Walter C. ’Bud’ Hatlestad Jr.

Born June 13, 1931 in Warwick, North Dakota, son of Walter and Mabel Hatlestad.On May 15, 2004, surrounded by his family's love and God's presence, Walt Hatlestad began his eternal life with his Father in Heaven.Walt Hatlestad, "Bud," developed the foundation of his values while working on the family farm near Warwick, North Dakota. He excelled in sports throughout his life, including basketball, football, baseball and golf. He graduated from High School in 1949 in Warwick, North Dakota and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Jamestown College in 1953. Upon graduation from college, he entered the Armed Services, serving in Darmstadt, Germany in intelligence as well as on the Army's baseball and basketball teams.Walt married his life's love, Pauline Ellen Dean on November 28, 1953. They moved to Gackle, North Dakota in 1955 where Walt began his teaching career. He then taught in Jamestown and Valley City. In 1964 he began teaching at Fargo North High where he was an English teacher and coach in football and basketball. He earned his Masters degree in Education from North Dakota State University in 1969.In addition to strengthening the minds and bodies of young students and athletes, "Coach" also worked to enhance the spirit of coaching through his activities in the North Dakota Coaching Association. One of his noted accomplishments was the inclusion of women coaches in the Association.Walt was very active in advancing the cause of education and strengthening the image of the education profession through his service on the boards of education associations, including serving as Director, Vice President and ultimately President of the North Dakota Education Association. He was passionate about adequate funding for education, teacher compensation, and bringing cultural diversity to North Dakota educators.He leaves Pauline, his wife of over fifty years; four children, Pam Hatlestad, Steve Hatlestad, Tim and Keri Hatlestad, Joan and Dan Degerness; and five precious grandchildren: Jordan, Walker and Parker Degerness, and Griffin and Morgan Hatlestad; and his brother, Jim and Marilyn Hatlestad. He joins in eternity, his mother, Mabel Wood and father, Walter Hatlestad.Walt loved reading, sports, reading, golf, reading, spending time with his grandchildren, and reading. His new or rejuvenated interests in retirement included reading, baking, reading, enjoying his grandchildren, and more golf.Teacher, Coach, Friend, Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Son, Uncle, Co-worker, Student, Believer.