Evans Funeral Home

"Compassionate Funeral Service"

Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911

Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937

Ervin Longnecker

Ervin Longnecker, 102, passed away on December 18, 2020 doing chores on his farm in rural New Rockford, ND.

Ervin Leo Longnecker was born to Cleo and Alma (Maurer) Longnecker on December 3, 1918 in rural Eddy County, ND. He was the oldest of 7 children; 4 brothers – Ervin, Merle, Jim and Charles; 3 sisters – Eileen (Peters), Anita (Koepplin) and Lucille (Saldivar). Losing his mother at the beginning of the Great Depression put many extra responsibilities on Ervin, but he helped grow a big garden and raise animals to keep the family fed. He attended school in the Brantford area before completing high school in New Rockford, ND in 1937. On September 1, 1941 he married Vivian Jasman, his soulmate of 76 years. Together they raised 4 sons; Dennis, Charles, Merle and Roger. Ervin served in the US Army during WWII from November 1942 to November 1945. The Invasion of Normandy on D-Day and The Battle of the Bulge were among the battles he survived. Ervin spent his life doing what he loved, farming the land. He experienced so much change in his occupation, from plowing with horses to driving Caterpillar tractors that steer themselves.

Ervin was a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the Eagles and American Legion. He served on the Pleasant Prairie Township Board for many years. He was one of the founding cowpokes of the Circle Trail Riders, still driving his team across the prairie on each annual ride more than 45 years later. Ervin enjoyed fishing and deer hunting, still actively trying to fill his gratis deer tag this fall. In his retirement he spent endless hours riding his JD lawnmower and keeping his garden producing abundantly. To this day his chickens are still laying farm fresh eggs! Ervin loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow into young adults. He was so blessed to be able to meet 3 great-great grandchildren!  Ervin worked hard and played hard – a good, cold Coors Light at Hansons Bar and friends who gathered there always kept him going. To live 102 years, he must have been really good at living!

Ervin is survived by two sons, Merle (Sandy) and Roger (Patti) both of New Rockford; one sister, Lucille Saldivar of CA; eight grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian; two sons, Dennis and Charles; one great-grandson; his parents; three brothers and two sisters.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 22, 2020 from 6:00PM – 9:00PM and Wednesday, December 23, 2020 from 8:00AM – Noon all at Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford.

His Private Funeral Service will be Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 2:00PM at First Lutheran Church, New Rockford.

Burial will be at the Prairie Home Cemetery, New Rockford.

Posted Condolences:

23 Comments

  1. Words cannot express how sorry we are to hear of Ervin’s passing.Thoughts and prayers are with the Longnecker family.God made Ervin then broke the mold.Ervin was a prince among men.Rest in Peace my friend.

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  2. SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS

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  3. My heartfelt condolences to all in the Longnecker family and especially to Rodger and Merle who I grew up with.
    Ervin could tell some stories but that will pale with the stories all of us could tell about him. This man is a historical land mark in Eddy county and the Brantford community. We can only pray that our minds will still be as clear as Ervin’s was. Hansons bar where Ervin established squatters rights at the end of the bar needs to bronze the last 3 feet where Ervin resided. No matter how full Hanson’s was on the 4th of July, that portion of the bar counter was reserved for Ervin. Brantford community had a number of fine gentlemen and leaders, but none as colorful as Ervin and his ability to express his mind in a no hold manner. A good neighbor and friend will be sorely missed but now my mom, dad, and uncle and aunt can again enjoy his spirit. God bless the Longnecker family. Gary

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  4. So sorry for your loss.
    Ervin was one of a kind. We should all have the wonderful attitude that he had. We will
    miss his smiling face. He can now drive a team in heaven.
    Barb and Terry

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  5. Sometimes Ervin and Swede Omoth would close the bar down and come to our house and wake my dad up. My dad would get up and either have a grain belt with them or make them some coffee. If things got really crazy they would stay and help dad milk cows. When Ervin saw Neil or I he would always call us Don. Thanks for the compliment Ervin. RIP Ervin.

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  6. Sad time for Eddy county. This guy was one of a kind. So darn funny. He asked my husband one day (I think I’m lost could you tell me which way to get home. Tom told him, then your in 281. Then he said thanks, I will find my way then.)🙏

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  7. Ervin will be missed dearly! He was such a great guy, I looked forward to stoping into the farm during Deer Season every year when I was young for coffee. Everytime we seen him out and about or at Hanson’s he would say,”I remember you when you were Knee high to a grasshopper!” He lived a great life and is a true Patriot! I’ll never for get him, he was one of a kind!! Rest Easy Ervin!!!

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  8. So sorry to hear about Ervin. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

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  9. My condolences to the family. I enjoyed visiting with your dad when he came to Eventide to see Vivian. Ervin was a very nice man. Amazing he was able to keep doing everything. What an inspiration he is to everyone.

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  10. Merle, Roger and families,

    I am so sorry for your loss. It is hard to lose a dad, no matter the age. You will always miss him, but will see him in each other and his grandchildren. That will make you smile and give you comfort. I have many memories of Ervin and Dad farming together.
    A father and son who were very close…cut from the same cloth! I never heard a harsh word between them. Ervin lived a long and productive life, always with a positive attitude and funny quip, even when things were hard. He experienced so many changes in his 102 years…had many stories to tell. We have lost a really unique man.

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  11. Ervin was one of the nicest men I ever knew. In the 4 years that I was able to know him he treated me as a good friend from the beginning. He will be surely missed, but now he is reunited with the love of his life Vivian. My condolences to the family and friends to this lovely man. God bless.

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  12. God bless all the family back in ND. My grandpa Jim is probably tossing back a beer with his brother Ervin as we speak.

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  13. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Longnecker family; so sorry to hear of Ervin’s passing. He was a great guy and he will be truly missed. Rest in peace, Ervin!!

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  14. To say Ervin lived a long good life is an understatement! To say he contributed to the enjoyment, love and life of others isn’t much closer but a kinder, more generous and playful person would be hard to find. Ervin will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. Fond memories and so many laughs. What an amazing man!! Hugs and Prayers to the families.

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  15. Merle, Sandy, Roger, Patti & families,

    Thoughts & Prayers to all of Ervin’s family. What a legend he was in New Rockford.
    Was on one of those trail rides years ago! RIP Ervin, God Bless and take care of
    each other.

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  16. The world needs more Ervins. I had many great memories trimming the feet on his beloved teams. Many great visits afterwards and anytime I saw him. My life is blessed to have known Ervin. Thank you Ervin, now get back to doing what you always enjoyed, being with Vivian.

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  17. Merle, Sandy, Roger, Patty and all of your family,

    Your dad was “one of a kind”, and I have been so amazed at his zest for life! Though I did not know him well, I could not help but like him so much and marvel at his energy, especially at such a ripe age! May he rest in peace with his dear wife and our Lord above. God Bless the Longnecker family.

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  18. Ervin was one of a kind! Glad we got to see him this summer when we came home for my dad’s birthday ( Eugene Weisenburger). Always a bunch of laugh when he was around. He will be missed by many. Raise a little cane up their Ervin! Heaven has gained an angel for sure.

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  19. To my cousin Ervin. It’s times like this that make me regret not flying out to re-meet the family. May you Rest In Peace and may God protect the family and heal there ♥️.

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  20. As a health care worker I looked forward each week to the time I spent with Ervin. He had so many stories of his trail rides and the people that stopped by throughout the week to visit and check on him. I will miss the visits. My prayers go out to the his family.

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  21. You will be missed buddy!!!🤠💙

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  22. We knew he couldn’t live forever; but it feels he left us too soon at 102? Our condolences to the Longnecker family. We were honored to be guests at Ervin’s table for a cup of coffee or a cold beer. There are so many words to describe Ervin, but 2 that stand out: Legend and Survivor. Ervin was truly a Legend as a ND native that grew up in the same era as my dad, Zip Wick. He was also a true Survivor of the Great Depression, WWII, raising a family and farming in ND, Vivian’s strong love, CoViD19, and keeping up with the times of this century. We will miss Ervin’s warm hospitality, his stories, his garden veggies, his laugh, his trailrides, and so much more. We will think of him often and smile. Happy Trails to you, Good Friend. Until we meet again.

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  23. Merle and Roger, so sorry to hear of your loss. I know that your sense of loss will be lessened by recollecting all the good memories you certainly have of the times shared with your Dad.

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