Agnes Elsbeth Spenst

Agnes E. Spenst, 95 of Devils Lake formerly of Alsen ND passed away early Sunday morning, November 20, 2011 at Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake with her husband at her side. Funeral Services for Agnes will be held at the Swiss Mennonite Church, Alsen ND on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. Rev. Vergil Moos will officiate and burial will be in the Bethel Cemetery, rural Langdon ND. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Music will be provided by Pastor Vergil and Judy Moos. Agnes Elsbeth was born on November 25, 1915 on the family farm, Moscow Township, rural Langdon ND the daughter of Henry and Sara (Buller) Bartel. She was reared and educated in rural Langdon, attending Moscow Township School #4 and graduating from Langdon High School with the class of 1937. She attended the Grand Forks Business College for two years. She worked in Langdon at the Register of Deeds Office and later at Northwestern Bank balancing account ledgers by hand for five years. Agnes was united in marriage to Earl Spenst on October 13, 1950 at the Swiss Mennonite Church at Alsen where they have been active members through the years. Agnes and Earl farmed together for 30 years. In 1990 they retired and moved to Langdon. They spent the winter months in Arizona for several years. In September of 2006, Agnes and Earl moved to Devils Lake. Agnes was a devoted, loving wife and mother. She had many loves in her life; her faith, her husband, family and her music. Music and playing the piano brought her much joy. For many years, she taught the Sunday School class for Grades 4-6 at the Swiss Mennonite Church in Alsen, and always enjoyed hearing updates about the lives of her former students. Agnes will be greatly missed by Earl, her husband of 61 years; son Virgil Spenst of Arizona; grandsons Shaun and David; sister Adeline Anderson of Madelia MN; brother Luverne (Betty) Bartel of Pine River MN; sisters-in-law Marion Bartel of Langdon and Evangeline Bartel of Grand Forks ND; several nieces, nephews and their families. Agnes was preceded in death by her parents; sister Evelyn Toews and brothers Alvin Bartel and Paul Bartel. Friends may sign the online register book at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com