Stephen Ray “Steve” Ford

Stephen Ray Ford (“Steve”) was born on September 30,1953 to Ralph Ford (“Shorty”) and Louella Olson Ford Berland at St. Ansgar’s in Moorhead, MN. He grew up in Hawley, MN where the Ford family were early settlers. Before graduating from Hawley High School in 1971, he was active in wrestling, football and baseball. 

One month after turning 18, Steve enlisted in the Marines. His early training was in California and Virginia. At Quantico, Steve was selected for training in radar – then in its infancy. Steve was always very proud of his service as a marine – as was the entire family. Returning to the Hawley/Fargo/Moorhead area, Steve attended Moorhead Technical College. After early construction work with sheet rock, Steve worked in the trucking business with firms like Twin City Construction, R & R Trucking and Can Am Trucking. He was proud of his trucking career. He was diligent in “going the extra mile to get the job done!”, hard work, dependability and always doing his best!

Steve had a very close and special relationship with his mother Louella. He loved shooting sports like hunting ducks, geese, and bear – but his favorite was deer hunting. He also enjoyed fishing, ice fishing, playing pool, canoeing, playing cribbage and Pinochle (and you had better play your best when you were his partner! He was quite competitive!) His favorite football team was the Vikings, and he was very happy to be able to attend a few games. Steve was an avid reader – particularly civil war histories. Cruising on the open road on his Harley Motorcycle and Thunderbird was another favorite pastime! His greatest joy was his beloved dog Jake (and several predecessors). He loved his farm and sitting on the deck with his dog watching nature. It was in that setting he was truly happy!

Steve is survived by his daughters: Kellie Wiethorn, Aitkin, MN, April (Jamie) Lamon, Valdosta, GA. Granddaughters, Amanda Wiethorn, Maplewood, MN, Mara Lamon, Valdosta, GA. Grandson, Tyler Lamon, Valdosta, GA. Sisters, Donna (Gordon) Hansen, The Villages, FL; Sharon Burke, Spokane, WA; Linda (Keith) Hensley, Estero, FL; Lauri (Randi) Pudwill, Lino Lakes, MN. Brothers, Ron (Wendy) Berland, Moorhead, MN; Don (Cheri) Berland, Glyndon, MN. Brother-in-law, David Hanson, Evansville, MN. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews whose lives he influenced.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Yvonne Hanson; and brother-in-law, Michael Burke.

Steve passed away on June 6, 2025 (age 71) at Sanford Hospice. He will be greatly missed.

May God bless his very special memory!

Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Wright Funeral, Hawley, MN. A livestream of the service will be available here on Stephen's webpage. Final resting place will be at Fargo National Cemetery on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10:00 A.M.