EARL SPENST

Earl Spenst, 90 of Devils Lake, ND formerly of rural Hampden, ND passed away on Tuesday morning, August 21, 2012 at the Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake where he has resided for the past 4 years. Earl was born on June 4, 1922 in Moscow Township, fifteen miles west of Langdon, ND the son of John P. and Mary (Duerksen) Spenst. He was reared and educated in rural Langdon attending Moscow County School #3. He later started farming with his parents on the family farm, rural Langdon. Earl was united in marriage to Agnes Bartel on October 13, 1950 at the Swiss Mennonite Church at Alsen where they were active members through the years. They established their home on the Spenst family farm for six years, then bought a farm three miles north of Hampden where they farmed together for 30 years. In 1990 they retired and moved to Langdon. After retirement, Earl continued to enjoy being part of agriculture and helped Mark Ratzlaff with his farming for over 15 years. While living in the Hampden area, Earl served on the Storlie Township Board for many years. In September of 2006, Earl and Agnes moved to Devils Lake. Agnes died on November 20, 2011. Earl enjoyed traveling and socializing. The West Coast and Arizona especially drew him; he and Agnes spent several winters in Arizona. He was known as an avid fan of all things John Deere. Earl is survived by his son Virgil Spenst of Arizona; grandsons Shaun and David; sisters-in law Adeline Anderson of Madelia MN and Marion Bartel of Langdon, ND; brother-in-law Luverne Bartel of Pine River MN; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Earl was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Agnes; sister, Evangeline Bartel; brother, Richard Spenst. Funeral Services for Earl will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home Chapel, Devils Lake on Sunday, August 26th, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Immediately following the service, everyone is invited for lunch and fellowship at the Devils Lake Senior Citizens Center, Devils Lake. Graveside Services at the Bethel Cemetery, rural Langdon will be Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. A procession to the cemetery will leave from the Gilbertson Funeral Home at 5:30 pm. Memorial gifts suggested to Swiss Mennonite Church, Alsen, ND.