Obituary
Regardia
Schaan
Regardia Margaret (Pfeifer) Schaan, the daughter of Frank and Magdalena (Gerein) Pfeifer, was born at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby, North Dakota on April 1, 1924. She died at the age of 88 years on Monday, December 17, 2012 at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby.
Regardia was raised in the rural farm home of her parents in Tuscarora Township, Pierce County, and received her education in a country school near her home. On April 7, 1947, she was united in marriage to Pius Schaan at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Balta. Following their marriage the couple purchased a farm in Tuscarora Township, where they farmed and started their family. In 1956, the family moved into the town of Balta. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker, Regardia was a former member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and life member of its Christian Mothers, and a present member of Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby and its women’s circle. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, needlepoint, embroidery, playing cards and family gatherings. Pius died suddenly at the age of 70 on October 24, 1987. Regardia remained in her Balta home until 2002, when she moved to Rugby.
Survivors include two sons, Duane (Mary Ellen) of Waterloo, Iowa, William of Rugby; four daughters, Diane (Ronald) Johnson of Bottineau, Elaine Schaan of Rugby, Jane (Tim) Fasching of Portland, Oregon and Mary Barth of Dickinson; twelve grandchildren; three brothers, Francis (Dolores) Pfeifer, Arthur Pfeifer and Roy (Janice) Pfeifer, all of Rugby; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband; one brother, Anton Pfeifer; one sister, Catherine Pfeifer; and her parents.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 21 at the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby. Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery in Balta at 1:45 p.m. Father Tom Graner, Celebrant and Father Neil Pfeifer, Concelebrant.
Visitation: from 5 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby. There will be no reviewal in the church.
Rosary and Vigil prayers will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the funeral home.
Music: Robert Schaan and Randy Schaan
The Casket Bearers: Grandchildren, Nathan Schaan, Stephanie Schaan, Jessica Garcia, Michelle Fasching, Kara Johnson, Andrea Laverdure, Nicole Selch, Ryan Johnson, Michael Barth, Andrew Barth and Schaan Barth
Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com.
Obituary
Anton Heintz
Anton Edward “Tony” Heintz, the son of Ludwig and Christina (Keller) Heintz, was born in the rural Blumenfeld, North Dakota home of his parents on May 30, 1930. He died at the age of 82 years on Thursday, December 13, 2012 surrounded by his family at the Heart of America Care Center in Rugby, North Dakota.
Tony was raised on the family farm home of his parents in Blumenfeld, near Orrin in southern Pierce County and received his education in a rural school near his home. Following his schooling, he worked on the family farm near Balta. Tony was united in marriage to Alice Lingohr on June 18, 1952 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Orrin, North Dakota. After their marriage, the couple made their home and farmed the family farm, and was blessed with six daughters. A lifelong farmer, Tony was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby, a former member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Orrin until its closing, and also enjoyed a lifetime membership in the Knights of Columbus and membership in the Rugby Eagles. Tony and Alice retired off the farm in 2008 and moved to Rugby. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and greatly enjoyed playing cards, being with his grandchildren and family, and could talk your socks off.
He will be sadly missed by his wife of 60 years, Alice; daughters, Cindy (Merlyn Moen) Heintz of Fargo, Karen (Dan) Feland and Miranda (Mark) Hoffert, all of Bismarck, Corinne (Lonnie) Hager and Toni (Kevin) Muffenbier, all of West Fargo and Vanessa (Paul) Jodock of Fosston, Minnesota; twelve grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rose Martin of Drake and Theresa Streifel of Great Falls, Montana; two brothers, Martin (Rose) and Christ (Judy), all of Rugby; a brother-in-law, Casmer Volk of Rugby, and sister-in-law, Joann Heintz of Drake; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a daughter in infancy; two brothers, John and Joe Heintz; two sisters, Betty Volk and Marjorie Bennett; brothers-in-law, Emil Martin and Larry Streifel; sister-in-law, Christine Heintz; and his parents.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 17 at the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby with spring burial in the church cemetery. Fr. Tom Graner, Celebrant and Fr. Thanaiah Marneni, Concelebrant
Organist: Angie Deplazes; Vocal Leader: Robert Graber
Soloist: Vanessa Jodock
Casket Bearers: Grandchildren, Natalie Feland, Chad Hager, Danielle Feland, Troy Hoffert, Kyle Hager, Anton Goss, Casie Hoffert, Logan Goss, Mark Goss, Taylor Muffenbier, Jordan Muffenbier and Jesse Muffenbier
Honorary Bearers: Great Grandchildren, Emma & Hunter Hoffert
Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com.
Obituary
Carol
Ritterman
Funeral services were held Thursday, December 20, 2012 at Leeds Lutheran Church for Carol A. Ritterman, 78, York, who died Saturday, December 15 at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby.
Burial was the church cemetery.
Carol was born November 8, 1934 in rural Leeds, a daughter of Bernie and Leila (Bremseth) Fox. She graduated from the Leeds Public School in 1952, and in 1955 received a two-year standard certificate from Minot State College. She taught at the Gallinger #1 school near Leeds, and the Webster Elementary School in Williston. On June 17, 1956 she married James Ritterman in Leeds. She taught at the Knox Public School until 1959. After the birth of her sons, she taught at the York Elementary School from 1966 to 1976. She was a substitute teacher at the Leeds Public School from then until 1985, when she enrolled at Mayville State College. In 1986 she graduated from there with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in elementary education and library science. She taught at the Esmond Public School from 1987-89.
Carol was a state secretary and a state director of the North Dakota Horseshow Association. She was also a 4-H leader, a Cub Scout leader, a charter member of the Dozen Homemaker Club, a member of the Leeds Lutheran Church and the York Lutheran Church. She was also a member of the North Dakota Education Association, the York Planning Council, a secretary treasurer and chairperson of the HUD grant for the York Park Board, and a licensed and bonded Auction Sales Clerk.
She is survived by her sons, Robert and Rodney, Leeds; and Randy, Minneapolis; 12 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; brother, Gary Fox, Glenwood, Minn.; sister, Bonnie Teubner, Bisbee.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Janet Lysne; her parents, and her husband.
Pastor Richard Budd officiated. Music was provided by Dan Nybo, organist, and Andi Thoreson, soloist.
Casketbearers were Leah Biby; Gina, James, Anthony, Mitchell, Lane, Declan, Reaganne, Aidan, Matthew, McKenna and Liam Ritterman. Honorary bearers were Bella Biby, Sophia Biby and Zenna Ritterman.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Home of Leeds.
Obituary
Floyd
W. Askim
Floyd Wayne Askim, 78, Minot, died Sunday, December 16, 2012 in a Minot Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Floyd was born December 9, 1934 in Park River, North Dakota, the son of Adolph and Ida (Nelson) Askim. He was raised and educated at Park River and graduated from Park River Agricultural School in 1952. At that time he was State President of the Future Farmers of America. He entered into active duty service with the U.S. Army and honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict from 1955-1957.
Floyd was united in marriage to Marian Sand on August 4, 1957 at the Emerado Presbyterian Church. He continued his education at North Dakota State University in Fargo and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1959. They moved to Minot in 1959, where he was employed by the ND Farm Bureau. He organized the County Farm Bureaus of NW North Dakota. He later was employed with Verry Insurance Agency and Monarch Concrete in sales.
Floyd received a Master’s degree in Counseling from NDSU in 1976. He was named the Bush Foundation Fellow Award in 1976 and received specialized training to study new treatment modalities in mental health problems at Rutgers University, the Johnson Institute of Minneapolis and Heartview Foundation in Mandan. He became an Addictions Counselor for North Central Human Services in Minot for a number of years and also did private counseling locally. He retired in 1989, after being named the director of the Alcohol Program and Counselor for EARN Project with the Three Affiliated Tribes in New Town. He operated Askim Rental Agency for several years.
Floyd was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church, Minot, where he was active as an elder and went on a missions trip to Sitka, AK. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge Star in the West Lodge #33, Minot Shrine Club, Lankin, ND American Legion Post #157, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, FFA Association and lifetime member of the PTA. Dad was a sensitive soul and had a huge heart. He took great pride in his family and loved holidays and gatherings. It was common for him to reach in his pockets for photos of his grandchildren. He was a patriotic man and loved to fly the American flag. He was very proud of serving his country and loved past and present veterans. Dad was passionate about children, especially the less fortunate or disabled. Dear to his heart was the Shriners Children’s Hospital and the Shrine Circus. He always looked out for the underdog and was willing to help anyone in need. He said beautiful prayers and always reminded us of how fortunate we are! His unique sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.
His loving family includes, wife of fifty-five years, Marian; children, Karen Askim, Eden Prairie, MN, Sheryl (Jim) Cameron, Rugby, ND, Dean (Julie) Askim, Laurel, MT, Kay (Travis) Gregurek, Rugby, ND and Chad (Helen) Askim, Williston, ND; grandchildren, Tana (Greg) Hamilton, Jessica (Paul) Tuck, Dustin Askim, Madeline Cameron, McKenzie Cameron, Gentry Carlson, Aspen Cameron, Giles Askim & Ivan Askim; great-grandchildren, Jaeger & Nolan Hamilton; sisters-in-law, Irene Askim & Gwen Askim, niece Corrine Berg, nephews, Gary Askim & Arlyn Askim.
Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Harvey and Clifford Askim and a nephew, Dennis and niece, LaVern and his special uncle, Iver.
Celebration of Life service: Friday, December 21, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church, Minot.
Interment: Veterans Plot of Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: At the request of the family, there will not be any reviewal, however friends may sign the memorial register book on Thursday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: preferred to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Presbyterian Deacons Fund, Hoff Lutheran Church, Adams, ND, or restoration of the 515 Club..
Those wishing to sign the online memorial register or share memories are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com)
Obituary
Elaine
Bachmeier
Elaine (Neigel) Bachmeier, 76, Minot, died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Trinity Homes, Minot.
She was born Oct. 19, 1936, to Sebastian and Margaret (Schnellbach) Neigel. She was raised in the Blumenfeld and Orrin area, attended Rosebush School and St. John’s Catholic Church in Blumenfeld. She helped her parents by taking care of her many brothers and sisters, doing farm chores and cooking for neighboring farm families.
She married her handsome yodeling cowboy, Mathias Bachmeier, in 1954 in Blumenfeld. They lived near George Lake on the Bachmeier farmstead where they farmed, ranched and started their family. In 1957 they moved to Minot, where Elaine worked and was an active member of the Moose Club. She worked at Alley Cat Lounge, the 52 Club and the Riveria Lounge, all in Minot. In 1966 they moved to a farm near Karlsruhe where they taught their children the importance of their faith, family, work, play, respect and most importantly, to love each other. Elaine raised chickens, worked in the garden and learned how to make her beautiful quilts.
In 1971 the family moved to Plaza where she worked at Joe’s Bar for a year. She later purchased the bar and changed the name to Parkview Lounge.
Elaine was active in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plaza, the Plaza Civic Club, and managing her men’s softball team. In 1981 she bought the Roadside Cafe, south of Plaza. They lived on site until their move to Minot in 1985 when she became the first head cook at the Royal Fork Buffet and worked at the VFW where she was an honorary member of the Ladies Auxiliary.
Elaine was active in St. Leo’s Confraternity of Christian Mothers as treasurer, leader of funeral and wedding receptions and president of St. Therese’s Guild. She was given the title of “Silent Knight” by the Knights of Columbus 9906 members after she helped with many of their breakfast and dinner events. She was an usher at St. Leo’s Church and served as the gift shop director.
Elaine’s favorite times were spent with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She was happiest playing outside with them, teaching them games and cooking their favorite foods anytime they came to visit. She liked cooking, baking, gardening, quilting, sewing, fishing and raising chickens and rabbits. She also enjoyed singing, winning at pinochle, Aggravation and Greedy, and listening to the police scanner. Elaine will always be remembered by her family and friends for her hotdish, kuchen, glorified rice, caramel rolls, pinwheel cookies and soups, but mostly for her beautiful smile and kind heart.
She is survived by her children and their families: Judy (Mike) Jochim, Mesa, Ariz.: Kelly (Charles) Cooper, Jeremy (Channon) Berger, Sarah (Steven) Denson; Char (Fred) Beehler, of LaMoure: Shawn (Lynn) Beehler, Christopher (Dianna) Beehler, Dennis Beehler, Colette (Lance) Cotton, Patrick (Holly) Beehler; Ron (Mary) Bachmeier, Dickinson: Erin Bachmeier (Jeff Merchant), Chelsea (James) Kiebel; Cindy (Jerry) Clark, Minot: Scott (Julie) Clark, Tim (Ginny Boyle) Clark, Amanda Clark; Larry (Ruth) Bachmeier Anoka, Minn.: Leah (Andres) Gonzalez, Daniela Bachmeier; Duane Bachmeier, Minot; Sharon (Ronald) Donamaria, Minot: Aaron (Samantha) Donamaria, Zack (Jess) Donamaria, Kacey Donamaria; Sandy (Mark) Klimpel, Berthold: Jessie Klimpel, Josh Klimpel; Tami (Randy Christianson) Anderson, Mandan: Devon Anderson, Amber Anderson; 26 great-grandchildren; siblings: Jack (Jan) Neigel, Fergus Falls, Minn., Lugardia Schwan, Mandan, Marcie (Pete) Thiel, Sun City, Ariz., Daniel Neigel, Pacific, Wash., Frank (MaryAnn) Neigel, North Stonington, Conn., Richard (Deborah) Neigel, Old Lyme, Conn., Jane Heintz, Fergus Falls, Joe (Garnet) Neigel, Bonnie Lake, Wash., Eddie Neigel, Graham, Wash.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; siblings, Peter, Paul, John, Mary Anderson, Ludwig, Lawrence, George, David, Alex, Tony and Elva Dailey; grandson, Peter Sebastian, son-in-law, Clarence Ulledahl Jr.; and many relatives and friends.
Funeral: Friday, Dec. 21, at 1 p.m. in St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Minot.
Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Rosary and prayer service: Thursday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m. in the church.
Visitation: Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. in Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot, and from 6 to 7 p.m. in the church.
Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).
Obituary
LaVerne
Harmel
Norman “LaVerne” Harmel, the son of Henry and Selma (Sand) Harmel was born February 14, 1934 in the Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby, North Dakota. He died at the age of 78 years on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby.
LaVerne was raised in the Rugby home of his parents and graduated from Rugby High School, the class of 1951. Following high school he was engaged in farming until September 15, 1953, when he was inducted into the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged on August 26, 1955 and returned to Rugby to farm. On June 16, 1970, he was united in marriage to Delores Johnson Arlien. The couple made their home in Rugby for the first year of their marriage and then moved to the Harmel farm in Meyer Township, southeast of Rugby where he farmed until retirement in 1998. Delores died February 6, 1998.
LaVerne was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where he had served as Trustee and Elder, served on the Persilla Watts Cemetery and Prairie Village Museum Boards of Directors for a number of terms and was a skilled craftsman, spending countless hours in his woodworking shop on the farm. Many of his family, friends and the church were blessed in receiving the products of his woodworking. He loved the farm and all the work that went with it and greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing when time allowed. Dearest to his heart were his children, grandchildren and family.
Survivors include his children, Karen Arlien of Edgeley, John (Karen) Arlien of Baldwin, Donna (Craig) Gunderson of Rugby and LaRae (Danny) Selvig of Rollete; grandchildren, Eric Gunderson, Jared Arlien, Ethan Arlien, Jessica Harmel, Keenan Arlien, Jacob and Jacie Selvig; great grandson, Payton Gunderson; three sisters, Marlys (Delmer) Ostrem and Beverly (Orvin) Blekeberg, both of Rugby, and Sandra (Glenn) Bethke of Grand Forks; six brothers, Robert (Audrey) of Rolette, Gerald, Douglas (Joni) and Stranford (Susan), all of Rugby, Bradley (Suzanne) of Franktown, Colorado and Donovan of Minneapolis, Minnesota; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his wife; two sisters, Alice Mae Harmel and Bernice Greig; and his parents.
Funeral services were held: Saturday, December 15, 2012 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rugby with spring burial in the Persilla Watts Cemetery, Rugby. Pastor Phillip Hannemann, officiate.
Military Honors accorded by: The Clarence Larson American Legion Post # 23 Honor & Color Guard, Rugby and The North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Detail
Organist: Dianne Montonye
Soloist: Kevin Lashman
Casket Bearers: Chris Harmel, Cory Atkinson, Rick Ostrem, Tom Harmel, Kipp Harmel and Gary Harmel
Honorary Bearers: All Grandchildren and Godchildren
Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com.
Obituary
Eva M.
O’Connell
Eva M. O’Connell, 93, of East Grand Forks, MN, passed away Friday, December 15, 2012, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.
Eva Madeline Voeller was born May 3, 1919 the daughter of Valentine and Frances (Volk) Voeller in Pierce County, ND, near Silva, ND. As a young woman she moved to Grand Forks and then to Seattle, WA, where she was employed by Boeing during the war. She married Gerald F. O’Connell on October 17, 1943, in Everett, WA. They returned to Grand Forks following his discharge from the service.
Eva enjoyed her job at Boeing, and was proud to be participating in the war effort. For many years she enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her children. Later, she returned to working and spent a number of years as a sales clerk at Mary Elizabeth Department Store, Grand Forks. Eva had a passion for gardening, and loved her flowers, plants and vegetables. She was a life time member of the Catholic Daughters of America.
Eva is survived by her husband, Gerald; daughters, Cheryl, Janice and Maureen; sons, Lawrence and Ronald; five grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; brother, Marcus Voeller; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Rosalie Zeek, Clementine Dosch, Katherine Voeller, Ann Hoeppner; brothers, Walter, Joseph, Rochus “Roy”, Frank, Benhard, Sylvester, John, Lawrence and Edward.
The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to the staff at Altru Hospital, to the exceptional assistant from Comfort Keepers, who helped make it possible for Eva to stay in her home, which was so important to her, and to the dedicated staff at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, who brought her Holy Communion every week.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 20, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, East Grand Forks, MN.
Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday with a 4:30 p.m. rosary service and a 7:00 p.m. vigil service in the Historic Norman Funeral Home Gregory J. Norman Funeral Chapel, Grand Forks. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Thursday.
Burial: Calvary Catholic Cemetery North, Grand Forks, ND in the spring.
The online memorial registry may be signed at www.normanfuneral.com
Obituary
Lillian
Blessum
Lillian (Fjellanger) Blessum, the daughter of John and Anna (Scheie) Fjellanger was born February 21, 1913 in the home of her parents in Christenson Township, Pierce County, North Dakota. She died at the age of 99 years on Monday, December 17, 2012 at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby.
Lillian grew up in the home of her parents and received her education in a country school. She was united in marriage to Obert Blessum and together they owned the Ideal Caf in Rugby for many years. Obert died January 18, 1971. Lillian was a member of First Lutheran Church and was long active in WELCA and was referred to as “Lil, the official coffee lady”. She dearly loved her home across the street from the church and was known for keeping her yard manicured. She also served many years as an election judge during local and national elections. She will be remembered for her quick wit and sense of humor.
Lillian is survived by her son, Roger and his wife, Janice of Prior Lake, MN; two granddaughters; one grandson; three great-granddaughters; two great- grandsons; one sister, Joyce Ann Brandt of Rugby; a sister-in-law, Thelma Fjellanger of Rugby; a brother-in-law, Oscar Kostad of Fargo; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband; a great-granddaughter, Amanda Blessum; four brothers, LeRoy, Vernon, Robert and Raymond Fjellanger; five sisters, Christine Fjellanger in infancy, Evelyn Sveum, Marie Forsgren, Gladys Tjon Lesmeister, and Esther Kostad; and her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 22, 2012 at First Lutheran Church in Rugby with spring burial in the Persilla Watts Cemetery, Rugby. Pastor Mike Pretzer, officiate.
Visitation will be for one hour prior to the time of services in the funeral home on Saturday.
Organist: Pam Anderson
Hymns by the Congregation: “O Come All Ye Faithful” “On Eagles Wings” “How Great Thou Art” “Joy to the World”
Honorary Bearers: Grandchildren: Lance Blessum, Joni Scott, Jennifer Koeppl; Great Grandchildren: Angela Scott, Kirsten & Chase Blessum, Taylor Koeppl; Nephew: Dennis Blessum; Friend: Vicky Harmel
Casket Bearers: Jerry Blessum, David Brandt, John Brandt, Steven Brandt, Larry Fjellanger, Ronnie Fjellanger, Jordan Scott
Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com.