Thomas Dodds
Thomas “Tom” James Christopher Dodds, 52, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, in Watford City, N.D.
Tom was born Nov. 29,1972, to Jackson and DeLaura Dodds, in Bismarck, N.D. Tom was born the baby of the family, joining his four older siblings.
Tom spent endless hours enjoying the cows, geese, pheasants, and all the other animals they raised on their property. This is where his love of nature came from. He spent most of his school years in Bismarck, until they moved to Watford City, where he graduated high school. After high school he attended multiple colleges, earning a degree in construction engineering.
In 1998, Tom married Kristin Bohn. From this union his daughter, Ivy Rae was born. In 2001 their family was complete when their twin boys, Fox and Jackson arrived.
In 2004, Tom and his children returned to Watford City, and in 2006, he married Tonia Fricke. Together Tom and Tonia raised the kids with their “other mother,” Grandma DeLaura. He attended the kid’s sporting events, especially hockey, where his loud opinionated voice was sure to be heard.
Tom was a lover of all things’ nature and anything on four wheels that made a beautiful rumble when started. Tom loved the outdoors; he could tell you what kind of bird flew by, and what kind of constellation you were looking at in the sky. His love of cars and drag-racing was known by all. If he could have, he would have attended every drag race, derby or bump and run that was nearby.
The absence of his presence will leave an immeasurable void that will never be filled.
Tom will be dearly missed by his wife, Tonia of Watford City; his dog, Savvy - his best friend and companion; children, Ivy (Adrian) Castaneda of Watford City, and Fox Dodds and Jackson Dodds of Crookston, Minn.; brothers, Jeff (Laura) Dodds of Watford City, and Mike (Tammie) Dodds of Billings, Mont.; along with numerous nieces, great-nieces, nephews, and great-nephews. He is also survived by his first precious granddaughter, Sterling Rae Castaneda; who arrived the same day Tom climbed the stairway to Heaven.
Tom was met on the Stairway to Heaven by his parents, Jack and DeLaura Dodds; brother, Steven Dodds; and sister, Patricia Westerholm.
He will be missed by many, forgotten by none. Tom lived life vividly, and in the words of Johhny Cash, “I found out that there weren’t too many limitations, if I did it my way.”
A Celebration of Life Service was held for Tom on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Fulkerson Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Watford City, N.D. A luncheon followed services at the Civic Center for a time of fellowship and sharing. Visitation was held on Monday, July 21, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Watford City, N.D. Tom’s service was recorded and uploaded directly onto his obituary page when it was available. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City, N.D., assisted the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.