Sherman Perry Goplen
June 5, 1944 ~ April 25, 2026
Born in:
Binford, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Sherman’s services will be livestreamed and viewable below on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 7:00 PM and Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM.
Sherman Perry Goplen passed away on Saturday, April 25, after a battle with cancer.
He was born on June 5, 1944 in Binford, North Dakota to Arne and Mildred (Perry) Goplen.
He graduated from Binford High School, then continued his education, earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering at the University of North Dakota. He moved to Brookings, South Dakota, where he taught at South Dakota State University for two years.
During his time in South Dakota he met Eileen Steinke. They were married on July 31, 1971 in Morden, Manitoba, Eileen’s hometown. They made their first home in Bryan, Texas, where Sherman began teaching and working to earn his PhD. Their daughter, Leanne, was born in 1975. After finishing his PhD at Texas A&M University, the family moved to Saudi Arabia, where he worked as an engineer for ARAMCO, the Arabian American Oil Company.
During his time in Saudi Arabia, Sherman and his family travelled extensively. In 1984, they decided to return to North Dakota, and made their home in Fargo. Sherman taught Mechanical Engineering at North Dakota State University for 31 years.
Sherman enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trap shooting. He was a wood and metal worker. He was an avid reader of history. He was active in his church. More than anything, he loved being a grandfather.
Sherman is survived by his wife Eileen, daughter Leanne (Ryan), grandsons Andrew and Joshua, brother Marvin (Vickie), and many other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday evening at 6:00 followed by a prayer service at 7:00 at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo. The funeral will be at 2:00 on Thursday at First Lutheran Church, with visitation an hour before the service. We invite everyone to lunch after the service to visit and reminisce. Interment will be at the Binford Lutheran Cemetery at 1:00 on Friday, with lunch following at Trinity Lutheran Church, Binford.
Memorials can be sent to the Sherman Goplen Scholarship Fund at the NDSU Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted into the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center.
Services
Visitation: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
https://boulgerfuneralhome.com
Prayer Service: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 7:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
https://boulgerfuneralhome.com
Visitation: Thursday, April 30, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
First Lutheran Church, Fargo
619 Broadway N
Fargo, ND 58102
7012357389
https://www.flcfargo.org/
Funeral Service : Thursday, April 30, 2026 2:00 pm
First Lutheran Church, Fargo
619 Broadway N
Fargo, ND 58102
7012357389
https://www.flcfargo.org/
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Eileen and family, I am so sorry to hear of Shem’s passing. I will never forget his kindness to me when we worked at NDSU. And later, when he became a prayer warrior for me as I faced my health challenges. We all wanted a different result for him but now we rest in the assurance of Christ’s love.
My sympathy goes out to you.
Sincerely,
Paul