Edward “Eddie” Aberle

Norwich

Edward Aberle, of Norwich, N.D., passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.

He was born on Oct. 25, 1933, in Minot, N.D. Ed was the oldest of eleven children born to Joseph and Catherine (Schan) Aberle.

A man of unwavering faith, a ready smile, and a kind heart, Ed was a devoted member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, where his quiet strength and steady presence touched many lives.

Ed was raised in Verendrye, N.D., where he attended a small country school before graduating from Karlsruhe High School in 1952.

After graduation, he went to work on his father’s farm laying the foundation for a life centered on hard work, family and the land.

In 1955, Ed married the love of his life, his, “Farm Girl Sweetheart,” Beatrice (Schwan).

They would have celebrated 70 years of marriage this June, decades filled with devotion, partnership and deep love. Together, they raised four children, who were Ed’s greatest pride and joy.

The couple made their homestead near Norwich, N.D. where Ed would spend the rest of his life. He began as a grain farmer and tried his hand at construction and digging water and sewer lines for neighbors before eventually building a successful dairy operation.

Producing Grade A milk for Bridgeman Creameries, Ed’s work was recognized when he and his family were nominated for Dairy Farmer Family of the Year in 1981-82. After more than five decades in dairy farming, he transitioned to raising beef cattle, a passion he continued well into his later years.

His love for farming and the land lives on in his children and grandchildren, who carry forward his deep respect for nature and his tireless work ethic.

As his children grew and took on more of the farm responsibilities, Ed turned his attention to serving others. He worked as an independent crop insurance adjuster for 12 years with Federal Crop Insurance, retiring just before the digital age took over–he liked people more than paperwork.

Ed was, above all else, a family man. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a deeply involved grandfather and great-grandfather.

Nothing made him happier than being surrounded by family watching a school concert, celebrating milestones, or simply sharing a Sunday meal.

Through every season of life, Ed met challenges with quiet courage and grace. He taught his family the enduring values of faith, resilience, honesty, and the beauty of hard-earned success.

Ed had a wide circle of friends and a knack for making people feel welcome. Whether it was a neighbor stopping by, a pinochle game, a snowmobiling trip, a softball match, or a Knights of Columbus meeting, Ed found joy in connection and camaraderie.

He was the kind of friend who showed up, who listened, and who genuinely cared.

His commitment to community was as strong as his devotion to family. He served on the North Dakota Milk Producers Association board, mentored youth in the Ward County 4-H Club–teaching everything from animal care to tractor safety–and served on the Surrey Township Board. Ed believed in giving back and leading by example.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Beatrice; children, Ron (Mary) Aberle, of Surrey, James (Connie) Aberle, of Norwich, Cindy (Rory) Klein, of Surrey; and David (Amy Dalager) Aberle of Minneapolis; sixteen grandchildren, Angie (Lance) Brabandt, Ashley (Jason) Haugen, Cameron (Nevada) Aberle, Sydney (Alex) Hapsis, William (Brianna) Aberle, Seth (Kadee) Aberle, Katie Aberle, Mia Aberle, LeAnn (Corey) Rennich, Lance (Erin) Aberle, Eric (Lynsey) Aberle, Derek Klein, Casey (Geraldine) Klein, Tiffany (Noah) Knipp, Liam Dalager-Aberle and Fallon Dalager-Aberle; and twenty-seven great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings, Richard (Rose) Aberle, Rose (Joe) Klassen, Joe Aberle, Rita Blowers, Karl Aberle, John (Patti) Aberle, Clem Aberle; and sisters-in-law, Gloria Aberle and Mary Ann Aberle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Catherine; brothers, Leo Aberle, Ralph Aberle, sister, Kathryn Paulson; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Aberle, and his first two children, Pauline and James, who died at birth.

Ed’s legacy is one of love, faith, and perseverance. He believed in the miracle of growth–from a tiny seed to a thriving harvest–and he lived each day with that same sense of hope and purpose.

His life was a quiet testament to the beauty of simple things: a field well-tended, a family gathered close, and a heart full of gratitude. He will be missed beyond measure.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, N.D.

Visitation: Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Thursday at 6 p.m. at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Minot.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials in Edward’s name are preferred to the St. Leo’s Renovation Fund.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at www.thompsonlarson.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 20, 2025.