David Brown
David E. Brown, 60, of Watford City, N.D., died Thursday, April 28, 2011, at the Trinity Medical Center in Minot, N.D. Funeral services were held Monday, May 2, 2011, at the Watford City Assembly of God Church. Rev. Sheldon McGorman and Rev. Bruce Gunderson officiated, and interment took place at the Silent City Cemetery, rural Keene, N.D.
David Eugene Brown was born May 3, 1950, in Williston, N.D., to Alfred E. and Helen (Ellestad) Brown. He was raised on the family farm in Blue Butte Township, in McKenzie County. He attended grammar school at Dodge School and Keene, and later Watford City High School.
As a young man he went to work in the oilfield for a time, doing jobs on work-over rigs in the area. In 1970, David entered the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam Conflict. While in the service, he was raised to the rank of SP4 and earned his high school diploma. He moved to California for a time, where he continued his schooling, and later moved to Ellendale, N.D., where he studied religion and had an interest in doing mission work. The oilfield pulled at him and he went to Texas, and later returned to this region, spending time in Plentywood, Mont., Arnegard, N.D., and later Williston and Watford City. He worked for Pool Well Service on work-over rigs, and Red River Supply as a truck driver. Farming was always an interest, and it fed his love for the outdoors. He worked for Larry Signalness and Gary Bruins, and was a valued employee and a family friend.
David was a member of the Watford City Assembly of God Church. His Bible was always close by and well worn. He enjoyed fishing in the area; the Arnegard Dam and Lake Sakakawea were favorite spots. He enjoyed taking long walks, and he had a green thumb for gardening, especially tomatoes.
He is survived by his half brother, Charles (Marlene) Brown, of Willmar, Minn.; brothers: Larry (Nadine), of Hettinger, N.D., Alfred (Joann) and Dean (Paula), both of Watford City, and Harry (Phyllis), of Keene; sisters, Marvel (Ron) Ritzke, of Watford City, Barb (Allen) Welsh, of Milaca, Minn., Marjory Crawford, of Granville, N.D., Ramona (Steve) Odegard of Bismarck, N.D., and Karen Trudeau of St. Paul, Minn.; sister-in-law, Janice Brown, of Watford City, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; uncles: Arnold (Fern) Ellestad, of Williston, and Richard (Ilene) Ellestad, of Lewistown, Mont.
David was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brothers, Virgil and Lloyd; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences with the family online at www.fulkersons.com.