David Scarff

David Scarff, 73, Bismarck, died May 12, 2018, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, May 22, at McCabe United Methodist Church, 1030 N. 6th St., Bismarck, with Rev. Jenny Hallenbeck-Orr officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.  Cremation has taken place. David was born on February 21, 1945, to Mark and Janet (Butler) Scarff in Glendive, MT. When David was 12, the family moved to Bismarck, ND. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1963. He enrolled at UND and went for about a year, but then flunked out and was drafted into the US Army where he served in Vietnam as an Infantry Combat Medic from 1967-1968. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service. After his military service, David went back to UND and did much better. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. During his college years, David drove ambulance to pay his way through college. However, he was not satisfied/fulfilled with the employment that he found in that field. When he was in his 40s, his sister suggested ministry. This is something David had not even considered, but after giving it much thought, he felt this was exactly what he was looking for. He enrolled in St. Paul School of Theology United Methodist Seminary. After graduation, he was ordained a United Methodist minister and served in numerous small churches in North and South Dakota. He later left the ministry in good standing and settled in Bismarck, ND. There, he bought a condo and shared, with his sister Nancy, watching after their mother who was at Missouri Slope Nursing Home. While Nancy helped their mother at mealtime, David cooked a good supper for the two of them. Then, while Nancy did the dishes, David went to the nursing home to stay with his mother until the nurse came to put her to bed. They followed this routine for eight years until their mother passed away. David was proud of his sobriety. When he was 28 years old, he went to Heartview Foundation for alcohol treatment, and after completion, he never had another drink in his life. David is survived by his brother, Mark Scarff, Helena, MT; and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Nancy Scarff. Memorials may be given to the Abbott House, Mitchell, SD, or McCabe United Methodist Church, Bismarck.