Michael Robert Stoddard

Michael Robert Stoddard, a beloved soul whose warmth, tenacity, and deep faith touched the lives of many, was born on June 13, 1957, to Clifford and Ragna (Stuvland) Stoddard in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He attended school in Barnesville, MN, where he was a proud member of the wrestling team, graduating in 1976. 

His faith journey led him to the Rhema Bible Training College in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where he completed a one-year program that would serve as a foundation for his spiritual life. In 1984, Mike met Kathleen Pedigo, whom he started dating in 1985 and after a six-month engagement, they married in Tulsa, OK. While in Tulsa, Mike worked tirelessly in the landscaping business. 

The couple returned to Barnesville in late 1986, where Mike worked at Dan’s Oil in the Fargo-Moorhead area, while nurturing his faith at Faith Hope Love Church in Moorhead. The family welcomed their first son, Doug, in 1988, marking the beginning of a lifetime of cherished memories. Also, in 1988 they moved to Staples, MN where Mike attended tech school, earning his credentials as a heavy equipment operator, and in 1993, they welcomed their second son, Ben. 

Beginning in 1998, Mike and Kathleen moved to Colorado, where they lived ten years before settling in Vergas, MN in 2009. He found joy in outdoor pursuits, whether it was hunting deer on family land in Rollag or casting a line at peaceful Star Lake, where nature embraced him. 

His unwavering faith was a cornerstone of his life. Returning to Moorhead, he re-engaged with Faith Hope Love Church, where his infectious spirit greeted members with a heartfelt “good morning,” regardless of the time of the service. 

Michael leaves behind a legacy of love that endures through his wife Kathleen of Moorhead, MN; their two sons, Doug Stoddard and Ben Stoddard (fiancée Fen Lysander), both of River Falls, WI; and his cherished grandchildren, Lilly Stoddard and Harper Lysander. He is also survived by his brother Bruce Stoddard of Vergas, MN, sisters Vicky Schimelphig of West Virginia, and Betty Raney of North Carolina, along with an abundance of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts. 

Sadly, Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Ragna Stoddard, and his sister Patty Haberle. 

At the age of 67, Mike Stoddard passed away on January 20, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND. Though he may have departed from this earthly realm, his spirit and legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament to love, hard work, and faith—values that will carry on through the generations he leaves behind.

Memorial services will be 2:00 PM, Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Korsmo Funeral Service in Moorhead with Pastor Ron Bakken officiating. 

Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.