David Allen Ulven, 61, of Tioga, North Dakota, peacefully passed away on September 13, 2018 at Trinity Hospital in Minot, with family gathered by his side as Pastor Sandy was reading the Lord’s Prayer. He was born April 6, 1957 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Charles Gene Ulven and Ginger Ulven Hinton).

Dave grew up in Michigan, but his heart was always in North Dakota, where he spent summers with his grandma and grandpa Ulven. Upon graduation he made North Dakota his home, taking a job at Tioga Machine Shop, where he worked until his death.

Dave served our Country in the United States Navy from 1977 to 1981. He always had great pride in his service and was an optical man who fixed periscopes and made binoculars. Some joked that he put screen doors on submarines. He rode saddle broncs and roped steers in local rodeo circuits. The Ray Fire/Ambulance squad was his passion in life, where he served many years. After his marriage to Joanne, he was happy to welcome his new family into his life and would do anything for them. His granddaughters were the light of his life!!

Dave was an avid member and was very active in their little white church on the hill, Trinity Lutheran, where he and Joanne were married. Dave served on Council for many years and was Mr. Fix-It and caretaker of the church, designing and making the cross and mounting the bell on the brick stand so he could ring it on Sundays. His favorite hobbies were camping, fishing, duck hunting with the boys and deer hunting. He enjoyed woodworking and creating things with his hands.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joanne Ulven; stepchildren, Lisa Engel (Shawn Ehlke) of Williston, Paula Bergstrom (Travis) of Ray, Peter Engel of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Alexia Pitman of Bismarck and Kylie Ehlke of Williston; mother, Ginger Ulven Nelson of Florida; step-mother, Barb Ulven of Tioga; brothers, Duane Ulven, Charlie Ulven, Leon Johnson, Tom Johnson; sisters, Elva Ulven, Sue Brophy, Darla England, Louisa Johnson, Evonne Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

Dave is preceded in death by his father, Charlie Ulven; nephews, Nick Johnson and Doug Ulven; and cousin Steve Ulven.