Ernest W. Idland Sr.

Ernest W. Idland Sr., 97 of Devils Lake formerly of Edmore, ND went peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake. Funeral Services for Ernest will be held on Monday, September 13, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake with burial in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Gilbertson Funeral Home on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Serving as Casket Bearers for Ernest will be Jerry Idland, Rick Idland, Brandon Idland, Jeff Dammen, Craig Thomas and Mike Mattison. Honorary Bearers will be all of Ernest’s grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ernest, the son of Sven and Ida Idland was born on May 15, 1913 at rural Nekoma, ND where he was reared and educated. He continued to help his parents on the farm and also worked for several area farmers. On April 4, 1936, Ernest was united in marriage to Aldith Haakenson at Devils Lake. They established their home in Edmore and Ernest worked for D&G Auto as a mechanic. In 1969 the family moved to Devils Lake and Ernie worked at Lake Region State College as a custodian until he retired. He was a former member of the Devils Lake Eagles Lodge. Ernest continued to make Devils Lake his home through the years and in February of 2006 Ernie moved to Heartland Care Center. Aldith passed away on October 21, 1985. At age 6, Ernest learned to play the fiddle and this talent would bring him and those around him much joy. Ernest loved to play the fiddle and over the years, he and his children entertained countless people throughout the area. He played his last engagement for a dance at the age of 92. Ernest and his son Keith entertained at Jerry Rosscup’s Barn Dances for many years and made many good friends along the way. Ernie also provided many hours of entertainment, happiness and many smiles to the residents and staff of Heartland Care Center with his music and his sense of humor. We have lost someone very special to us, our Dad, our Grandpa, our friend and he will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. Ernest is survived by his children Joyce Lundgren of Grand Forks, Elaine Rubbelke and her husband Roman of Edmore, twins Karen and her husband Mike Mattison also of Grand Forks and Keith Idland and his wife Janice of Carrington, ND; Several grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great great grandchild also survive. He was preceded in death by his wife Aldith; son Ernest W. Idland Jr; daughter Margaret Ann Vernlund and her children; grandson Bryce Idland; sons-in-law Ronald Martinson Sr. and Willard Lundgren; his parents and brothers and sisters.