William Unruh

Bill was born on July 20, 1925 near Lostwood, ND to John B. and Sarah (Quiring) Unruh. He was raised on the family farm until the great drought caused them to seek hay for their livestock.  At the age of 9, Bill moved with his family to Warroad, MN where they set up new farming operations and he attended public school.  Bill was the youngest of nine children and lived with his parents helping with their farm, while also renting and purchasing some of his own land.  On October 15, 1948, he married the love of his life, Vergeane Klein. They eventually made their residence on a family farm in Moscow Township of Cavalier County ND, where they raised two sons, Randy and Kirby.

He was a member of the Swiss Mennonite Church where he served as board member multiple years.  As a talented craftsman and builder, he helped remodel both the church and the parsonage, as well as many homes in the community. In 1996, Bill and Vergeane retired and moved from the farm to Langdon, ND. They became members of Emmanuel Evangelical Church and enjoyed attending and serving there as well.

Bill’s favorite hobbies involved bringing life to rusted out old cars and tractors. Many hours were spent completing restoration and driving them. His goal was to restore every tractor model he owned during his early years of farming.  A smile would come to his face as he would get each motor unstuck and running again.

Bill enjoyed visiting with friends and getting to know new people. He loved his family and put their interests ahead of his own. He will be missed by all.

Bill is survived by his sons: Randy (Rozell) Unruh and Kirby (Melody) Unruh; grandchildren: Nicole (John) Cloutier, Ryan (Lacey) Unruh, Amanda (Brandon) Burger, Emalee (John) Erickson, Alexander (Erica) Unruh, Siena Unruh, Jack Unruh; great- grandchildren: Madelyn, Liam, Kaden, and Elliana Cloutier; Cecilia and Aurora Unruh; Adelyn and Luke Burger; Mason and Aubree Erickson; Isaac Unruh.

Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife Vergeane, his parents, brothers: Peter, John, Otto, Dietrich, Leonard and Jacob (and their spouses), sisters: Sarah Heppner and Elizabeth Heppner (and their spouses).

William (Bill) Unruh, loving husband and father, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the age of 93. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Emmanuel Evangelical Church in Langdon, ND. Visitation at the church for one hour before the time of service.  The family requests any honorarium or gifts be donated to Gideons International.

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