Ervin Strandquist, 85, died Friday, January 21, 2005 at MeritCare Hospital, Fargo, ND

Ervin Lester Strandquist was born April 30, 1919 in Strandquist, MN the son of Andrew E. and Lilly (Thall) Strandquist. He attended school in Strandquist and after school he farmed with his family in Marshall County.

Ervin came to faith in Christ as an adult and was a life long member of the Assembly of God Church.

He was united in marriage to Evelyn Peterson on June 6, 1942 at the Assembly of God Church in Thief River Falls by the Rev. G. Raymond Carlson. The couple made their home on the family farm in Foldahl Township in Marshall County where he farmed. They moved to Thief River Falls and Ervin worked for City Dairy for about five years before returning to the farm where he continued to farm until retiring in 1987. The couple then moved to Thief River Falls where they resided until the summer of 2004 when they moved to Moorhead, MN.

Ervin always enjoyed bragging about his grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed visiting with anyone and always had a story to tell, especially with his companions at McDonalds over a cup of tea. Ervin never met a person he did not like. To Ervin, church was a big part of his life and he enjoyed sharing his faith.

He served on the Foldahl Township Board, was President of the Township Officers of the State of Minnesota, served as Chairman for Northwest Regional Development Commission and also served on the School Board at Marshall County Central in Newfolden. Ervin was a member of the New Life Family Worship Center in Thief River Falls where served on the board for many years. He was a member of the Gideons International.

Survivors include his wife Evelyn of Moorhead; 5 children, Jerry (Kathy) Strandquist of Burnsville, MN, Terry (Beverly) Strandquist of St. Louis, MO, Clyde (Wanda) Strandquist of West Fargo, ND, Diane Strandquist of Minneapolis, MN, and David (Connie) Strandquist of Hawley, MN; 12 grandchildren, Jason (Jill) Strandquist, Andrew Strandquist, Aimee Strandquist, Jodi (Fianc Casey Chapman) Strandquist, Julie Strandquist, Sarah Strandquist, Timothy Strandquist, Rachel Strandquist, Kari Strandquist, Chanel Strandquist, Daniel Strandquist, and Ariel Strandquist; 2 brothers, Adler Strandquist of Bloomington, MN and Einar (Fern) Strandquist of Grand Forks, ND; sister, Arlet (Marvin) Jorgenson of Brainerd, MN; brother-in-law, Webster (Charlotte) Thackeray of Havre, MT; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Ervin is preceded in death by his parents; son, Daniel; 2 sisters in infancy; and sister, Ethel Thackeray.