Edwin Egli

Edwin George Egli, 89, of New Salem, North Dakota, passed away on April 25, 2026, at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck.

A Memorial Prayer Service will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 4:30 PM at New Salem United Church of Christ with Pastor Marcy Dawson officiating. Visitation will open to the public from 3:00 - 4:30 PM at the church on Sunday. The family invites you for desserts and refreshments in the lower level of the church immediately following the service.

Edwin was born on August 3, 1936, in New Salem, ND, to Alfred and Lydia Egli. He was raised and educated in New Salem, graduating in 1954. As a freshman in high school, he took over the family farm, beginning a lifelong commitment to agriculture. He farmed and ranched his entire life, raising small grains, hogs, and beef and dairy cattle.

On June 20, 1964, Edwin was united in marriage to Sharie Bailey in New Salem. Together they made their home in New Salem, where Edwin lived his entire life.

Faith and family were the cornerstones of Edwin’s life. He was a member of both New Salem First Presbyterian Church and Salem United Church of Christ. He also served his community through involvement on numerous boards, including the school board, church board, and Elm Crest board.

Edwin was known for his strong work ethic and ingenuity. He was rarely idle and was always working on a project to make a job easier, earning a reputation as someone who could make something out of nothing. A big man with an even bigger heart, Edwin was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Among his many memorable accomplishments was training two hogs to pull a wagon, which he proudly showcased in the 1983 New Salem Centennial Parade and several other parades that summer. He also enjoyed a good joke, often beginning with, “Did you hear the one about…?” In his younger years, Edwin enjoyed bowling and roller skating, and throughout his life he treasured time spent with his family and tinkering in his shop.

Edwin lived by his favorite guiding principle, the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12), a standard he carried with him each day.

Grateful for having shared his life is his wife, Sharie Egli of New Salem; his children, Dwayne and Wendy Egli of Mandan, ND and Ron and Shawna Egli of New Salem, ND; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his sister, Rose Marie Utley of Lincoln, NE.

Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Lydia Egli; his grandfather, John; his brothers, John Egli and Elmer Egli; and sisters, Martha Becker and Ann Maynard.

Edwin will be remembered for his kindness, his dedication to his family and community, his creativity, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him.