Obituary: Ervin Longnecker

Ervin Longnecker, 102, passed away on December 18, 2020 doing chores on his farm in rural New Rockford.

Private funeral service was held Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020 at First Lutheran Church, New Rockford, N.D. Burial was held at the Prairie Home Cemetery, New Rockford, N.D. Rev. Amy Kippen officiated with special music by Kerstin Allmaras, Eric Longnecker and Ali Vannett. Casket bearers were Tony Rademacher, Cory Jorgenson, Dale Rosenberg, Bill Ziegler, Jim Indergaard and Robert Lies. Honorary bearers were all of Ervin's trail riding friends. Military honors by Raymond B. Thorn American Legion, Post #30, New Rockford, N.D. and North Dakota Army Funeral Honors Team.

Ervin Leo Longnecker was born to Cleo and Alma (Maurer) Longnecker on December 3, 1918 in rural Eddy County, N.D. He was the oldest of seven children; four brothers – Ervin, Merle, Jim and Charles; three sisters – Eileen (Peters), Anita (Koepplin) and Lucille (Saldivar). Losing his mother at the beginning of the Great Depression put many extra responsibilities on Ervin, but he helped grow a big garden and raise animals to keep the family fed. He attended school in the Brantford area before completing high school in New Rockford in 1937. On September 1, 1941 he married Vivian Jasman, his soulmate of 76 years. Together they raised four sons; Dennis, Charles, Merle and Roger. Ervin served in the US Army during WWII from November 1942 to November 1945. The Invasion of Normandy on D-Day and The Battle of the Bulge were among the battles he survived. Ervin spent his life doing what he loved, farming the land. He experienced so much change in his occupation, from plowing with horses to driving Caterpillar tractors that steer themselves.

Ervin was a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the Eagles and American Legion. He served on the Pleasant Prairie Township Board for many years. He was one of the founding cowpokes of the Circle Trail Riders, still driving his team across the prairie on each annual ride more than 45 years later. Ervin enjoyed fishing and deer hunting, still actively tryied to fill his gratis deer tag this fall. In his retirement he spent endless hours riding his JD lawnmower and keeping his garden producing abundantly. To this day his chickens are still laying farm fresh eggs! Ervin loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow into young adults. He was so blessed to be able to meet three great-great grandchildren! Ervin worked hard and played hard – a good, cold Coors Light at Hansons Bar and friends who gathered there always kept him going. To live 102 years, he must have been really good at living!

Ervin is survived by two sons, Merle (Sandy) and Roger (Patti) both of New Rockford; one sister, Lucille Saldivar of Calif.; eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian; two sons, Dennis and Charles; one great-grandson; his parents; three brothers and two sisters.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of New Rockford, N.D.