Eva N Erbele

Eva Nilda Erbele, 92, Gackle, ND passed over Thursday, March 20th, 2025 at the Wishek Living Center, Wishek, ND surrounded by family.

Eva was born in Rincon, Puerto Rico on September 24th, 1932 to Dolores Ruiz and Manuel Lopez. At the age of 8 her family moved to Manhattan, NYC where she attended and graduated from High School. She worked as a telephone operator for AT&T and was an avid Brooklyn Dodger fan. Eva met the love of her life Alvin Erbele while visiting her cousin in ND. They were joined in marriage on January 14th, 1956 at Metropolitan-Duane Methodist Church, New York City, NY. They returned by train to begin their married life on a farm north of Lehr, ND. Eva embraced her new culture and life as a farm wife and the mother of 3 children. Her love for children led her to teach Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and 4-H.

She enjoyed being able to participate in her children’s school activities whether it was sporting events or musical activities. After 43 years on the farm, they moved to Gackle ND, where her love of books gave her the opportunity to help with the town library and eventually became president of the Library Board. She worked at the Gackle school as a teacher’s aide, and later at the Gackle Care Center as a nursing assistant. In her pastime she loved gardening, traveling with Alvin to visit their children in various states, and helped with Awana Club. She was a member of the Zion United Methodist Church in Lehr.

Eva is survived by her sister Martha Pabon; children, Greg (Cece), Amy (“J” Lawrence), Boyd (Jeanne); niece/daughter Bobbi Jo (Pat); grandchildren, Joshua (Jennifer), Matthew (Jasey) and their families, Jeannie Bird and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Eva was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin; and her mother, Dolores Quinones. The family of Eva Erbele would like to give a special thank you to the Gackle Care Center, Wishek Living Center and Dr. Nathan Young, Neurologist, Mayo Clinic. The kindness and care she received will always remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Eva’s memory can be sent to the Lehr Community Church, Lehr, ND or the Gackle Library, Gackle, ND.

Visitation – 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 4, 2025 at the Gackle Senior Center, 312 Main Street, Gackle, ND.

Celebration of Life – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Lehr Community Church, 304 East Street, Lehr, ND with Joel Zenker officiating.

Burial – Emmanuel Cemetery, rural Lehr, at a later date.