Francis "Frank" E. Foughty

Francis “Frank” E. Foughty, 85 a long time Devils Lake attorney died peacefully at his home on Wednesday afternoon, July 20, 2005 with Helen, his wife of 61 years and family at his side. In celebration of Frank’s life, a memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 24, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. Rev. Jamie Desai will officiate. Frank was born to James E. and Mary (LaFrance) Foughty on November 12, 1919 in Rolette, ND. He was raised in Rolette by his grandmother, Belindar Foughty. Upon graduating from Rolette High School, he attended the University of North Dakota, where he played football for the Fighting Sioux in the early 1940’s. His university career was interrupted by World War II. He joined the U.S. Marines in 1943 and served 20 months overseas. He was a First Lieutenant attached to the Military Police Battalion, which landed in Okinawa and was engaged in that battle. After the war he spent 6 months with the Military Police in northern China, he then returned to UND, graduating in 1947 with a Bachelor’s Degree from the School of Commerce and in 1949 with a Juris Doctorate. On June 3, 1944, Frank was united in marriage to Helen Hedin in Washington, D.C. In 1949, Frank, Helen and son, Chaun moved to Devils Lake to begin his law practice with Fred Cuthbert. He practiced law in Devils Lake for 51 years, 35 of those years he was in partnership with his law school classmate, Melvin Christianson. He was the Rolette city attorney for 30 years, the Ramsey County Water Board attorney for many years and instrumental in forming rural water programs. He was an avid supporter of the local Democratic Party. After his retirement, he enjoyed writing for local newspapers about numerous political issues. He was an avid gardener all of his life, greatly appreciated by family and friends for his garden produce. He worked with the local Indian leaders of the 1960’s and was instrumental in organizing the first Fort Totten Days in 1967. One of his proudest moments was when he was honored by the Leaders of the Spirit Lake Nation and was given the name of Wamdbe Tanka, “Big Eagle”. He was extremely proud of his Native American (Chippewa) heritage. He was also involved in organizing the Fort Totten Trails, Inc and participated in trail rides for many years with his family and friends. Frank is survived by his wife, Helen Children: Chaun Foughty (Vicki Michel) Maureen White Eagle, Donovan (Marca) Foughty Eileen (Mark) Tabert Nine Grandchildren: Magda and Taska Foughty; Brian (Sarah) White Eagle; Melissa Engelhart, Matthew Foughty; Molly, Eric, Katey and Abbey Tabert. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Judd in 1994; brother, John and sister, Edna Marie Henton. Frank’s belief was “that a good Christian is one that extends kindness and comfort to his fellow human beings, pets and other living creatures”.