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- [S927] Obituary.
The Billings Gazette, MT
Saturday, July 19, 2008.
Ervin Dewald, 79, of Billings, passed away Tuesday evening, July 15, 2008, after a short illness.
Ervin was born on the family farm west of Streeter, N.D., in Stutsman County, on Feb. 3, 1929. He was the second of seven children born to Peter Dewald and Alvina Eichele.
Ervin attended Liberty Country School and Dawson High School. He obtained a teaching certificate through Valley City College and taught second grade. From there, he went to work in the grocery store for his Uncle Chris.
Ervin met his future wife, Magdalena "Maggie" Stein in Steele, N.D., where they were married on Oct. 8, 1951. Together, they farmed and began a family on the farm they rented from his aunt and uncle, Walt and Ella Kroll, in Driscoll, moving to the Billings area in 1955.
Ervin's career took him down many paths, including carpentry, bar proprietor, lumber yardman, and after retirement worked part-time for the Billings' Parks Department, maintaining various city parks.
A great deal of enjoyment for Ervin was found while fishing and hunting with family and friends. Ervin also found joy in time spent with family, whether it was just a quick visit or spending time playing cards, telling stories, making homemade whiskey or meeting for breakfast Sunday mornings. Ervin was a longtime member of the Moose Lodge, serving as a Lt. Governor and Governor. He also enjoyed volunteering as the "Straw Boss" at the Heights VFW Post 6774.
Ervin was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years; his parents; brother, Melvin; sister, Frieda; one great-grandson, Daren; and one great-granddaughter, Brooklyn.
Survivors include three daughters, Sharon Horgdal, Karen Reichenbach (George), Debora Dewald; two sons, Douglas (Teresa) and Larry; two brothers, Albert (Mona) and Emil (Diane); two sisters, Loreina Kienzle (Helmer) and Diana Lang (Larry); 17 grandchildren, Neil Horgdal, John Horgdal (Robyn), Angela Dewald (Anthony), Dustin Dewald (Susan), Toni Jo Dewald, Rebecca Rickett (Dan), Ben Reichenbach (Traci), Brian Reichenbach (Athena), Chayla Dewald (Jacob), Logan Brehm; six great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Horgdal, Chelsea and Nicholas Rickett, Brayden and Colby Reichenbach, Anthony Sarcos; and another great-grandchild to be born in January.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, at Smith Downtown Chapel, 925 S. 27th St. Visitation will be Sunday, July 20, noon to 8 p.m., Monday, July 21, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and prior to service on Tuesday. Cremation will follow services with a private family interment. Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice in memory of Ervin.
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