David Eblen

david eblen
David, 79, Fargo, passed away Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Sanford Hospital surrounded by his family. David Wilbur Eblen was born December 12, 1937 in Seattle, WA to Wilbur Eblen and Irene (Paschke) Eblen. He grew up on the family farm near Hillsboro, ND, and graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston in 1956. He married Peggy Wiger on December 27, 1963, in Hunter, ND, and they farmed in the Hillsboro area for over 30 years. During that time, he served as Traill County Farmers Union President, North Dakota Farmers Union State Secretary and on the Farmers Union Marketing and Processing Association Board of Directors. He retired from farming in 1993 was ordained as a Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church on December 11, 1993. He served in that capacity at St. Rose of Lima in Hillsboro. He was Director of Diaconate Formation for the Diocese of Fargo and also developed and implemented the Education for Parish Service program for the Fargo Diocese. He was also a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He and Peggy moved to Fargo in 2007, where he served as a Deacon at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church. David continued to be involved in marriage preparation for the Diocese. In 2011, he was honored with the Top Aggie award from the Northwest School of Agriculture Alumni Association. David enjoyed time spent with family, traveling and trips to Tulaby and Ottertail Lakes. He had an avid interest in genealogy and spent much time researching family history. He was a true man of the earth and loved gardening during retirement. He adored his grandchildren and cherished the time spent with them. David was also very proud of the fact that he had the privilege of marrying both of his children and baptizing all five grandchildren. David is survived by his wife Peggy, son Bob (Deb) Eblen of Kansas City, MO, daughter Patrice (Kevin) Lahlum of Horace, ND, and grandchildren Sam and Noah Eblen and Josh, Adam and Maya Lahlum. He is also survived by his siblings Cece (Ken) Cotton, Kathleen Heising, Sister Patrice Eblen, and Tom (Deb) Eblen and many nieces and nephews. He also had a special life-long relationship with his cousin, Father James Eblen of Seattle, WA. David was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Mark Eblen, Glenn Eblen, Eileen Murdock and brother-in-law James Heising. David preferred memorials be directed to the Permanent Diaconate Scholarship Fund, which he established at the Diocese of Fargo, or to the Great Plains Food Bank. FUNERAL MASS: 10:30 AM Thursday, September 28, 2017 at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church in Fargo PRAYER SERVICE: 7 PM Wednesday at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo VISITATION: 5-7 PM Wednesday at Boulger Funeral Home – and also one hour prior to the service in the church on Thursday BURIAL: St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery in Hillsboro

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  1. I offer my sympathy and support of prayers to Peggy, David’s family and siblings. May you experience peace and the comfort of being loved in this time of loss. Sister Lenore Paschke

  2. Peggy & family, So very sorry to hear of the passing of Deacon, Husband, Father & Grandfather. Hold on tight to the many fond memories you have of him. God be with you all in your time of sorrow.

  3. I got to know Deacon Dave through the EPS program. He was always so supportive and helpful. May he rest in eternal peace, and may perpetual light shine upon him! He and the family are in my prayers.+

  4. We have known the Eblens for a very long time. They are part of our Farmers Union family. I have fond memories of being at Farmers Union conventions together. I also appreciate David’s compassionate service to the people of the Diocese of Fargo.
    Our sincere sympathies to Peggy, Rob, and Patrice and families.

  5. Peggy, I am so sorry to hear of Davids passing. I pray that you and his family find comfort in your many memories and the Blessings of the Lord.

  6. Dear Peggy and family,

    My sympathy and prayers to all of you at this time. David was very involved in the church so he will be missed in many ways. I am a cousin to Irene.
    May God bring you much Peace and comfort at this time. Love,
    Sister Dominica Gerszewski

  7. I was away when this happened and so very sad to receive the news from my husband back in Fargo after it was announced at Mass. Please know that you are all in our prayers. I had just run into Deacon Dave at a recent Mass and now have that memory of our brief crossing fixed in my memory. He was a sweet man, and will be missed. Hugs to you, Peggy.


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