Benard Ben I. Brevik

Benard Ben I. Brevik passed away after a year-long battle of lung and brain cancer at Elm Crest Manor, in New Salem, ND, on September 15, 2012. Services will be held at Lord of Life Church in Bismarck with Pastor Larry Giese and Pastor Dennis Ristved officiating at 11 am Monday, September 24, 2012. A luncheon will be served immediately after the services at the Lord of Life Church fellowship hall. Interment will be held at the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery, south of Mandan, with full military honors provided by American Legion Post #90 and the VFW. Cremation has taken place. Visitation with the family will be an hour before the service. Ben was born in a house in Marmon, ND, on April 11, 1936, to Ivar and Esther Hamann Brevik. Ben's father was a carpenter by trade in the Williston area and Ivar taught Ben many of the skills that Ben used thru the years. Ben attended grade school and High School in Williston, graduating in 1954. After high school he moved to Kalispell, Montana, where he worked for a year at a Texaco gas station, returning to North Dakota in the fall of 1955 and attended the North Dakota State College of Science in an electrical trade course, graduating in May 1957, while there he met the love of his life, Mary Woodward and they were married on June 2, 1957. They moved to Williston, North Dakota where he went to work for Triangle Electric. Upon his return from the Guard in August of 1959 they moved to Kalispell, Montana, where Ben went to work for Hollingsworth Electric. Because of lack of work, they returned to Williston in June of 1960 and he returned to Triangle Electric. At this time he worked as an electrician in construction, the oil fields and general contracting electrical work. They again moved this time to Wahpeton, North Dakota in June of 1966 when Ben went to work at the North Dakota State College of Science as an electrician. It was during this time that Ben took his test for becoming a Master Electrician a license that he held until they moved to Missouri. In May 1968, they moved back to Williston, North Dakota and Ben went to work at Cole Electric until 1970. Ben went to work as an electrician in the building of Minnkota Power Plant and in October, he became a permanent employee and he moved his family to Center, ND, where Ben continued to work until he retired in 1998. They were going to just stay for the winter in Center and ended up staying for 32 years. In 2004 Ben and Mary moved to the Lake of the Ozarks at Warsaw, Missouri; they lived by the Lake and had a wonderful home in Cole Turkey Acres, but in December 2010 because of Ben's health they moved back to Bismarck, ND, where they now reside. Ben and Mary had four children, Bethanie Jean Kisling, Daniel Brevik Cathy Dirgo, Brenda Steve Reum, all of Denver, CO, and Melissa James Wahlman of Center, ND. They also have eight grandchildren, Nicole Derek Fasano and Taylor Brevik & Jessica DeBoalt fiance' and Lee Maurer, Samuel, Timothy and Mackenzie Reum all of Denver, CO and Bruce and Victoria Wahlman of Center, North Dakota. They have one great grandchild, Parker Scott Brevik. Ben and Mary had the honor of being married for 55 years. Ben was baptized on May 17, 1936, attended Sunday School and was confirmed in the Lutheran faith on May 13, 1951 at First Lutheran Church in Williston, North Dakota. Ben and Mary were very active in church activities and became Charter Members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Williston where they were youth leaders in the church. When they moved to Center, ND he was on the church council and on the parsonage building committee for St. Paul's Lutheran Church. They joined Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Bismarck in January of 2011 where they remain members. In January of 1959 Ben enlisted in the North Dakota National Guard in Williston, ND and was sent for his basic training at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. In October of 1961 Benard was called to active duty to serve during the Berlin Crisis. His unit was sent to Fort Riley, Kansas and in February of 1962 his family joined them. His unit was put on call to go overseas at that time, but the call was cancelled at the last minute. During this time he became a Staff Sargent and he was awarded the National Emergency Service Ribbon by Governor William Guy of North Dakota for his service during the Berlin Crisis. He also earned the Sharp Shooter award while in the service. He was honorably discharged on December 31, 1964. He became a member of the American Legion Post #90 of Center, North Dakota and has maintained his membership with this Post. Ben was very proud of his military service. Ben was very active in Center with the Scout program. He enjoyed working with the boys and worked hard to see that it was a success. Ben was also active with the IBEW 1593 and for a few years was the Business Manager for IBEW 1593. Ben and Mary were active members of the Ramblin' NoDak's a RV Club and enjoyed traveling with the group to different places. Ben had many friends, he was always ready to go help a friend in need whether a small problem or a big problem. Ben was a loving father and a devoted husband, a father they could depend on to help answer questions and give advice. He spent many hours in the garage with his son Danny and his friend, Troy Karlberg. Troy and Melody have always been considered part of the family. Ben had a love for animals, especially his dogs, Blue and Skoal it was always very hard for Ben to have to put a dog to sleep. You could always see Ben in his pickup along with his dog driving in town. His one real enjoyment was going out in the fall and chopping wood for the winter months. He enjoyed doing electrical work for friends and family. He enjoyed his camping and the time spent out by the lake with friends, when they were first married, Ben especially enjoyed water skiing on the lakes, boating and spending with friends. Among favorite memories was traveling with his friends from Sheridan, Wyoming to Canada, Arizona and Texas, especially following Dave Bell while getting lost. Ben was a quiet man, who very seldom raised his voice, but he could always get his point across. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his children and grandchildren; his sisters Eilene Brevik of Dacono, CO, and Darlene Lee of Williston, ND; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivar and Esther Hamann Brevik; his maternal and paternal grandparents; two sisters, Lorraine Bergstrom and Ardith Brevik.

Benard Ben I. Brevik

April 11, 1936 - September 15, 2012