In Loving Memory of Devin Moritz

If you knew Devin, there was a good chance he had a fishing pole in his hand, a truck project underway, a hunting story to share, or a friend close by. He was a true country boy at heart — a young man who found happiness in the outdoors, hard work, and the simple moments spent with the people and animals he loved.

Devin was born on February 27, 2003. From the time he was old enough to hold a fishing pole, he was drawn to the water, and after his family moved to a home near a fishing pond, he spent countless hours casting lines and enjoying the peace that came from being outdoors. What began as a childhood passion grew into a lifelong love of fishing, hunting, and the outdoors that shaped so much of who he became.

Devin attended school in Valley City before completing his high school years through homeschooling under the loving guidance of his Grandma Karen. She was a steady presence in his life for years, teaching him through high school, cooking meals for the freezer, and sending him home each weekend with clean clothes. That devotion was one of many special relationships that helped shape the man he became. Grandma Karen continues that tradition today, homeschooling Devin's younger brother, Payton, who will be a senior this year.

A true outdoorsman, Devin brought a rare talent, patience, and determination to hunting and fishing. He drew a moose tag on his very first application and successfully harvested a moose — a remarkable accomplishment. Many of the trophy bucks he took with both bow and rifle placed in hunting contests; a reflection of the dedication he brought to everything he loved. Even as a teenager, his enterprising spirit shone through: he designed, handcrafted, and sold his own fishing hooks. He loved spending time at his grandparents' cabin and fishing the many lakes and waters of North Dakota. He was also known throughout the community for his exceptional fish-filleting skills — the person many friends and family counted on to prepare their catch.

One of the greatest blessings in Devin's life was his lifelong friendship with Brett, who first took him fishing when Devin was just a boy and helped nurture a passion that would stay with him for the rest of his life. What began as local fishing trips grew into one of the truest friendships of Devin's life. He and Brett were on the water together nearly every weekend, all year round — warm summer days fishing local lakes, crisp fall days out hunting, and winter days spent side by side ice fishing. But it was never really about what they were doing; it was about being together. Whether they had a limit of fish or nothing to show for the day at all, Devin and Brett simply enjoyed each other's company, and that steady, easy friendship was one of the great constants of his life — one that included Brett's wife, Alise, who welcomed Devin like family.

Devin also had a lifelong passion for trucks, engines, and heavy metal, and found real joy in the grease and grit of the garage. When he wasn't hunting or fishing, he could be found in the shop turning wrenches on mud trucks, pull trucks, and everything in between, alongside his uncle TR — who taught him the trade and called him his "little buddy." Those hours together were about more than rebuilding engines; they were where Devin's mechanical talent took shape, filled with laughter, inside jokes, and the pride Devin took in being TR's nephew. That talent shined brightest on the track, where Devin's skill and fierce competitive spirit came alive running pull trucks and mud trucks alike. He placed in his very first mud run, driving the '79 pickup whose engine he'd built with his uncle TR, joined by their close-knit circle of friends from the Brantford Institute of Racing. Though he is gone, his spirit will forever echo in the grandstands — felt in the heartbeat of every race, heard in every roaring engine, and riding shotgun with TR through every finish line.

Beyond the outdoors and the garage, Devin found his greatest joy in the people he loved. Some of his happiest moments were spent with his dad, Mike, and his younger brother, Payton, gathered around the table playing board games, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. Devin and Payton shared a special bond, not only as brothers but as true friends. Devin was known throughout the community and made friends wherever he went — always willing to lend a hand and share his talents with others. His first job was working for a local farmer, work he truly loved. He later took a job with the City of Cooperstown, where he enjoyed the work and thought highly of his boss, Dave. The country lifestyle fit him naturally, and he lived it fully.

Devin's greatest peace was found living on the family farm with his grandparents and his yellow Lab, Buddy. Devin trained Buddy from the beginning, and together they became an incredible hunting team. Buddy was a strong, talented bird dog who retrieved hundreds of geese for Devin and his hunting friends over the years, and many considered him one of the best hunting dogs they'd ever seen. But Buddy was more than a hunting partner; he was Devin's companion and best friend. They shared countless adventures in the field and, at the end of the day, even shared the same pillow at night.

Devin and Grandpa Tom shared a bond that ran deeper than most. For several years the farm was where Devin truly grew up, and Grandpa Tom was there for all of it. Countless hours were spent hunting together, walking fields and waiting in blinds side by side. They cherished the quiet moments too — chores done together, evenings spent simply enjoying each other's company, driving around looking for new places to hunt, and spending time with Buddy. It was in that steady, easy companionship that their bond was built, one that gave Devin the security and love of a place, and a person, he could always call home.

Devin's years were far fewer than anyone could have imagined, but he lived them with purpose, passion, and a heart that was true to who he was. He found joy in the simple things: a sunrise over the water, time in the woods, the rumble of a truck engine, laughter around the game table, a loyal dog by his side, and the company of those he loved most. His adventurous spirit, quiet kindness, unwavering work ethic, and unforgettable smile will live on in every story shared, every fishing trip taken, every hunt enjoyed, and every family gathering where his memory is lovingly recalled.

A true country boy at heart, Devin's spirit will forever be found in the woods, the fields, and the waters he loved, and in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Devin is survived by his father, Mike Moritz and brother, Payton Moritz, Valley City; his mother, Kris Moritz, Jamestown, ND; his grandparents, Tom and Karen Edland; Curt and Vera Ulferts; and his great-grandmother, Elsie Keys. He is also survived by uncles and aunts who shared his love of the outdoors and hunted and fished alongside him over the years: Dale (Kim) Edland, Greg (Teresa) Edland, T.R. (Christina) Edland, Jo (Dave) Ashley, Brad Moritz, and Randy Eggermont — along with many cousins, extended family, and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim Moritz; Marlyss Edland; his great-grandparents, Romaine and Joyce Moritz; John and Dorothy Edland; and his great-grandfather, Arlee Keys.

There will be no service, per Devin's wishes. Instead, in honor of his memory, we invite you to celebrate his life through a random act of kindness — helping a neighbor, lending a hand to someone in need, spending time outdoors with someone you love, or simply doing something thoughtful for another person. We hope you will carry forward the kindness and generosity that Devin showed throughout his life.

Devin didn't want a service; he just wanted to hit the backroads one more time. This fall, surrounded by those who loved him best, we are bringing him along for a final trip to the woods, the water, and the tracks. He's riding shotgun with us to the places that brought him the most joy. We are still finalizing the exact dates and will share details soon at www.lerudmathias.com

Rest easy, Devin. The truck's running, Buddy's waiting, the big buck's out there, and we'll see you at the next cast. We love you and we'll never let you go!

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