Jeff Block, 51, of Harvey, died Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Jeffrey Wayne Block was born July 28, 1960, at Bottineau. He was the son of Darrell and Kathy (Erickson) Block. The family lived in Willow City before moving to Towner. Jeff grew up in Towner and graduated from Towner High School in 1978. He attended Bismarck State College and completed lineman school in 1980. He began his lineman career with Verendrye Electric in 1980 and began working there full time in March 1983. Verendrye assigned Jeff to work in the Harvey area and he moved there in 1983.
Jeff married Mary Jane Sebastian on Dec. 15, 1984, in Towner. They resided in Harvey where they raised their three sons, Shane, Shelby and Shyler. Jeff loved sports and never missed a chance to brag about his sons. He was on the chain gang for Harvey Hornet football games for years.
Jeff served as a volunteer on the Harvey Fire and Rescue Department for 23 years. He served with distinction. He was among the first on the department to be certified in the North Dakota Firefighter I, II and extrication training programs. He was also a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Harvey.
In April 2009 Jeff was diagnosed with cancer. He experienced many setbacks but he never faltered. His faith and determination saw him through many tough times and good times. There were graduation, family events and recently he was able to experience the birth of his first grandchild, Karson, in April. He also became the "Daycare Dad" to many of Mary's daycare kids.
Jeff is survived by: his wife, Mary Jane, of Harvey; three sons, Shane and daughter-in-law Andrea, of Hazen, Shelby, of Fargo, and Shyler, of Harvey; grandson, Karson; parents, Darrell and Kathy, of Towner; three brothers, Jim (Sherri) Block, of Hazen, Jerry (Teresa) Block, of Rugby, Jason Block, of Minot; two sisters, Jackie (Rod) Burckhard, of Towner, Jodi (Terry) Fransen, of Milford, Neb.; numerous nephews and nieces.
Funeral Mass will be Saturday, May 12, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Harvey.
Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Prayer services will be today, Friday, at 7 p.m., in the church.
Visitation will be today, Friday, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Hertz Funeral Home of Harvey.