David Patrick Elsperger

David Patrick Elsperger, 71, of Casselton, ND, formerly of Cando, ND, passed away at his home on Monday, May 26, 2025.

A Family Service and Blessing will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025.

Following the service, all are welcome to join the family for a Community Celebration of Life at the Cando Harvest Grill from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to share stories, memories, and laughter in honor of Dave.

David was born on January 1, 1954, to Roman and Viola (Fenske) Elsperger. He grew up on the family farm east of Maza, ND, attending school there through first grade before graduating from Cando High School in 1972. He went on to attend Valley City State University.

On April 10, 1976, Dave married Kim Indridason. Together they raised three daughters: Jenica, Shari, and Mindee.

Dave’s childhood was spent in the close-knit community of Cando, ND, where he enjoyed the simple pleasures of growing up in a small town. He spent his days playing sports, exploring the outdoors, and creating lifelong memories with friends and family. Whether it was a pickup game of football, shooting hoops, or just riding bikes around town, Dave loved being active and always had a competitive spirit. He especially looked forward to hunting with his brother Dick and his cousins on the family farms and taking trips with his family, always enjoying the time spent together.

Dave worked for 21 years as the custodian of Cando High School, where he became a beloved fixture to generations of students and staff. He also wore many hats throughout the community—running operations at the Audi Theatre, maintaining the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery, trucking, and lending a hand on local pig farms.

Dave was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cando until he moved to Fargo and eventually settled in Casselton to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren.

Dave had an unwavering devotion to his daughters. He traveled countless miles to cheer them on in all their sporting events. His love of sports carried throughout his life—he was a dedicated (and often exasperated) fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins. Phone calls with Dave almost always included a good-natured rant or hopeful speculation about the teams' latest highs and lows.

Above all, Dave cherished his role as Grandpa. He especially loved baking with his grandchildren—often experimenting with recipes he had scribbled down or made up on the spot. His "puppy chow" became legendary, and his kitchen was a place filled with laughter and flour-covered memories.

Dave shared a close bond with his siblings and made a point to stay in touch with them regularly. Whether through visits or phone calls, he always wanted to know how they were doing, as well as how his nieces and nephews were. That same thoughtfulness extended to friends, neighbors, and even his daughters’ friends—he truly cared about the people in his life and never missed a chance to share a laugh, a story, a kind word, or a sweet treat that he baked.

David is survived by his daughters: Jenica (Derek) Flanagan of Casselton, ND; Shari (Calvin) Nass of Williston, ND; and Mindee (Ryan) Houtcooper of Ketchikan, AK; and his eleven beloved grandchildren: Mickey, Keelyn, and Hadley Flanagan; Jocelyn, Jaidyn, Aubrey, Bennet, and Callie Nass; and Landen, Madelyn, and James Houtcooper.

He is also survived by his siblings: Janet (Harold) Knoll of Sun City West, AZ; Karen (Bob) Blixt of Amenia, ND; and Barb (Jim) Christensen of Fargo, ND; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Viola Elsperger; his brother, Richard “Dick” Elsperger; his grandparents; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Dave will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family and the joy he brought to everyone lucky enough to know him.