Milton David Enander, 88, rural Stanley, died Sunday, June 24, 2012, in his daughter Christine's home in Powers Lake.
Born on the family farm near Stanley to Ruben and Helma (Nelson) Enander, on Nov. 12, 1923, Milton was the second of seven children. He was raised and grew up in Stanley, graduating from high school in 1941. He went to one quarter of college at North Dakota "cow college," North Dakota State University. Needing to see the country, Milton got on his Indian motorcycle and ended up in Seattle, Wash., where he worked at Boeing for five years. While attending the Baptist church in Seattle, his eye caught hold of a beautiful woman. Vivian Burrows and Milton were married in 1954.
Feeling the call from the farm to come back to North Dakota, he and his bride moved home after the birth of their first child, Lucinda. They made their home on the original homestead for a few years and had two more children, Jerald and Christine (Renae, "Nazy Belle"). An opportunity arose to buy a farmstead not far away and a house was built starting with the basement. Two more children, Robin and Sharon, were born. Then the upstairs of the house was finished.
While this building was going on, Milton worked for the U.S. Postal Service. He held many positions, ending his career in the fall of 1992, after working for the postal service for more than 35 years. He was postmaster in Ross and White Earth for many of these years. Along with working in the post office, he continued his love of farming with up to 50 head of cattle and many fields of hard red spring wheat and durum. He farmed until he turned 80 in 2004. Milton continued to live on the farm until Vivian's death in 2010. He lived his last years on a farm with his daughter at Powers Lake.
Milton was a happy, content man. He often could be heard singing old hymns and songs while fixing fence, working cows, or just working around the farm. He always had a song in his heart. He considered life wonderful, always giving thanks. He will always be remembered for being fair and for his kindness. Milton graced the community in many ways, including being an active member of the Stanley Lions Club for many years. He was very active at First Baptist Church in Stanley and the former Maranatha Church, now River of Life Church, in Stanley. He is already missed.
He is survived by: his children, Lucinda (Conrad) Douglas, Sioux City, Iowa, Jerald (Dorothy) Enander, of Stanley, Christine (Kenneth) Jorgenson, Powers Lake, Robin (Kevin) Olson, Cambodia, Sharon (Zach) Duhe, Gulfport, La.; special friend, Dollie (Leo) Sotelo and her children, Marissa, Matthew and Mitchell, of Shakopee, Minn.; grandchildren, Colin (April), Carl, Alina, Heather (Larry ), Camille (Richard), Calvin, Kelsey, Colleen, Evan, Emily, Alice, David, Taylor, Samantha, Adam; great-grandchildren, Roland, Larry Jr., Lilly and Belle; three brothers, Ralph, Fallbrook, Calif., Ruben (Agnes), Heron, S.D., John (Gloria), of Stanley; three sisters, Inez (Ralph) Simpson, Albany, Ore., Lue Bean, St. Paul, Minn., and Ruby (Don) Walters, Mohall.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Vivian.
Milton's funeral service: Scheduled for Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at 11 a.m. at River of Life Church, Stanley.
Burial: Will be at Fairview Cemetery, Stanley.
Online condolences may be shared at (www.springanfuneralhome.com)
(Springan Funeral Home, Stanley)