friends along his route. As everyone knew, Tom was a hard worker and every fall he could be found in the evenings in a field driving a tractor or truck. While in Park River, Tom was involved with Boy Scouts Troop # 70, creating lifelong memories of camping trips and storytelling with the scouts. In 2001 he moved to Fargo where he worked for Minnkota Recycling, earning their Soaring Eagle Employee of the Year Award before retiring in 2008.

Tom was blessed with four children, Aaron, Tony, Tommy, and Shonna from his first marriage. On February 28, 2004, he married the love of his life, Kathryn Dahl and he became a stepdad to her children Michelle Denault and Dustin Dahl. They made their home in Fargo, ND. Tom & Kathy enjoyed traveling and took many trips together over the years.

Tom, as many people knew, had the gift of gab. There was never a stranger to him, only someone that he hadn't had the chance to talk to yet. That combined with his big heart created many friendships over the years. When he moved to Fargo, he met his best friend, Jerry Belcourt. They truly were like Tom and Jerry because they could usually always be found together having lunch or going to estate sales (when they weren’t pulling pranks on each other). When Tom's health started failing, Jerry proved his friendship by always being willing to help Tom however he could - even if it meant a late-night drive over 100 miles one way to bring him his medication that he forgot at home. Tom loved and treated his friends like family and was loved by many in return.

Tom's pride and joy in his life was his children and grandchildren. His favorite thing in life was showing up for his family whether it was a sporting event, school concert, dance recital, graduation, or wedding. If he could be there he was and he was always one of the proudest people there. When his health made it harder for him to travel, it was always his greatest regret when he had to miss events, but with the help of his family, he still made it to the most important events in life. His final day showed how truly important being with his family meant to him. No matter how he felt, he was determined to make it to his granddaughter Alexis' graduation. The last few hours of his life were spent with family and friends. He went to his Heavenly home with his heart full.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his sons, Aaron (Tina) Restemayer, Tony Restemayer (Tailyr Vondal), and Tommy Restemayer; his daughter, Shonna Kartes; stepchildren, Michelle (Pete) Denault and Dustin Dahl (Michaela Herman); a nephew/honorary son Kevin (Kelsey) Restemayer; twenty-two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Julie (Lane) Unhjem and Elizabeth Dumenchuck; brother, Joe Restemayer; many nieces and nephews; his best friend Jerry (Mary) Belcourt; and all of the people whose lives he touched in his lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Anne Restemayer; parents-in-law, Clyde and Hazel Slininger; brother, Eddie Restemayer; brother-in-law, Alex Dumenchuck, and infant great-grandson Elliot Berg.

A Gathering of Family and Friends for Tom will begin at 12:00 PM (Noon), Saturday, May 31, 2025, followed by a Celebration of his Life beginning at 1:00 PM, in Dilworth Lutheran Church, Dilworth, MN.

He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service. Moorhead, MN)