David H. Kaspari

david h. kaspari
David Herbert Kaspari joyously entered eternal life on March 23, 2018. He was surrounded by family and received the most respectful, compassionate end of life care from the staff at Rosewood on Broadway. David was born on the Kaspari family farm near Anselm to John and Florence (Moore) on March 18, 1932. He attended school through the 8th grade at the country school on the corner section of the Kaspari farmland. He graduated Sheldon High School and attended St John’s University at Collegeville with the intention of entering the priesthood. Instead, he felt a strong call to a lifelong vocation as a devoted husband to Sally and father of 10 children. He graduated from North Dakota Agricultural College (NDSU) in 1953 with a degree in Animal Husbandry. David loved his years at the Ag College and developed leadership as a Charter Member and first president of the Farmhouse Fraternity. He was a member of the first livestock judging team and told a hilarious story about going to the national livestock show in Denver. Their team won the national show and at the banquet they ate so much fabulous food, and were so uncomfortably full, they had to pull over on the drive home and they laid on the slant in the ditch with their arms stretched over their heads so they could breathe. Following graduation from college, David farmed with his dad, John, near Sheldon, ND. He also established the Diamond Hereford Ranch where he raised registered, polled Hereford bulls. June 6, 1959, David married Sarah Lucille Selkirk and they lived and worked together on the Kaspari farm with John and Florence. In the next 30 years on the farm there were more good times than bad, more happiness than sorrow, the love of neighbors and community friends and all of life was centered around David’s rock solid faith in God and his love of family. David was a gentle, kind soul, unless that is, he was chasing cattle. Then all bets were off. There are many wild stories of moving cattle from summer pasture back home to the farm. Little Kaspari children would be posted on the intersections of the county roads to keep the herd on the road back to the farm. They were instructed to, ‘wave your arms and shout’ should the herd decided to start down that road. Kids would beg to walk behind the herd with Herman, the herd bull, The Gentle Giant, who was always quite well behaved. Everything worked according to plan until one of the heifers would get a wild hair and take off across a wheat field. Dave would start the day fully dressed, and end up shoeless, shirtless and with his jeans rolled up to his knees by the time he was done. No doubt there is still a cloud of cattle-induced expletives floating over the Sheyenne river pasture. David was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 50 and he realized the physical challenges of farming and ranching were no longer possible. So, he commuted to NDSU, carried over 20 credits per semester, graduated with a 4.0, and then taught science at Sheldon High School. His love of learning was contagious and his students got 100% of his support in their efforts. When the hard work of keeping up the home farm and climbing up the stairs to his classroom became too much, David and Sally moved to Riverview Place in Fargo and spent 21 years in another close-knit community. Many family birthdays and celebrations were spent around the pool at Riverview. David directed the Riverview choir, volunteered at the front desk, served on the resident council and played piano for mass. Deep down in his marrow, David loved to grow, nurture and beautify. He spent countless hours pulling his gardening wagon behind his electric wheelchair to various gardening projects at Riverview. He planted trees, vines, bushes and lots and lots of flowers. His climbing roses were a showpiece of the courtyard, and the “dinner plate” dahlias were spectacular. There was one afternoon when he was weeding a flower bed and someone stopped to check on him as they thought he was dead. He just stretched out for a nap in the warm sun. In 2009, after the spring flood, progression of David’s MS and health issues for Sally, made it necessary for an increased level of professional care. David and Sally moved to Rosewood on Broadway. Dave said, “I love it here. I am surrounded by people who love me and take such good care of me.” His life-long love of books and reading continued to his last days. He would have a bag of library books to trade in for new ones on a weekly basis. This is a precious gift he shared with his children and grandchildren. He would read aloud and have a roomful of children, or just one grandchild snuggled in his lap, hanging on his every word. Family members waiting to greet David in heaven; his parents, John and Florence, infant sister, Josephine, son, Mike, and infant son, Paul. Those on earth who loved and will miss him; -his wife of 58 years, Sally, and 9 children; Jon (Brenda), Rob (Jeanne), daughter-in-law Donita Kaspari, Tom, Sarah Baker (Ray), Joe (Laura), Leah Rocholl (Scott), Chris (Julie), Jane Schuh (Troy) and Ruth Edgerton (Kyle). David had 26 fabulous grandchildren (many with wonderful spouses) and 13 great-grandchildren who brought such joy to him. Those people who knew him first and longest are his brother, Jack (Blanche) and sister Sharon Magill (Bob) plus many special nieces and nephews. His sister-in-law, Marilyn (Stromme) Selkirk remains a beloved member of the family. David H. Kaspari was a loving son, devoted husband, and a nurturing, compassionate father. He was a steward of the land, an educator, and most importantly, a good man. The words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” are so fitting for his well-lived life. God speed David. Funeral Mass: 2 PM Wednesday at Our Lady of the Scapular Catholic Church in Sheldon, ND Prayer Service: 7 PM Tuesday at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo Visitation: 6-7 PM Tuesday at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo - and also one hour prior to the service in the church on Wednesday Burial: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Sheldon, ND

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  1. Didn’t know your dad (my sincere condolences) but have to comment that you have all continued to make him proud, as his obituary brought him to life as I read it. (The Forum) My loss not to have been able to shake this gentleman’s hand. God bless all of you and give you peace in your loss.

  2. I’m so sorry to learn of your loss but I’m also certain that David is in good hands. I have many fond memories of living in Sheldon, among them spending time with David and Sally, painting the barn on their farm, and teaching Mike, Tom, Leah, Joe and Chris. The younger children didn’t reach my classroom before I left Sheldon but I knew them in the hallways and at basketball games as good citizens, all testimony to their loving parents.

  3. I met David at Rosewood on Broadway. I knew immediately he was a pretty special fella. I brought my 11 year old daughter to visit with people and she also was very fond of David. They would sit and talk about their love for the same books every time we visited. She is now 18 and has asked about David throughout the years, He will be greatly missed!

  4. David was always an example of family,faith and a desire to keep learning. So happy to have made so many memories with the Kaspari family. He will be missed. Sincere sympathy sent .

  5. Sally & family,

    My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate Dave’s life. He was always a positive person and I know that his faith and the love you had for him helped carry him through the struggles that his health issues posed.

  6. Rest in peace Mr. Kaspari. He was “exam man”. Nearly an exam a day. He was my science teacher at Sheldon High School. Very nice man! I didn’t observe any of his limitations at that time. I didn’t realize he was diagnosed with MS at that time either. He did well! My condolences to the Kaspari family.

  7. My deepest sympathies to all of you Kaspari kids. I remember Dave and Sally from being on Search when they were Ma and Pa. Sarah and Leah, I know I made Search with you both a time or two. I have seen and visited with Dave many time when I visited at Rosewood on Broadway. What a great couple Dave and Sally were. It is sooo hard to lose one parent, I can’t imagine losing both within a couple of days! But God sure knows what he is doing…they couldn’t live without each other! What a strong and wonderful legacy of love they have left to you all! May the prayers of all the people that Dave and Sally touched in their long and fruitful lives be a comfort to you during the days and weeks ahead. I will put Dave and Sally and the whole family into our prayer journal here at Maryvale. Know that the Sisters will be praying for you every day.

  8. I am David’s cousin. I visited with him a few times when he was at Rosewood. He never complained about his situation and was such a joy to visit with. Our sympathy goes out to all of you on this loss and also for the loss of Sally.

  9. Fond memories of the entire Kaspari clan. May both of these incredible souls find eternal rest together.

  10. Dear Jane, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. By reading the amazing obituary, it is obvious that he was a wonderful man. How lucky you were. We send you our love, Robin and Steve Kunkel

  11. I so enjoyed having Dave and Sally at Riverview Place for the many years that I managed the facility.
    They were a great help to all. Thanks for sharing them with us for those years.

  12. It has been a long time, but I remember your mom and dad with good thoughts. Prayers coming your way, Kaspari kids.

  13. My love and prayers are with you all in this time of tremendous loss. May God bless you with fond memories and peaceful hearts.

  14. Rob, I am so sorry to hear of what you have been through the past week. I am sending you hugs and prayers. I know many are at WFPS.
    Thinking of you and your family,
    Amy Werner


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