David C. Abrahamson, 69, of Maddock, ND passed away Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 at the Viking Lutheran Church in rural Maddock with Pastor Cassie Borges officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, followed by 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service both at the Maddock Opera House. Burial will be held at the Viking Lutheran Church Cemetery. Music will be provided by JoAnn Bergrud and Karl Kenner. Military Honors will be provided by the Theodore Togstad American Legion Post #123 of Maddock, the Robert Tovsrud VFW Post #757 of Harlow, and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. The service will be able to be streamed on the Viking Lutheran Church Facebook page after services are concluded.
David Carl Abrahamson was born Sep. 26, 1954, to Henry and Mary (Held) Abrahamson in Maddock. He attended school in Esmond, ND. Dave worked for various farmers in the Esmond area and worked for Joe Maddock Construction, where he gained his love of working with large equipment – the more challenging the better! David worked for Jim Hellesvig, farming for 19 years, and after Jim’s passing, continued working for his lifetime best friends, Dean and Jeannie Hellesvig on their farm. In 1975, David began his lifelong career for the ND Highway Dept., Maddock Section, a job he loved with passion! He was always up for the challenge of plowing a road after a heavy snowfall. David retired in 2019, as Leadman for the Maddock section, ending a 44 year career. He also operated Abrahamson Septic Service for 35 years. David would often come home with a pig, chicken or goat after bartering for payment!
One of David’s proudest accomplishments came at age 55 – he completed his high school education and received his GED. David served in the Army National Guard for 7 years as equipment and large crane operator, and trained one session in Germany. David was united in marriage June 3, 2000, to Nancy Gilbertson, at a western wedding where they were married on horseback at their D&N Ranch.
David lived a “colorful” life! He had many creative ways to make light of situations and find humor during difficult times. He always left a lasting memory to most he met, as his sense of humor (either appropriate or not) was contagious, never leaving anybody without a smile. He loved going for coffee and having a good chat with friends, playing a game of Pinochle with Dave Kenner and anyone else they could find, or watching a rerun of ‘Gunsmoke’ made him happy! Faith, family, friends, the ranch, his Swedish heritage, and especially his children and grandchildren, were all so important to him.
David was a true farm boy, loving the life that goes with it – fencing and haying were among his favorites! He was not afraid of working hard and helping anybody who needed it. He was a charter member of the Benson County Rodeo Association and was instrumental in the success of the organization. Dave and Nancy enjoyed many hobbies together – horseback riding with friends (Medora badlands his favorite spot), Willie’s Roadhouse radio, old time dancing (especially dancing a snappy 2-step), auction sales and flea markets, and loved to travel – covering 40 states and 6 countries together.
David is survived by his wife of 23 years, Nancy; children, Kristy (Tony) O’Connor, Julie (Cody) Ellingson, LeAnn Ostlie, and Shane Ostlie; 7 grandchildren, MaKayla (Seth) Ellingson, McKenzie (Tyler) Jensen, Kaden Jensen, Preston Ellingson, Kaiya O’Connor, Kenadee Ostlie, and Kolton O’Connor; great-grandchild, Sawyer Hochhalter; sisters, Marilyn (Bernard) Anderson, Naomi Wells, Kathy Kea, Lori (John) Green, and Karen (Dave) Kenner; brothers, Russell Abrahamson and Alton (Lynda) Abrahamson; mother-in-law, Joan Gilbertson; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann (Dale) Broe; brother and sister-in-law, Ken (Deb) Gilbertson; numerous aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mary Abrahamson; maternal and paternal grandparents; father-in-law, Carroll Gilbertson; nephews, Chad Wells and Rusty Abrahamson; niece, Laura Kea; special friend, Dean Hellesvig.
Arrangements are pending with the Nelson Funeral Home of Maddock, ND.
Online condolences may be left at www.thenelsonfuneralhome.com.
