Fredrik Basgard

Fredrik Andreas Basgard of Congers, New York, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the age of 89. The son of Andreas and Martine (nee Biktjorn), he was born on December 17, 1935, and raised in the small town of Kvinesdal, Norway. Many of his earliest memories were of living under the Nazi occupation of Norway during World War II; the war ended when Fredrik was 9 years old.

Fredrik attended school until the age of 15, when he began working as a carpenter in nearby Kristiansand. At the age of 18, he immigrated to the United States on the SS Stavangerfjord and eventually settled in Brooklyn, New York. There, he met and married his beloved Sonja (nee Thompson) and started a family. By 1964, the family moved to Rockland County where he co-owned and operated Thomgard Construction Company and built hundreds of homes in the tri-state area. He continued to work well into his 70s and in retirement was always willing to help his family and friends with various projects.

During his free time, Fredrik enjoyed vacationing with his family in Norway during the summer and in the Caribbean during the winter. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting. Fredrik was an active member of Faith Assembly of God, in Chestnut Ridge, New York, and served on the board of trustees for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years; his sons, Arnold (Elizabeth), Thomas (Diane), and Erik (Jennifer); his grandchildren, Sara (Charles), Scott, Glenn (Cydney), Kyle, and Noah; and his great-grandchildren, Oliver, Ellie, Charlie, and Mary.

A celebration of life will be held at Faith Assembly of God in Chestnut Ridge on Tuesday, April 15, at 12 PM. A private burial will occur on a later date in Kvinesdal, Norway.