Everett Wurtz

MINOT -- Everett E. Wurtz, 80, 700 24th Ave S.W., Minot, formerly of the Ryder area, died July 23, 2002, in a Minot healthcare center. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. John's Lutheran Church, Ryder. Burial will be in Plaza Community Cemetery.

There will be no reviewal, however friends may sign and register from noon to 5 p.m. today at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Everett was born Dec. 25, 1921, on the family farmstead near Plaza, the son of C.J. and Minnie (Lee) Wurtz. He was raised and educated there, and assisted with the operation of the family farm during his younger years. He had moved to the west coast and was employed with the Northrup Corporation, until entering into active service with the U.S. Navy in 1941.

He served most of his enlisted time at the Boca Chica Naval Base in Florida, where he worked as an electrician. He was honorably discharged in October 1943 and returned to North Dakota, enrolling at Wahpeton State School of Science in electrical school. He purchased land near Plaza that he farmed, along with doing electrical work during the construction of the missile launch facilities.

He was united in marriage to Ruth Arneson on Oct. 2, 1949. They purchased her parents' land in 1951, where they lived and farmed throughout the years. Everett wired many farms north of Plaza, when REA came into the area. He worked for Main Electric in Minot during the winter months. He and Ruth had lived in Minot during the winter months, but had continued to make their home on the farm during the summers.

Everett was a longtime member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Ryder, had been a member of the Ryder School Board for 21 years, served as treasurer of the Gate Township Board, was past commander of the Ryder American Legion Post 99, and Hiddenwood Old Settler's Association. He enjoyed woodworking and painting, along with spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; his children, Doug (Linda) Wurtz, Bismarck, Denise (Harvey) Johnson, Minot, E. Gordon (Mary) Wurtz, Grand Forks , Gayle (Arlan) Hofland, Dickinson, and Bryan (Penney) Wurtz, Plaza; his grandchildren, Jennifer (Darrin) Mineke, Justin and Jared Johnson, Emily, E. Jacob and Bethany Wurtz, Erica and Christa Hofland and Katherine and Lucas Wurtz; his great-grandchild, Victoria Mineke; his sisters, Marvel (Dennis) Helgeson, Minot, and Darlene Wurtz, Plaza; his brother, George Wurtz, Plaza; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Everett was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Richard and Christian.