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April 8, 1961-Sept. 12, 2026
Minot
Todd Lester Cresap, 65, Minot, ND, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Todd was born to William and Monica (Gamrath) Cresap on April 8, 1961, in Valley City, ND. He joined his older brother, Guy, and welcomed younger brother, Cory, two years later. The family moved to several small North Dakota towns, settling in Minot in 1970.
Todd graduated from Minot High School in 1979, Minot State University in 1983, and the University of North Dakota Law School in 1986. During high school and college, Todd worked at Souris Valley Golf Course and the Minot Country Club.
Todd and Linda have known each other since childhood; one of Todd's numerous best friends, Alan, is also Linda's cousin. Todd and Linda officially 'met' at a family wedding in 1982, were united in marriage on August 16, 1986, and recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Beginning on their 50th birthdays, Todd and Linda traveled annually to Jamaica or Mexico. These trips were cherished for their time together.
They were blessed with three children, Andrew Erik, Alexander Charles, and Melissa Jo. Todd was a constant presence in his children's lives, attending countless golf events, band concerts, plays, and swim meets. He encouraged his children to pursue their dreams and loved them unconditionally.
In 2022 and 2023, three beautiful grandsons entered Todd's life. He cherished his time with Olly, Ben, and Teddy. He even gave up his beloved flip phone for a smart phone so he could video call his grandsons regularly. The boys became the focus of his world, and he looked forward to spending time teaching them to golf and fish in his retirement.
Todd practiced law from 1986 to 2010. January 1, 2010, he was appointed by the Governor as a Northwest District Judge to complete the term of a retiring judge. He was reelected to his position for two following terms. Todd found his calling as a judge. If ever there was a person who embodied his initials TLC, it was Todd. Whether as an advocate for his clients, litigants in the courtroom or those blessed to work with him side by side, his fidelity to fairness was second to none. When he saw injustice, he never wavered in his beliefs. Being popular wasn't his goal but rather doing right was his professional and personal commitment. He was willing to take the hits for others and did not seek credit for his successes. He embodied all that the law, and life intended, to treat others with respect, to listen to all perspectives, and to make bad situations a bit less awful. As a judge, Todd's most cherished task was performing adoptions. He loved uniting new families.
In his spare time, Todd played golf as much as possible. He looked forward to his annual trips to Pinehurst Golf Course to play in a member-guest tournament with his lifelong friend, Wes, and to Colorado with close friends, Roland, Chuck, and Wes, to play several golf courses. He was a board member of Minot Junior Golf and active in supporting the musical community.
Todd was a talented trumpet player and enjoyed playing in several local bands, including Minot Community Band and Swing Band of Minot. He was a founding member of the Brass Band of Minot.
Todd also loved fishing and cherished his annual trip to Jan Lake in Canada. This trip included several family members including his sons, Andy and Alex.
Todd was loved by family and friends. He was always ready to provide a big hug and share his humor. He frequently reminded his wife that he provided 100% of the humor in the family. His family and friends will dearly miss his smile, compassion, and warmth.
Todd is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Andrew Cresap, Alexander Cresap, and Melissa Brown; his grandsons, Benjamin Cresap, Oliver and Theodore Brown; his mother Monica Cresap; brothers, Guy Cresap (Jenn Coffman) and Cory Cresap; mother-in-law, Shirley Dassenko; brother-in-law, Porter Dassenko (Anita), nieces, Bridget and Tasha Dassenko; as well as a large extended family.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Cresap; and his father-in-law, Peter Dassenko.
Memorial Service: Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, Minot.
Inurnment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Minot Jr. Golf, the Brass Band of Minot, Men's and Women's Golf at Minot State University, or International Music Camp.
The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home website: www.thompson larson.com
Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompson larson.com).
Published by The Minot Daily News, September 17, 2026.