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Wilfred “Willie” L. Fercho, 81, of Jamestown (formerly of Valley City) died Monday April 21, 2014 at home surrounded by his loving family.
Willie was born on July 9, 1932, in Napoleon, ND, the son of Edward and Maggie (Schumacher) Fercho. He was the second oldest of eight children and was raised on a farm near Edgeley. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1949 and served overseas until he was discharged in 1952. In 1954, he married Gladys E. Sjostrom of Edgeley. Willie worked as a heavy equipment operator on a wide variety of public works construction projects (missile sites, highways, and dams) in several western states. In 1968, Willie and Gladys moved back to Jamestown and in the early 1970s he started Fercho Backhoe Service which he owned and operated until he retired. Willie was devoted to family, loved the outdoors, and participated in many outdoor family activities especially camping, fishing and hunting. Willie was an accomplished wood worker and over the years completed a large number of carpentry projects for family and friends. He enjoyed cooking, making sausage, smoking prepared meats, and pickling fish and wild game. He loved animals and especially liked slipping treats to dogs. He was a long-time member of Ducks Unlimited, Future Pheasants, and the Knights of Columbus.
Willie is survived by his wife and companion Gladys and four children, Debra “Deb” Peuser (Howie), James “Jim” Fercho, Jody Fercho, and Tammy Sharp (David). Six brothers and sisters: Valentine “Tiny” Fercho, Angie Braun (Mark), Leo, Roger, Duane, and Donald. He was also survived by eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and a large number of nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by a son, Timothy, his parents, and sister (Mary).
Eucharist of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2014 at the St. James Basilica, Jamestown, ND.
Visitation: 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014 at the Williams-Lisko Funeral Chapel, Jamestown, ND.
Vigil: 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Williams-Lisko Funeral Chapel, Jamestown, ND.
Internment: Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown, ND.
An online guest book is available at liskofuneralchapel.com.