David Peder Sebelius

David Peder Sebelius, aged 67, of Leeds, peacefully transitioned to the eternal world on November 20, 2023, following a courageous battle with Multiple System Atrophy.

Born on May 16, 1956, to Manvil and Dorothy (Gebeke) Sebelius of rural Dunseith, ND, David was baptized and confirmed at Willow Creek Lutheran Church in Overly, ND. He proudly graduated from Dunseith High School in 1974.

Growing up on a farm south of Dunseith with his seven brothers, David cultivated a love for cattle, horses, and the art of tinkering with automobiles and snowmobiles.

In high school, David met his lifelong companion, Darlene. On July 25, 1975, David married his sweetheart, Darlene Marie Myrum, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rolette. The couple moved to Leeds, ND, in the early 80’s to raise their three children Jeremy, Kristy, and Andrea. It was here that David established his trucking career and business, Mr. D’s Enterprise. His first Semi, the “Old Yeller,” traversed the US, accumulating over a million miles. Throughout his lifetime, David explored various paths including plumbing, working at BTR Elevator, and trucking in the oilfields with runs in Alaska, Canada, North Dakota, and other destinations in the US. His small business extended to David’s Performance Shop and an authorized Bravo Trailer Dealer.

Darlene and David shared the joy of experiencing many beautiful landscapes during their travels. In their later years, they settled back in Leeds.

David had a multitude of passions in life; from supporting Andrea in her basketball career, spending summers working on computers with Jeremy during his visits from Iceland, and engaging in snowmobile racing with Kristy. His love for snowmobiles and jet skis was evident in the countless hours spent in his shop, talking, tinkering, fixing, building his own snowmobile, creating patents, and inventions.  His heart yearned for snowmobile trips to Cooke City, MT, Idaho, Wyoming, and the unforgettable "Trip of a Lifetime" to Alaska with his buddies. His one and only granddaughter, Macie, held a special place in his heart. He cherished every moment spent with her, whether it was on a snowmobile adventure, jet skiing on Buffalo Lake, or enjoying movies together.

David was a man of resilience, intelligence, kindness, and above all, determination. Despite a recent diagnosis, he refused to let it slow him down. He was determined to make regular trips to his shop to visit with friends or work on projects, also continuing to make trips to visit his family as his body allowed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Darlene, of 48 years, fur baby Boomer and their children: Jeremy of Reykjavik, Iceland; Kristina (Wade) of Bismarck; and Andrea (Jon) of Minot. Also surviving are his cherished granddaughter, Macie, and her father, Matt Sogge. His mother, Dorothy, and six brothers: Harvey (Eileen), Daryl (Donna), Marvin (Cheryl), Dennis (Donna), Dean (Sherry), and Jeffrey (Tiffany) also survive him. Sisters-in-law include Margaret Sebelius of Fargo, Karen Sigvaldson of Cavalier, Denise (Larry) Kolterman of Hartford, SD, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his father, Manvil; brother, Duane; brother-in-law, Rodney Sigvaldson, and his nephew, Kalvin Kolterman.

Funeral Services for David will be on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Leeds Lutheran Church with Military Honors to follow.