Dewey R. Possehl

Dewey R. Possehl, 92, of Moorhead, MN, died on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at New Perspectives Senior Living, West Fargo, ND. Dewey was born March 26, 1929, in Moorhead, MN, to Arthur and Esther (Johnson) Possehl. He grew up and attended school there, graduating from Moorhead High School in 1947. Following high school, he continued his education at Minnesota State University Moorhead. He served in the U.S. Army as a musician from 1950-1952. Dewey returned to Moorhead to finish his undergraduate degree and on June 8, 1952, he married classmate and fellow musician, Margery Johnson of Fergus Falls, MN. For their entire 63 years of marriage, music filled their lives.

Dewey then graduated from MSUM in 1953 with a degree in music education with an emphasis in trumpet performance. They lived in Mahnomen, MN, for a time where Dewey taught as a Band Director before returning to Moorhead. Dewey later received his master’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1958. Over the years, he enjoyed his time teaching band and orchestra at South Junior High and area elementary schools until retiring in 1985.  He mentored and inspired countless students and young music educators throughout his career.

Dewey also enjoyed staying active in the community where he was elected Clay County Commissioner for three terms, was the founding director of the “Johnny Flag 4th of July Band” at MSUM in the 1970’s, performed with the Fargo Moorhead Symphony and F-M Jazz Arts Group, was the first conductor of the Lake Agassiz Concert Band, and was one of the founders of the Fargo-Moorhead Area Youth Symphony.

Dewey was highly active in his church life at Bethesda Lutheran, serving on many committees and as congregation president. He was known to be patient, compassionate, thoughtful, and kind by his family and all who knew him. Dewey was happiest cranking up his stereo and “trading eights” with his fellow jazzers.

Dewey is survived by his four daughters, Jan (Jeff) Scholl, White Bear Lake, MN, Christie Possehl, Monument, CO, Polly (John) Preston, Hermosa, SD, Sara (Bradly) Forness, West Fargo, ND; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margery; granddaughter, Esther Scholl; and sisters, Dolores Kupka and Jackie Steg.

The Possehl family would like to thank the caregivers of New Perspective, West Fargo, for the wonderful and dedicated care he received in the months prior to his death.

Memorials may be designated to Bethesda Lutheran Church,  Hospice of the Red River Valley and the Fargo Moorhead Youth Symphony.

A service and a celebration of Dewey’s life will take place on Monday, July 18, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., at Bethesda Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.