Percy "Pete" Idso

Percy "Pete" T. Idso, age 88, Fargo, ND, was born to Ingham and Geraldine (Helland) Idso on the P.J. Helland farm east of Amenia, ND. He attended school in Amenia and graduated from Wahpeton School of Science in 1942. Percy enlisted in the military the same year, becoming a soldier in the Army. His three and a half years in the army included service in the World War II European Theater. Pete received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service (20th Armored Infantry Battalion, 10th Armored Division) to his country in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium during December of 1944 and January of 1945. Following his discharge, he returned to Amenia and married Ruth E. Olson, on May 5, 1946. Pete and Ruth had three children, Mary Ruth, David and Donald.
Pete worked as a carpenter for Nels Nelson for a short time in Amenia and then moved to Fargo where he managed the shoe department at J.C. Penney Company. In 1955, he was employed by Northwestern Bell and later by AT&T. He retired in 1986 after thirty years with the companies. He and Ruth continued living in their Fargo home. Pete was a master of wood working. He enjoyed constructing furniture and cabinets for his home, his children and his church, Elim Lutheran in Fargo.
Pete was an avid supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. He served as Scoutmaster of Troop 217 at Elim Church for many years. Later he moved into adult scouting leadership in the Northern Lights Council. In 1988 he received the Lamb Award from the National Lutheran Scouting Association for his meritorious service to his church, his community and scouting. The National Council, Boy Scouts of America, awarded Pete a Silver Beaver for his Distinguished Service to Youth. Pete was registered with the Boy Scouts of America for fifty years. Pete was proud of his service to his church, his community and his country. He traveled with his family to Washington DC in 2004 for the commemoration of the World War II Memorial. It was very meaningful for Pete.
Pete is survived by his wife of over sixty-three years, Ruth, Fargo; a sister, Pauline King (Bob) of Richfield, MN; a brother, Gilbert (Cathy) of Willmar, MN; his daughter, Mary Ruth Idso of San Jose, CA; two sons, David Idso of Champlin, MN and Donald Idso (Adele) of Glendive, MT; three grandchildren, Erica Idso of St. Peter, MN, John Idso of Minneapolis and Evan Idso of Glendive, MT. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Ingham and Geraldine Idso of Fargo.
The Funeral will be held at Elim Lutheran Church, Fargo on Monday, October, 19, 2009 at 1 PM.
Visitation will be at the church from 11 AM - 1 PM, with a prayer service at 11 AM.
Burial will follow, at 4 PM, at Herby Lutheran Church Cemetery in Argusville, ND.