Edward Selensky

Oct. 24, 1935-March 15, 2025

Rugby

Edward Matthew Selensky, 89, passed away peacefully on the evening of March 15, 2025, with his wife Elaine by his side. Ed was born on October 24, 1935, in Rugby, North Dakota, to Bernard “Ben” and Barbara (Hilzendager) Selensky. Born the 9th child in a family of 11, Ed was a gifted musician whose melodies touched the hearts of many.

Ed grew up on the family farm with his 10 brothers and sisters. He attended grades 1-8 in a one room schoolhouse a mile north of the farm. He went on to graduate from Rugby High School where he enjoyed playing in the FFA Band.

After graduation, Edward worked on the family farm until he started working at the Rugby Creamery Hatchery and then drove a milk truck route. In 1960, he began working for the Rugby Farmers Union Elevator where he rolled feed for farmers, loaded grain into train cars for transport, and bought feed. He enjoyed visiting with the farmers who came to the elevator and could be quite the trickster and comedian. Thirsty farmers could buy a cold bottle of pop from Ed’s refrigerator for 25 cents. If you were fortunate, you could also get a sample of Ed’s smoked fish.

Ed’s love and talent for music was shared by his brothers Fred, Steve, James, and Jacob. Together they formed “The Selensky Brother’s” band and played for many weddings & anniversaries. Ed played by ear and was able to play many instruments, his favorites being the accordion and his keyboard.

Until recently, he could be found playing for the residents of the Haaland Home Estates, visitors to his home, or anyone who had time to listen.

Edward met his future wife, Elaine Volk, one lucky weekend the band played for a wedding. They were united in marriage on July 24, 1961, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Karlsruhe, ND. Ed was a husband of 63 years to Elaine, a father to nine children, a grandfather to twenty-three, and a great-grandfather to nine.

He was a family man, a person who believed in education, and most importantly a man of God. He was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. In earlier years he served on the Little Flower School Board as well as the Church Council.

Outdoors was where Ed loved to be. He greatly enjoyed hunting with his children and extended family. Fishing was also a favorite pastime and many families’ memories stem from ice fishing excursions.

But, above all, Ed loved to garden. Along with his wife Elaine, he planted and tended an impressive sized garden. Their fruits of labor were enjoyed by many.

Edward is survived by his wife, Elaine of Rugby; children, Marilyn (Jay) Matthews, Fargo; Frances (David) Lee, West Fargo; Linda (Rich) Laber, Fargo; Valerie (Howard) Harmon, Fargo; Vincent (Karen) Selensky, Bismarck; Lorraine (Troy) Nelson, Bismarck; Lawrence (Sherri) Selensky, Cedar Rapids, IA; Thomas (Jennifer) Selensky, Fargo; and Barbara (Bryan) Thiel, Harwood; 23 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Bernice Selensky, Rose Selensky, & Ann Selensky; brothers and sisters-in-law, Diane Volk, Harold (Joan) Volk, Robert (Liz) Volk, Ralph (Shirley) Volk, Linda Reamer and Adrian Volk; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben & Barbara; parents-in-law, Wendelin and Eva Volk; 6 brothers, Fred, John, Joe, Steve, Jacob, and James; 4 sisters, Mary, Katherine, Frances, and Theresa; brothers-in-law, Louie Grad, Ed Heilman, Casper Bachmeier, Jim & Allen Volk; sisters-in-law, Eva, Marie and Alice Selensky and Genny Volk; granddaughter, Jacie Nelson.

The family prefers donations to be made in Edward Selensky’s memory to the

Little Flower Catholic School or the Knights of Columbus

Mass of Christian burial was held on Tuesday, March 25 at 11 a.m. at Little Flower Church in Rugby with burial in the church cemetery in the spring. Father Franklin Miller, Father Thomas Graner, Father Kevin Boucher.

Casket Bearers: Grandsons, Christopher, Derek, & Brian Matthews, Benjamin Laber, Samuel & Jacob Harmon, Nathaniel Selensky, Andrew & Carter Selensky and Jack Thiel

Presentation of the Gifts: Granddaughters, Amanda Jenson, Andrea Halling, Danielle Trowbridge, Alexandra Laber, Jaclyn Weissinger, Kourtney Selensky, Erica Lee, Emily Nelson, Katelyn Bradley, Carly Nelson, Makayla Selensky, Natalie Selensky and Grace Thiel

Organist: Glenda Mack Vocal Leader/Cantor: Sara Selensky

Scripture Reader: Vernice Brossart Altar Servers: Arica, Breann & Levi Selensky

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com.

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, March 29, 2025.