Edward J. Kouba, 97, Dickinson, died Sunday, August 10, 2008 at the St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson. Edward’s funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, August 14, 2008 at St. John Evan. Lutheran Church, Dickinson with Rev. Steven Tangen officiating. Interment will take place at the Beach City Cemetery at 1 p.m., Thursday with Rev. Paul Peterson presiding. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Edward J. Kouba was born April 21, 1911 in the Alpha Community south of Sentinel Butte, ND, the son of John and Anna (Skala) Kouba. He attended the Carew rural grade school and then on to complete two years at Sentinel Butte High School.

Edward married Thelma Nodland on September 14, 1949 at Vang Lutheran Church south of Dunn Center. They farmed and raised registered short horned cattle on Ed’s family place until retiring in 1978 and moving into Dickinson. He was active in his community and county throughout his life. Having served on the Bullion Township Board, the Golva Co-op Elevator Board for 22 years, the Golden Valley County Fair Board for 40 years, and was a 4-H leader for nine years. Ed was an active and loyal member of the Elk’s Club for over 50 years having served as a Trustee for a period of time, along with being a member of the Eagles Club in Dickinson.

Ed and Thelma became residents of the St. Luke’s Home in October of 2005. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing cards, listening to music and dancing.

Edward is survived by his wife, Thelma; their three children, John (Mary) Kouba, Beach, Terry (Judee) Kouba, Fort Meyers, Fla., and Karen Stewart, Fargo; three grandchildren, Hope, Marcy and Andy; two great-grandchildren, Heaven and Chloe; one sister, Alice Johnson, Dickinson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Joseph, Frank, Jerry and Elmer; and three sisters, Mary, Josephine and Annie.