Jeff Block, 51,of Harvey died Tuesday May 8, 2012 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral mass will be held at the St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Harvey on Saturday May 12, 10:30 a.m.

Visitation will be held at Hertz Funeral Home of Harvey on Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Prayer services will be held at the St. Cecilia Catholic Church on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Jeffrey Wayne Block was born on July 28, 1960 at Bottineau, ND. He was the son of Darrell and Kathy (Erickson) Block. The family lived in Willow City before moving to Towner. Jeff grew up in Towner and graduated from Towner High School in 1978. He attended Bismarck State College and completed lineman school in 1980. He began his lineman career with Verendrye Electric in 1980 and began working fulltime in the Harvey area in March 1983.

Jeff married Mary Jane Sebastian on December 15, 1984 in Towner. They resided in Harvey where they raised their three sons, Shane, Shelby and Shyler. Jeff loved sports and served on the chain gang for the local Harvey Hornet Football games. He attended all of his boys sporting events and never missed a chance to brag about his sons. He also enjoyed hunting

Jeff served as a volunteer on the Harvey Fire and Rescue Department for 23 years. He served with distinction. He was among the first on the department to be certified in the North Dakota Firefighter I, II and extrication training programs. He was also a member of the St. Cecilia Catholic Church.

In April 2009 Jeff was diagnosed with cancer. He experienced many setbacks but he never faltered. His faith, determination and support from all over saw him through many tough times and good times. There was graduation, family events and recently he was able to experience the birth of his first grandchild, Karson in April. He also became the "Daycare Dad" to many of Mary's daycare kids.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Mary Jane of Harvey; three sons, Shane and daughter-in-law Andrea of Hazen, Shelby of Fargo, Shyler of Harvey; grandson, Karson; parents, Darrell and Kathy of Towner; three brothers, Jim (Sherri) Block of Hazen, Jerry (Teresa) Block of Rugby, Jason Block of Minot; two sisters, Jackie (Rod) Burckhard of Towner, Jodi (Terry) Fransen of Milford, Nebraska; numerous nephews and nieces.