Truman Alfred Vigen

A Celebration of Life for Truman A. Vigen will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 6 PM at Dobmeier Funeral Home, Barnesville with a visitation from 5-6 PM also at the funeral home. 

Heaven is now learning how to put together a Troll’s Knot. Truman Alfred Vigen, 82, master of this craft passed away on July 17, 2026, surrounded by his family who loved him dearly. This gentle man was born on February 23, 1944, and grew up in Elbow Lake, Minnesota, where he starred on the football field, co-captained his team, lettered from 1958 to 1961, and was named a WIGWAM All-American in 1961. He earned a full Bison football scholarship to North Dakota State University.

Truman served in the U.S. Air Force from 1963 to 1967 as part of the Strategic Air Command at Loring Air Force Base in Maine, working on B-52 bombers — a role he remained deeply proud of throughout his life. After his service, he worked with the Moorhead Police Department before joining the Clay County Sheriff’s Office where he served as a deputy sheriff until retirement.

On February 3rd, 1984, he married the love of his life, Deborah Englehart Binstock, and together they built a life grounded in love and devotion. They brought their children from previous marriages together to create a family unit filled with love and laughter. Above all else, Truman’s greatest joy was his family. He felt such pride in all his children and was always there to lend a hand or give advice. 

There is a famous African proverb “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.” He often said, “I don’t know a lot, but I know a little about a lot” or “I’m a virtual slew of worthless knowledge.” He could have an educated conversation on most every topic. If you asked him for directions, expect to know your mile markers as he was a virtual expert on every road in a three-county area, including section lines. He was always there to welcome you with his infectious laugh, smile and a big hug.

Truman was a huge fan of Deb’s cooking and would always say how much she spoiled him. After a great meal it was usually time for a rowdy game of May-I (A family game) where he would quite frequently give the impression, he held crummy cards but then would lay them all down and laugh as he announced he won. He was sneaky like that. He was also a gifted woodworker, known for his intricate Troll’s Knots of which he loved giving to his family and friends. He also loved giving old furniture new life. An avid reader, he enjoyed authors like Stephen King and John Sandford, and he never tired of watching NYPD Blue. If he wasn’t in the house on a nice day you could expect to find him on his lawn mower or hauling whatever needed hauling. He loved that trailer. You didn’t want to call when the Bison were playing because it often went to voice mail, those games meant the world to him, and he was so very proud of their accomplishments. Those who knew Truman will remember his quiet strength, gentle nature, and the way he led by example more than words. 

He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew him. Truman is survived by his wife Deb, his children Anthony (Jeannine), Russell, Jason, Melissa (Trever) and Chad (Beth), and his beautiful granddaughters Alexandra, Janis, Sydnie and Alisha.