Wallace Eid, age 66, of Mahnomen, MN, died Saturday, July 9, 2011 at Sanford Palliative Care in Fargo, ND.

Wallace Manley Eid, the son of Ole and Olga (Erickson) Eid, was born on August 22, 1944 in Gary, MN. As a youngster, Wally moved with his family to Mahnomen where he attended school, graduating with the class of 1962. Pursuing a coaching career, Wally furthered his education at Moorhead State College until he was drafted in 1965. While in the United States Navy, he served in Vietnam and on the USS New Jersey as a medic. Following his honorable discharge, Wally obtained his degree as both a certified laboratory and x-ray technician. In 1970, he was united in marriage to Sharon Oppegard and the couple made their home in Mahnomen. They were blessed with two children, Charles and Tammera Jo, and also had the joy of raising Brandon Rogers as a son of their own since infancy. Wally worked as a technician at the Mahnomen Hospital and in the late 1970's became the hospital administrator. He was proud to have graduated with the first EMT class in the area. In 1991, Wally began managing Eid's 59 Mobile Service and after selling the station, he worked at Super Pumper gas station and Lucky 7 Liquors for several years. In 2004, Wally was elected as District 1 Mahnomen County Commissioner and was currently serving his second term in office.


Over the years, Wally served on various boards and worked closely with many clubs and organizations. He truly had enthusiasm for his community and the people who lived within it. As a tremendous advocate for the elderly, Wally served on the County Board for seniors and was instrumental in the development of the Mahnomen County Senior Center and the Meals on Wheels program. He was also on the Advisory Board for the Assisted Living in Mahnomen and the Mahnomen Health Center Board as well as a board member with the Greater Northwest Emergency Medical Services planning agency and the Mahnomen Airport Board.

In addition to his civic commitment, Wally loved the outdoors. He liked to get out fishing, golfing, and hunting whenever possible. Many wonderful memories were made each season on the annual hunt with Norm. As a huge Minnesota sports fan, Wally greatly enjoyed watching football and baseball with friends. He had a wonderful singing voice and could often be heard singing a tune in church, at home or with family. Wally's immense passion for reading influenced his involvement for many years with the Lake Agassiz Regional Library, even serving as Past President of the Board of Trustees.


Wally also held memberships with the First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, Mahnomen Area Rod and Gun Club and the Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31. His quick wit, gentle smile, and generous spirit will be missed by many.

He is survived by two sons, Charles Eid of Fargo and Brandon Rogers of Minneapolis, MN; a daughter, Tammera Jo "TJ" (Michael Johnson) Eid; a granddaughter, Kalysta Eid, all of West Fargo; ND; a brother, Arvid (Anne) Eid of Shreveport, LA; a brother-in-law, Floyd Lecy of Moorhead, MN; several nieces, nephews and ex-wife, Sharon Eid of Fargo. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Annabelle Lecy.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 am on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, MN. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 13 from 4-8 pm at the Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN.

Inurnment in be at Sundal Cemetery, rural Fertile, MN.