James "Jim" Tenneson

James “Jim” M. Tenneson, 82, of Fargo, formerly of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, December 10, 2023 at Eventide Assisted Living in Fargo.

James Marvin Tenneson was born February 27, 1941 to Ernest and Selma (Mathison) Tenneson in Princeton, MN. He attended country school and Pelican Rapids High School, graduating in 1959.

He was a proud member of the United States Army, serving from August 21, 1959 to August 14, 1962. Jim served in France and had fond memories of seeing the Running of the Bulls. He was honorably discharged and received the Good Conduct Medal.

Jim was employed as bar manager at Becker’s Supper Club, Mid-Am Dairy, he laid floor covering and ceramic tile, worked in the maintenance department for HRA, and the Best Western in maintenance.

On June 15, 1963 Jim married Barbara Nelson, they had two children, Susie and Boyd. On September 29, 1979 he married Jean Harrington, they had two children, Stacy and Tressa. On November 29, 2009 he married Beverly Klawitter, Bev died September 4, 2019.

He was a member of Faith Church and the Senior Center. He was also a member of the Dalton and Elizabeth Lions Clubs, where he received the Melvin Jones Award. He was a member of Spartan Boosters and the Eagles, as well. He took pride in volunteering and was always helping others.

Jim was a softball pitcher for 41 years. He reminisced about playing softball up until his last few days of life. He enjoyed attending local sporting events, country music, woodworking, old cars, deer hunting, bowling, camping and rummage sales. He could always find a bargain. He was an avid blood donor. As a child, he enjoyed 4-H and working on the family farm and never outgrew his sweet tooth. Jim was always good for a laugh and could be heard from across the room. Appropriate or not, he always had a joke ready at a moment’s notice.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Selma and Ernest Tenneson; his brother, Gerald; grandson, Aksel; wife, Beverly, former wife, Barbara and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jim is survived by his children, Susie (Jared) Rund of Dalton, Boyd (Michelle) Tenneson of Fergus Falls, Stacy (Aaron) Birch of West Fargo, and Tressa Tenneson of Fergus Falls; grandchildren, Garrett and Montana Rund, and Dustin, Jonathan, and Hunter Tenneson, and Bryson, Paisley, and Thayne Birch; sister, Sharon (Bernard) Erickson; special nephews, nieces, cousins and friends; former wife, Jean Tenneson (Dave Moore); Jean’s family, and Bev’s family.

Thank you to Eventide Fargo for the care in his last months of life. Thank you to Lake Region Healthcare Cancer Center for years of laughs, support, and comfort.

Memorials are preferred to Fergus Falls Veteran’s Home Activity Department, Lake Region Healthcare Cancer Care and Research Center, the Food Pantry of Fergus Falls, or donor’s choice.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 18, 2023 at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service.
Clergy: Reverend Craig Palach
Interment: Trinity-Faith Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com