Christine Mitzel

Christine Mitzel

Christine (Wiest) Mitzel, the daughter of Frank and Cecilia (Hager) Wiest, was born August 22, 1939, in Harvey, North Dakota.She died at the age of 71 years on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at Trinity Medical Center in Minot, North Dakota.

Christine was raised in the rural Harvey home of her parents and received her education in the Harvey school system.On June 25, 1962, she was united in marriage to Theodore “Ted” Mitzel at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Selz, North Dakota. Following their marriage, the couple made their home on the Mitzel family farm and ranch in rural Orrin, North Dakota, until retiring to Rugby in February of 2005.She was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby, and a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Orrin until its closing, and a member of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers.A loving wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker, she enjoyed the company of family and friends, loved cooking, baking, flower and vegetable gardening, and was regionally famous for her kuchen.She especially enjoyed long conversations on the telephone with friends, playing cards, and being a part of her grandchildren’s activities.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Ted; two daughters, Maria (Eric) Boren of Devils Lake and Melissa (Ron) Ripplinger of Rugby; grandchildren, Matthew and Zachary Boren and Shannon and Jacob Ripplinger; one sister, Mary (Leo) Ehli of Sioux City, IA; brother-in-law, Fred Jr. (Rita) Mitzel of Orrin; sisters-in-law, Betty (Jim) Summer of Estancia, NM, Mary Jane (Melvin) Schmaltz of Devils Lake and Dorothy (Chuck) Hooker of Rugby; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by a sister in infancy, Emma; two brothers, Edward and Arthur Wiest; a sister-in-law, Marlene Schumacker; her father and mother-in-law, Fred Sr. and Elizabeth Mitzel; and her parents.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, June 3, 2011, at Little Flower Catholic Church, Rugby, with burial in the church cemetery.

Fr. Tom Graner was Celebrant. Music was provided by Jacinta Schmaltz, vocal leader/cantor, and Glenda Mack, organist.

Honorary bearers were The Confraternity of Christian Mothers, The Haaland Manor Card Players, and all dear friends.

Casketbearers were Fred and Bob Schumacker, Bradley, Christopher, and Jesse Mitzel, and Eric Hooker.

Arrangements by Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby.