EDWARD J KOLSTAD

Edward J. “Eddy” Kolstad, 73 a life-long farmer/rancher of rural Warwick, ND passed away at his home on the 4th of July surrounded by his loving family and friends and in the care of Altru Hospice. Edward James, son of Vernon and Ethel (Prescott) Kolstad was born on January 28, 1942 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake, ND. He attended a Hillsdale III Township School and graduated from Warwick High School. Edward farmed his whole life in Benson County on the family farm. Living on the farm also included raising cattle, PolyPay sheep and all the chores and work that goes with it. Eddy put his heart into the ranch until his death. He was the ultimate farmer/rancher. He could fix anything and had the patience and calm disposition needed to work out any problem and the willingness to share his knowledge and lend a helping hand to neighbors and family. Eddy sheared his own sheep and again was always happy to teach the art of shearing to others. He was a master gardener and was always planting trees, especially fruit trees. He was involved in the entire process of harvesting the produce, canning, processing and enjoying the fruits of his labor and sharing with family and friends. Eddy was a steward of the land and animal caretaker but family and friends were always his priority. He would stop whatever he was doing when family and friends came to visit and invited you in for coffee and something to eat. He kept track of birthdays and special events in the lives of family and you could be sure he would bring a cake on the special day-it just wasn’t right to wait for the weekend to celebrate the special day. He enjoyed attending auction sales (all kinds-household, farm, antique…), woodworking and wood crafts and always giving away found treasures or handmade creations to his family. We have lost someone very special to us and we will miss all those qualities that made him the wonderful person he was. Eddy is survived by his special friend Jean Humble of Devils Lake and her dear family; his Uncle James Prescott and wife Josie of Jamestown; his many precious, loving cousins and his partner in life’s adventures, Jesse Wallace. He was preceded in death by his parents Vernon Kolstad and Ethel Kolstad-Dahl and his sister Verna Kolstad. Funeral Services for Eddy will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Warwick Lutheran Church with Pastor Brandon Wegener officiating. Burial will be in the Warwick Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake and will continue on Thursday at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.