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Virgil L. Farstad • 1934 - 2003 Virgil L. Farstad, 69, 2706-18th Ave. SW, longtime Minot businessman, died Tuesday, August 12, 2003, at a Minot hospital. He was born May 23, 1934, in Minot, the adopted son of Idar and Jennie (Gullickson) Farstad. He was reared and educated in Benedict where his father founded Farstad Oil Co. In 1945, the family moved to Minot where Idar Farstad continued his business, operating out of a small service station on Valley Street. Virgil completed his education in Minot, graduating from Minot High School in 1953. Earlier this month, he joined his classmates in the 50-year reunion of their class. Virgil joined his father in the business. He bought the business in 1966, and with his leadership built Farstad Oil Inc. into one of the largest privately held gasoline and oil distributorships in the Upper Midwest. In 1984, Virgil sold the business to his son Jeff, marking the third generation of Farstad Oil Inc., but he remained as a business consultant to his son. He married Eunice Johnson Dec. 4, 1953. The couple made their homes in Minot and Arizona. In 1984, he retired from Farstad Oil, but for the last 20-years he continued to be active as an entrepreneur and inventor and was even recognized in the October 1995, issue of Forbes Magazine. Virgil patented many of his numerous inventions. He was an avid coin collector, a hobby he continued until his death. Recently, he invented and patented a wheel under the name of his company the Cartwheel Coin Company to serve as a display unit for his coins. Virgil has touched many lives, especially in his role as a mentor to young business professionals. His assistance went beyond that of sharing his wealth of knowledge, it often included financial support. He believed deeply that life had been good to him, that the Lord had blessed him, and he wanted to share those blessings. Virgil and Eunice recently celebrated their 50th year of marriage with a trip to Norway and other Scandinavian Countries. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot. Survivors: wife, Eunice, Minot; son, Jeffrey (Kathlyn) Farstad, Minot; daughters, Deborah Farstad, Minot, and Mary Jo (Doug) Fuller, Boise, ID; six grandchildren, Chris Farstad, Teresa (Steve) Coleman, Shane Farstad, Mason Fuller, Scott Fuller, and Erica Reeve; two great-grandchildren, Sage Raghib and Zaden Coleman; brothers, Kenny Gullickson, Benedict, and Art Gullickson, Underwood, ND; sisters, Rosella Sundbakken and Bernice Kettelson, both Minot; numerous nieces and nephews also survive. His parents, Idar and Jennie Farstad, and two brothers preceded him in death. Funeral Service: Friday, August 15, 2003, at 10 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Minot. There will be visitation but no reviewal Thursday, August 14, 2003, from noon until 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot. Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot Music: Dave Thomas and Bonnie Rennich Honorary Bearers: Virgil's family and friends Active Bearers: Shane Farstad, Ralph Gullickson, Robert Johnson, Mason Fuller, Malcolm Halverson and Scott Fuller |