Marvin J. Scherbenske

Rev. Marvin J. Scherbenske, 89 of Kansas City, Missouri, formerly of Devils Lake, ND peaceably entered his heavenly home with his family by his side on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at the Woodbine Healthcare Center in Gladstone, Missouri Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Devils Lake, ND with a celebration of Marvin’s life to follow at 10:30 a.m. Marvin’s granddaughter’s husband, Pastor Joel Mosier, will officiate. A Graveside Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Highland Cemetery in Jamestown, ND on Saturday. Marvin was born on September 8, 1918 in Bowdle, South Dakota, the first of six children to John and Lydia Scherbenske. His family moved to Jamestown, ND in 1926, and he graduated from Jamestown High School in 1936. Marvin graduated from Jamestown College in 1942 and entered military service that same year. He married his sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Eva Halvorson, on August 18, 1945 in LaMoure, ND. He was honorably discharged from the military as a Second Lieutenant in 1946. Marvin then attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN and Evangelical Theological Seminary in Naperville, IL, from 1946 until 1949. After graduating from the latter, he began his 54 years in the ministry in Hazen, ND, where he served the Hazen and Beulah EUB churches for two years. Marvin then attended Biblical Seminary in New York City and graduated with a Master of Sacred Theology degree in 1953. He then served the EUB church in Marion, ND for 6 years. In 1959, Marvin became the pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Ellendale, ND where he served for 6 years. He then became the pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Devils Lake in 1965 where he served until 1981. While serving in Devils Lake, he also began pasturing the Webster Chapel and Minnewauken Presbyterian Church in 1972 and continued serving them until his retirement in 2005 at the age of 86. Throughout his life, Marvin served on the Ellendale School Board, moderator of the former Fargo-Oakes Presbytery, Mayor’s Handicap Committee, United Fund (treasurer), Kiwanis Club, Lion’s Club, delegate to the Silver Haired Legislature, and was chosen Unsung Here for the Lake Region (Devils Lake) in 1987. Marvin’s life was characterized by his love for the Lord, his love for his family, his service to his churches and people in general, and his generous, giving spirit. Marvin is survived by his wife, Eva of Kansas City, MO; son, Stephen (Jilene) Scherbenske also of Kansas City; daughter, Diane (James) Lee of Ashburn, VA; son, Dr. James (Susan) Scherbenske of Lexington, KY: grandchildren, Kristin DeGarde, Tara Mosier, Josslyn Graham, Matthew Scherbenske, Ashley Scherbenske, Hannah Scherbenske and Andrew Lee and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and two sisters. The family suggests memorial contributions be given to Prison Fellowship; P.O. Box 1550, Merrifield, VA 22116-1550.