Steven Dale Crist, 64 of Devils Lake ND passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Altru Hospital, Devils Lake, ND.
Funeral Services for Steve will be on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake.
Born Oct. 15, 1960, in Rugby ND, the son of Arlen and Janice (Syverson) Crist. He grew up in Devils Lake and attended Devils Lake Public Schools.
A boy who first wiped windshields and pumped gas as a young teenager, grew into a man who never left the station’s steady hum. What began as a teenager’s job became a fifty‑five‑year testament to loyalty, grit, and a life built on customer service. That was Steve at Bert’s Deep Rock from the mid 1970’s until he retired in July of 2025. He not only pumped your gas, checked the oil, washed the windshield, put air in your tires, he also offered you a chocolate chip cookie that he had baked. He loved to bake and shared with family, friends and the patrons of Bert’s Deep Rock.
He married Leslie Ludwig on July 3, 1992, and they made their home in Devils Lake through the years. Leslie died on August 29, 2014.
Steve and Leslie enjoyed many hours of camping and fishing. Steve’s passion was fishing and he especially enjoyed ice fishing. In these later years, he enjoyed playing BINGO and playing slots. It wasn’t just about the game, it was about being around old friends and making new ones.
He was referred to as the man no one could hate. He was humble, kind and caring. He would do anything for anybody. From a young age he made it a point to take care of elderly neighbors and friends by shoveling their sidewalk, helping with projects, whatever needed to be done.
He treasured his nephews and nieces with his whole heart. They meant the world to him and he felt so blessed to have them in his life. Always willing to go fishing with him, visits at the station, and being there in these months as his health declined. He found love again and he and Dona enjoyed seven years of companionship, caring for each other in good times and through all the trials of his health journey. His canine companion Charlie was at his side through it all, faithful and loyal to the end.
Steve’s loving family include his siblings Debbi (Lowell) Strand, Minot ND, Randy (Julie) Crist, Tower City ND, Terry (Kay) Crist, Marian, IA, Sue (Curt) Haakenson, Fargo ND, and Loren (Tami) Crist, also of Fargo; special friends Dona Muhs, Devils Lake, David Bokn, and Mark Nygaard; many precious nephews, nieces and cousins.
He was reunited with his parents, wife Leslie, sister Lori Crist and other dear relatives.
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