NEIL K. ELVERUD

Neil K. Elverud, 57 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on July 1, 2011 in Sanford Health’s Palliative Care Unit from a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Wednesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral Services for Neil will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Jamie Desai will officiate and burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. A eulogy by Julie Christianson and a poem read by Jodi Kjelden. Neil Kent Elverud was born in Devils Lake on June 20, 1954 to Harry and Adeline (Svendsbye) Elverud of rural Leeds, ND. He grew up and was educated there graduating from Leeds High School in 1972. He then attended NDSU and later graduated from Lake Region Junior College. Neil was employed by Cando Sales, Farmers Union Oil of York, Ed Ripplinger Ranch, Devils Lake Steam Heat Authority and most recently by Black Construction for the past 25 years. Neil was united in marriage to Barbara “Bobbie” Thomas on April 9, 1983 in Devils Lake where they established their home and raised their family. Neil enjoyed bowling, horses, hunting with family and was an avid reader with Westerns as his most favorite. His most special times were spent with his wife, sons, grandchildren and his family. Neil is survived by his wife of 28 years, Bobbie of Devils Lake; sons, David Elverud and his wife Lisa of Devils Lake, Jesse Elverud of Grand Forks and Brandon Elverud of Fargo, ND; grandchildren Devin, Derek and Danyel Elverud all of Devils Lake; mother, Adeline Elverud also of Devils Lake; brothers, Brian Elverud and Dale (Connie) Elverud of Leeds, Alan Elverud of Bismarck; sisters, Jayne (Tony) Nieman of Calvin, ND and Julie (Paul) Christianson of Churchs Ferry, ND; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry; niece, Savanna Nieman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ben and Eileen Thomas; grandparents, Iver and Marie Elverud and Andres and Gudrun Svendsbye. A special thank you to Dr. Snow, the staff at Roger Maris Cancer Center, 7 South and Palliative Care Unit at Sanford Health for the outstanding care of Neil.