Earl Fred Webster

Earl Webster, 89 Ellendale, ND passed away March 16, 2017 at the Prince of Peace Care Center, Ellendale. The son of Roy C. and Lena (Uecker) Webster, Earl was born February 16, 1928 on the family farm near Fullerton, ND. He graduated from Oakes High School, Oakes, ND in 1946 and entered the U.S. Army, where he served his country as a paratrooper. After his discharge, he returned home and worked on the family farm until 1950. Shortly after, he was united in marriage to Mary Feist, on November 20, 1950 at St. Helena’s Catholic Church, Ellendale. The couple was blessed with four children: Alan, Kathy, Nancy and Patricia. In his younger years, Earl played baseball and boxed. He enjoyed watching baseball, football, and wrestling. His past time was watching CNN and RFD. Earl loved going to Sunday morning coffee at the Fireside with his buddies. He possessed a sharp mind and was thought to have ‘total recall’. He will be remembered for his favorite phrase, ‘by golly’ and for the pride he took in his childrens’ and grandchildrens’ achievements and activities. Farming and raising livestock was Earl’s livelihood, and his passion for the land and animals led him to become a part-time brand inspector for the State of ND for 53 years. He served on the board of directors for the Federal Land Bank and with the Stockman’s Association for 53 years. Earl was also a proud member of the VFW for 48 years, and was recently recognized by the Ellendale Legion for his 60 years of membership. Earl lived his entire life doing what he loved most: farming the land and raising livestock. During his later years, his day was made complete when a family member drove him around to look over Mary’s and his land and see that their livestock was well tended. He cherished those times. Earl is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary: son Alan (Kim) Webster, Custer, SD; daughter Kathy (Kevin) Cantwell, Aberdeen, SD; daughter Nancy (Wayne) Johnson, Aberdeen, SD; and daughter Patricia (Mike) Mortenson, Aberdeen, SD. Earl will be missed by his grandchildren; Seth (Teresa) Webster, Gregory, SD; Jared (Hallie) Webster, Custer, SD; Nathen (Stephanie Hynes) Cantwell, St. Paul, MN; Eric (Amanda) Cantwell, Grand Forks, ND; Jenny (Ryan Dallmann) Johnson, Aberdeen, SD; Nick (Nikki) Johnson, Aberdeen, SD; Derek (Megan) Johnson, Harrisburg, SD; Mitchell Johnson, Aberdeen, SD; and Madison (Braedon Sutton) Mortenson, Cole and Laramie Mortenson, Aberdeen, SD, and great-grandchildren; Maddie, Jackson, and Jhett Eklund and Slade Webster; Brielle Webster; Mason and Reagan Cantwell; and Teagan Gillis and Joey Dallmann. Earl is also survived by his sister-in-law Billie Webster, nephew Brad Webster and niece Layna Gramlow all of Fullerton, ND; special cousins Sharron and Kelly Brady of Ellendale, ND plus several cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: John, Harold, Walt, and Grace, and sister-in-law, Dolly; and grandson, Lucas Earl Johnson who died August 27, 2001. The funeral is 10:30am Tuesday, March 21 at St. Helena’s Catholic Church, Ellendale with Father Jason Asselin as Celebrant. Visitation is 2-7pm Monday with a prayer service at 5:30pm at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Burial is at St. Helena’s Catholic cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation continues one hour prior to church services. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel.