Edward Shorma

Mass of Christian Burial for Edward F. Shorma, age 92, Wahpeton, ND, will be on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 11 AM, with visitation one hour prior to the Mass, at St John's Catholic Church, Wahpeton. Visitation will be on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 4-7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM, at the church. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Wahpeton. Ed passed away on October 19, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Ed was born on November 18, 1932, in Geneseo, ND, to Ted and Sophie Shorma. He grew up on the family farm north of Wyndmere, ND. During his senior year of high school, Ed left school to join the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving in the Korean War. He was always deeply grateful for the discipline, lessons, and perspective the military gave him.

While home on leave recovering from an injury, Ed met the love of his life, Patricia (Wettstein), at the Pavilion dance hall — and as they say, the rest is history. Ed and Pat were married on June 3, 1953, in Wahpeton, where they made their lifelong home and shared 72 years of marriage. Together they raised eight children.

In April 1954, Ed and Pat purchased the Wahpeton Shoe Hospital, marking the beginning of a remarkable business career that spanned more than six decades. A true entrepreneur, Ed had an uncanny sense of vision and a relentless drive to innovate. He founded and led numerous successful companies — often finding creative ways to bring production in-house, improve efficiency, and ensure survival during challenging times. With his engineering mind and “never quit” spirit, Ed built enterprises grounded in craftsmanship, integrity, and ingenuity.

Of his wood products division, Ed once said, “We take European technology and combine it with American ingenuity.” His leadership and vision earned him numerous honors, including being named North Dakota Small Business Person of the Year, followed by the 1982 National Small Business Person of the Year Award, presented by President Ronald Reagan in the White House Rose Garden.

Guided by a deep belief in compassion and a desire to be a faithful steward of God’s gifts, Ed also gave generously of his time and talents in service to others. He served in the North Dakota Legislature, on the Board of Directors for the Greater North Dakota Association, and as a sponsor for many refugee families from Eastern Europe, helping them find opportunity and raise their families in North Dakota. A man of faith and service, Ed was also a proud Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Since 1957, Ed and Pat enjoyed their cherished home on Pickerel Lake, MN, where they spent much of their later years. Ed loved the outdoors and spent countless hours creating, building, and working the land — returning to his farm roots and finding peace in the beauty of nature.

Ed is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 72 years, Pat; and their eight children: Richard (Rose) Shorma, William (Marcie) Shorma, Tom (Julie) Shorma, Bob (Cathy) Shorma, Jane (Troy) Stallings, Don (Roxy) Shorma, Shelle (Steve) Burkhalter, and David (Kathryn) Shorma.

He is also survived by 34 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren; his brother, Andy Shorma; sisters, Pat (Emil) Ressler and Mary (Earl) Strande; sister-in-law Donna Shorma; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Sophie Shorma; grandson, Kyle Shorma (son of Don); brother, Tony Shorma; infant brother, Joseph; sisters, Leona Shorma, Barb (Mike) Mashek, and Henny (Richard) Matthys; and sister-in-law Sharon Shorma.

The Shorma family also extends their heartfelt thanks to the many great and talented employees who worked with Ed to accomplish his visions, and to the devoted caregivers who lovingly supported Ed and Pat in recent years, along with his niece, Cindy Mashek, whose care and companionship were a great blessing.

Ed’s life was marked by faith, family, hard work, and generosity. His legacy of love and service will continue to inspire all who knew him.