Art Passa

Arthur J. “Art” Passa, 71 of Grand Forks, ND died Friday, June 30, 2023 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks surrounded by his family.

Art was born April 15, 1952, the son of John and Loretta (Devine) Passa in Red Lake Falls, MN. He was raised, educated, and a lifelong resident of Grand Forks, ND and went to school at St. James High School in Grand Forks, ND until its closing. He then graduated from Central High School in Grand Forks in 1971. On July 6, 1974, he married the love of his life that he met and dated all through high school, Debbie Gjerswold. The two would have been celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary this year.  

Art started his career at Rydell Chevrolet right after high school in parts and service. He continued on there for 26 years eventually serving as the Parts and Service Director of the Rydell Truck Center, Grand Forks, ND. In 1997, he began working for Strata Corporation. He served as their Heavy Equipment Manager until his health forced him to retire in 2017.

Art loved family more than anything. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren in all their activities. A day well spent for him was if his children and grandchildren just stopped over to hang out on the patio. Art loved to be outside enjoying the sunshine and warm weather working in his yard or garden. Art was a happy, easy going guy who easily made many friends and always had a smile on his face.

Art is survived by his wife Debbie of Grand Forks. His children Angie (Jeff) Panzer, East Grand Forks and Amy (Jeremy) Neppl, Grand Forks. Grandchildren Jaksen and Jace Panzer. Niksen and Ellie Neppl. Brothers Ralph Passa, Grand Forks and Arnie Passa, East Grand Forks. He also had three beloved grand dogs, Jag, Blade, and Trapper.

He is also survived by Debbie’s siblings who loved him like a brother, sister in laws Becky (Russ) Holte, Lynette Felegy and brother in law Wayne (Brenda) Gjerswold. Also, nieces, nephew, aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Art is preceded in death by his infant son James John (JJ) Passa, his parents, John and Loretta Passa, sister Theresa Passa, his father and mother in law James and Lillian Gjerswold, brother in law, Bob Gjerswold and sister in law, Merry Smith. and all his grandparents.

Special thank you to Dr. Masood who Art really liked and trusted. To all the amazing nursing staff at the Altru Hospital ICU/CCU unit. In his final days Art and his family spent many hours there. They were treated so kindly with great care, dignity, and respect. Especially Gabbie, Morgan, and Claire who ALWAYS made sure Art was taken care of with whatever he needed or wanted.

Mass of the Christian Burial: 11:00am. Monday, July 10, 2023 in Holy Family Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.

Visitation: One hour prior to the liturgy in the church.

Burial: Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.