TILFORD W. "TILLIE" SCHLIEVE

Tilford W. “Tillie” Schlieve, 86 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Friday, August 26, 2016 at Valley Memorial Homes in Grand Forks, ND. Tilford Warren Schlieve was born on August 27, 1929 in York, ND, the son of Robert and Mary (Jones) Schlieve. He was reared on Grahams Island, west of Devils Lake, ND. He attended a country school and the Free Peoples School through the eighth grade. His family later moved to Warwick, ND where he attended Warwick High School graduating on May 13, 1944. He played baseball and basketball during his high school years. After graduation, he worked for area farmers for several years. Tilford began his military career with the United States Marine Corps on 26 October 1951. He served his country during the Korean Conflict in Germany, Hawaii, Guam and Korea. He was honorably discharged from active duty on 24 October 1953. While remaining in the Marine Corps Reserve he continued his education at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND where he studied Automobile and Diesel Mechanics. Tilford married his sweetheart, Beverly Ann Anderson on December 29, 1955. They established their home in Devils Lake where they lived, worked and raised their six children. As Tilford’s reserve obligations were ending, he joined the North Dakota Army National Guard in 01 March 1956, serving at Camp Grafton. He was appointed to Warrant Officer on 4 June 1966. He served in several duty assignments with the 3662nd Ordinance Company and was last assigned as an Engineer Equipment Repair Technician with the 3662nd Heavy Equipment Maintenance Company. He retired on 31 August 1989 with the rank of CW4. He received several commendations and medals during his 39 years of service to his country. After Tilford’s retirement he enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church, VFW, American Legion, Eagles Lodge and volunteered hours to the community by delivering Meals on Wheels. Tilford was a very gifted man, he was able to fix anything and had the ability to invent a part or tool that was necessary to accomplish any repair that needed to be done. He was happy to pass these talents to his children and grandchildren and was proud of each and every one of them. Tilford is survived by his children Brenda Barstad, Devils Lake, Michelle (Doug) Kupitz, Staples, MN, Tamra (Larry) Elshaug, Devils Lake, Connie Regan, Duluth, MN, Todd (Teresa) Schlieve, East Grand Forks, MN and Terry Schlieve, Devils Lake; grandchildren Justen (Kay) Barstad, Nicole (Darren) Wheeling, Tyler Elshaug, Tanner Elshaug, Landon Regan, Nathan Regan, Tracy Schlieve, Chelsie Schlieve, Bethany Schlieve and Riley Schlieve; step grandchildren Crystal (Eric) Eversvik, Josh (Michelle) Schake, Heather Schake and Tiana Schake; great grandchildren Myles and Ily Barstad and Emmery and Kinley Wheeling; brothers Arthur Schlieve and Donald (Lola) Schlieve, all of Devils Lake; sisters Millie Johnson, West Fargo, ND and Hazel Ralston, Devils Lake; many dear nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law also survive. Tilford was preceded in death by his parents; wife Beverly on September 26, 2012; granddaughter Mikayla Barstad; sons-in-law Herby Kim Barstad and Gregory Regan; brothers Leonard and Lyle Schlieve and sister Mabel Brown. Tilford’s Grandsons, Justen, Tyler, Tanner, Landon, Nathan and Riley will serve as casket bearers. Honorary Bearers are all members of the North Dakota Army National Guard at Camp Grafton. Funeral Services for Tilford will be on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Lyle Belleque officiating. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue on Wednesday at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND with military honors accorded by the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team and the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars.