Lydia Ahl Geiger
Lydia (Ahl) Geiger died at her home in Hoodsport, WA in the company of her family Thursday, September 25, 2003 at the age of 93. She battled multiple myeloma (cancer) for over a year. Lydia Geiger was born to Christian and Margaret (Kirschenmann) Ahl March 11, 1910 at the Ahl homestead north of Hebron and baptized, confirmed and married in the St. John Evangelical and Reformed Church. She had ten brothers and sisters and is survived by her sister Marie Huber of Glen Ullin. In 1932 she married Raphael Geiger from Richardton who died in 1989. They lived most of their 57 years of marriage in the state of Washington. Their children are Darlene, who resides at Hoodsport, WA, Verdella, who resides at Wentachee, WA with her husband Roy Sweigard and Ronald, who resides at Springfield, VA with his wife Penny. Lydia had ten grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. She enjoyed excellent health for 92 years and was able to travel with Raphael throughout the United States in their motor home. She was also able to take trips and cruises with her sister Marie Huber, as well as travel to England and Germany. She loved being with her family and sharing her love for life with them. She made more than 30 quilts for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her most recent quilt was made in early 2002 in anticipation of another great grandson. Her last great grandchild, Dylan Michael Graves, was born July 24, 2003. Funeral and burial serves were held at Auburn, WA Tuesday, September 30.

LaVerna Funk
In the early morning hours of September 26, 2003, LaVerna C. Funk walked into the light and was gone from this place we call earth. She was born in Roundup, MT on September 13, 1915 to Edward and Theresa Charlton. The family made their home at Camp No. 3, where Edward worked as a foreman for the mine. She would be the only girl born to the family, which would eventually include five brothers. By her own admission, she was quite a tomboy, which she always claimed was her only hope for survival. The friends that she made there would remain with her for life. Her education began with grade school at the Lincoln School in #3 and finished with graduation from Roundup High School in 1934. Following graduation she went to work for Staunton Chevrolet as a secretary where she was working at the time she met a tall blonde headed stranger that had been transplanted in Roundup from Hebron, N.D. (She claimed that she was only there to see one of her girl friends and not to check out the new manager of the J. C. Penney Store.) Dad claims that she wasn’t very impressed with him at the time, but he was impressed with her, so he set out to change her mind. Whatever his strategy was, it worked. At the end of November 1937, Paul made a journey to Hebron to visit his folks and found that he missed her so much that he made a telephone call to her home to tell her so. He went on to tell her that he figured that he didn’t think that they should ever be apart again and that’s just what happened. They were married in the parsonage of the Methodist Church in Roundup on December 3, 1937 and stayed happily married for the rest of her life. One of the cards that came reflected that love. "We always looked forward to the sight of you and LaVerna out for a walk with one of your dogs, her arm linked in yours – so obviously still in love. We hoped that we would be the same." She and Paul were blessed with four children and her family was always the center of her life. That family was greatly expanded when she became mother to all of our friends as well. She always kept an active role in the community and loved Roundup as her home. In later years, she would become a swim team gramma when her daughter, Susan, was associated with that organization. She was also a grandmother to the children from Susan’s preschool and day care. Fortunately for all of us, she had plenty of love to go around. Her passing will leave a large hole in many, many lives. LaVerna was a member of the Methodist Church, PEO and Eastern Star, as well as a long time member of Pine Ridge Golf Club. She always kept up with the school system and believed it to be the key for a better future for the children who attended. If she had any opinions, she always let Jay Erdie know about them. Her parents, Edward and Theresa Charlton, and two brothers, Clarence and Richard preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband, Paul; her brothers, Edward of Kennewick, WA, Wilbur of Roundup and Jerry of Helena, MT; children, Butch and wife, Danny of Copperas Cover, TX, Jon and wife, Sherrill of Roundup, Susan Baxter and husband Roger of Roundup and Bill and wife Donna of Roundup. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Her funeral service was held Wednesday, October 1 at 3 p.m. at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church. Internment was in the Roundup Cemetery.

George Martin
George Martin, 98, Fargo, formerly of Hebron, died Friday, September 26, 2003 at Elim Care Center, Fargo. Funeral services were held Monday, September 29 at 9 a.m. at Elim Ministry Center, Elim Care Center, Fargo. Following the service, burial was held at 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Cemetery, Hebron. George Martin was born February 14, 1905 in Russia, the son of Friedrich and Sophia Steinert Martin. In 1909 the family moved to the United States and homesteaded near Hebron. George attended school in the Hebron area. He started farming with his father and later bought a farm of his own. He married Clara Mertz June 4, 1930 at Hebron. They farmed near Hebron until his retirement in 1965 when they moved to Hebron. They moved to Fargo in 1993 where they entered Elim Center. George was a member of the First Congregational Church, Hebron. He is survived by his wife Clara, Fargo, ND; three daughters - Ruby (Larry) Leiss, Reynolds, ND; Olivia (Derald) Jones, Montrose, CO; LaVerne (Gerald) Ames, West Fargo, ND; one brother, Henry Martin, Glen Ullin; seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brothers - Lena, Amelia, Martha, an infant sister, Fred, Albert and John.

Rose Navratil
Rose Navratil, 91, Glen Ullin, died Sunday, September 28, 2003 at the St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, October 2 at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glen Ullin. Rev. Sebastian Schmidt OSB will be celebrant. Visitation will be after 4 p.m. Wednesday at the church where a wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Glen Ullin. Rose was born March 18, 1912 in rural Glen Ullin, the daughter of Peter and Mary (Classen) Geck. She was raised in rural Glen Ullin and educated in country and town schools. She married John Navratil July 15, 1938 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glen Ullin. Following their marriage they lived on a farm east of Glen Ullin and later purchased the farm. They raised small grains and Hereford cattle. Rose loved to garden and raised a large garden by the creek. She canned as many as 700 quarts of vegetables and fruit in one year. In 1965 they sold the farm and moved in Glen Ullin. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and was always ready for a good game of pinochle. She entered the Marian Manor in Glen Ullin earlier this year. She is survived by her one son, Martin of Glen Ullin and one sister, Mary Johnson, Portland, OR. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son Larry, one daughter Dianne and seven brothers – Peter, Leo, Adolph, Paul, Steve, Alex and John and two sisters, Elizabeth and Sylvia. Spangelo Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Louise Frey
Louise Frey, 90, Richardton, formerly of Hebron, died Friday, September 26, 2003 at the Richardton Health Center. Her funeral service will be held today, Wednesday, October 1 at the First Baptist Church in Hebron. Rev. David Ling will officiate. Burial will be in the First Baptist Cemetery, Hebron. Visitation was Tuesday, September 30 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Spangelo Funeral Home in Hebron where a prayer service was held at 5:30 p.m. Visitation will also be today for one hour prior to the services at the church. Louise was born January 28, 1913 southwest of Hebron. She was the daughter of Otto and Katherina (Fehr) Heinle and was raised in that area, attending the Heart River School. She worked for neighboring families until she moved to Fargo where she was a housekeeper and childcare provider. She returned several years later. She married Arthur Frey October 1, 1939 at Antelope, ND. Following their marriage she took care of the home, raised her family and cared for her ailing mother-in-law. She enjoyed sewing and quilting and was sure that each of her children and grandchildren received several items of her handwork. She was a long time Sunday school and Bible schoolteacher, member of the choir and a past member of the Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the First Baptist Church, the Women’s Guild and the Brick City Senior Citizens. Louise entered the Richardton Health Center in June, 2001 where she has since lived. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law – Darlene and Howard Siewert of Richardton and Doris and Martin Rolek, Fridley, MN and one son and daughter-in-law - James and Barbara Frey, Bismarck. She also leaves seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She is survived by three sisters – Alvina Krein, Richardton; Anna Auch, Bismarck, ND and Esther Striha, Butte, ND. Her parents, her husband Arthur, two sisters Gertrude and Hilda and two brothers Willie and Emmanual preceded her in death. Spangelo Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Dennis Whitledge
Dennis J. Whitledge, 65, Forsyth, MT passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Forsyth on Saturday November 29, 2003. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 4 at the Beals Mortuary Chapel in Forsyth. A second funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 5 at the St. John Church in Hebron, ND, with interment following in the church cemetery. Dennis was born December 10, 1937 in Glen Ullin, ND, the son of James T. and Marie Mische Whitledge. He grew up and attended schools in Glen Ullin, graduating from the Glen Ullin High School in 1956. Dennis attended Dickinson State University before working for Northern Pacific Railroad as a fireman in 1958 in Mandan. He continued to work for the Northern Pacific, later Burlington Northern Railroad, in Mandan and Glendive, before moving to Forsyth in 1966. He worked until his health forced him to retire in 1986. Dennis owned and operated Whit’s Econo Lodge in Forsyth for a number of years, as well as a part owner of the Little Big Horn Camp. Dennis enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and boating. He also loved his German Wire Haired Terriers, Buddy and Snoops Jr. Beals Mortuary of Forsyth and Spangelo Funeral Home in Hebron, ND are assisting the family with these arrangements.

Charles and JoAnn Berger
Charles M. Berger, 65, and JoAnn Berger, 62, Richardton, ND, died from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident that occurred Saturday, November 29, 2003 near Needles, CA. Charles and JoAnn’s funeral mass was held Tuesday, December 9, 2003 at 11 a.m. at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton with Fr. Brian Wangler, OSB, as celebrant. Interment followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Richardton. JoAnn Gress was born June 1, 1941, to Joseph and Regina (Hoff) Gress. Charles Michael Berger was born June 5, 1938 to Frank and Anna (Hoerner) Berger. Charles and JoAnn attended school in Richardton, ND. They were married in Richardton ND at St. Mary’s Church on July 19, 1958. JoAnn graduated from Dickinson State University and worked as a registered nurse in both Dickinson and Richardton. They raised cattle and farmed on the Berger homestead northeast of Richardton. JoAnn and Charles enjoyed traveling the world visiting their friends, children and grandchildren and were able to meet their first great-grandchild. JoAnn and Charles died due to a motor vehicle accident while traveling to visit family. Charles died November 29, 2003. JoAnn died November 30, 2003. They are survived by their son Bryan Berger and his wife Juliane and children Cassandra (Berger) Abreu and her husband Jesse and children Lehela, Trista, and Michael: daughter Michelle (Berger) Parks and her husband Gene and children Eric, and Stephanie: daughter Cheryl (Berger) Schwartzmann and her husband Lee and children Jon and Jennifer; daughter Jean (Berger) Butterfield and her husband Bill and children Haley and Brendan; daughter Mary (Berger) Weflen and husband Shannon and children Andrew and Jordan. Charles is survived by brothers Ray (Susan) and Arlen (Alecia) Berger and sister Elvira (Richard) Hoff. JoAnn is survived by brothers Jim (Vernetta), Clarence (Maxine), Larry (Robyn), and Wilbur Gress and sister Mary Felton. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Berger and brothers Roger and Maynard Berger. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Regina Gress and brother Robert Gress and sister Carol Small. Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, was in charge of arrangements.

Hedwig Spoer
Hedwig Spoer, 97, of Glen Ullin and formerly of Hebron, ND died Saturday, November 22, 2003 in Glen Ullin. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM CST on Wednesday, November 26 at the St. John Church in Hebron, ND with Pastor Ed Zuern, officiating. Burial will be held in the St. John Cemetery in Hebron. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Spangelo Funeral Home in Hebron. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church. Hedwig was born November 3, 1906 in Dunn County, the daughter of Herman and Caroline (Reysz) Eggert. She was raised and educated in rural Hebron and attended two years of high school. She helped on the family farm until she married Ernest Spoer October 1, 1930 at Hebron. Following their marriage they farmed north of Hebron, where Hedwig was busy tending to the matters of the house and children. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards, games, crossword and jigsaw puzzles and music and was a charter member of the Little Knife Homemakers. She was a wonderful cook and loved to bake for her children and grandchildren. The family has warm memories of the huge Thanksgiving dinners she prepared for the whole family. Hedwig was a member of the St. John Church and the Women’s Guild. Following the death of her husband in February of 1975 she moved into Hebron and became an active member of the Brick City Senior Citizen Center. Hedwig entered the Marian Manor in Glen Ullin in March of 1993 where she has since lived. She died Saturday, November 22, 2003 at the Marian Manor Healthcare Center. Those remaining to share her memory include her three daughters - Dora (Larry) Jaeger, Bismarck, ND; Grace Martin, Billings, MT; and Sharon (Jerry) Moran, Superior, MT. She also leaves eleven grandchildren, nineteen great- grand children and one great great grandchild. She was preceded by her parents, husband, an infant daughter, Hedwig, one daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Louie Oldenburg, one grandson Kyle, a son-in-law Marvin Martin; five sisters - Elsie Hartman, Helen Klick, Alma Lapp, Louise Ahl, and Ruth Jaeger and two brothers, Eric and Werner Eggert. Spangelo Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Marijo Kokkeler
Marijo Lorraine Kokkeler, 54, Dickinson, ND, formerly of Hebron, ND, passed away Saturday November 22, 2003 in Las Vegas, NV. Cremation has taken place. Marijo requested no viewing and no funeral or memorial service. Marijo was born in Glen Ullin, ND at the home of her grandparents, Anton and Theresa (Balog) Kokkeler, with the help of a midwife during a blizzard on January 16, 1949. She was the daughter of Joseph M. and Barbara E. (Schwartz) Kokkeler. She moved to Hebron with her parents in 1951 where they built the Texaco service station on Old Highway 10. She was raised and educated in Hebron and graduated from the Hebron High School in 1967. Marijo attended Interstate Business College in Fargo. Her first job was with Butler Machinery in Bismarck and then with Burleigh County Juvenile Court. In 1976, she returned to Hebron to work as a legal secretary for 13 years before moving to Dickinson to care for her mother for eight years. After the death of her parents, Marijo worked at Bill’s Insurance Agency for several years. She enjoyed doing genealogy, working in her yard, the faithful companionship of her toy poodle, Chelsea, music, decorating cakes and crafts. Marijo was a generous and kind person, her life was fulfilled by giving to others. Family and friends were very important to her and she was always willing to lend a helping hand. Marijo is survived by her "favorite" brother and sister-in-law, Craig and Carol Kokkeler, Henderson, NV, a nephew, Ian Kokkeler, Austin, TX, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and classmates. Marijo was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, her father Joe, who died in February, 1995 and her mother Barbara, who died in March 1996, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and classmates. In lieu of flowers or memorials, Marijo asked that you do something thoughtful for someone, lend a helping hand, share a good laugh with a friend or smile to someone in need, make a new friend and love the ones you have a little bit more.

            "Remember Me"
    Remember me whenever you see a sunrise,
    Remember me whenever you see a star,
    Remember me whenever you see a rainbow, or woods 
         in autumn colors from afar.
    Remember me whenever you see the roses, 
         or sea gulls sailing high in a sky of blue.
    Remember me whenever you see waves shining 
         in the sun and remember, I’ll be remembering you.
    Remember me whenever you see a tear drop, or meadows 
         still wet with the morning dew.
    Remember me whenever you feel love growing in your heart, 
         and remember, I’ll be remembering you.

Katherine Morel
Mass of Christian Burial for Katherine K. Morel, 92, of Dickinson was held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at Queen of Peace with Father David Morman, celebrating. Interment followed at the St. Mary's Cemetery, Richardton. Katherine passed away November 14, 2003 at St. Joseph's Hospital and Health Center. She was born September 2, 1911 in Stark County, ND to Adam and Katherine (Rech) Bergenheier. She attended country schools south of Richardton. As a young girl, she and her family were members of St. Steven's Catholic Church. She helped on the family farm. She married Carl Morel January 2, 1933 in Gladstone, ND and they farmed for several years before moving into Richardton. In 1940 the family moved to Dickinson where Katherine has since made her home. She loved crocheting, baking, gardening and playing bingo. She especially cherished the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. She is survived by two sons, Raymond, Hebron and Edward, Dickinson and five daughters, Hazel (Ken) Johnson of Rio Rancho, NM, Jeanette Frederick, Minot, Shirley (Edward) Fetch of Dickinson, Pauline Dowhanik and Carol McMahen, both of Bismarck. She also leaves 21 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren and twin sisters, Barbara Cruser, Long View, WA and Ann Palm, Sequim, WA and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, Joseph, one son-in-law, one grandson, one granddaughter and one great-granddaughter.

Marjorie Schmidt
Marjorie Schmidt, 76, Glen Ullin, died Sunday, November 16, 2003 at a Bismarck hospital. Her funeral service was held Thursday, November 20 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Glen Ullin with the Rev. Gabor Tamas officiating. Burial was in the Glen Ullin Cemetery. Marjorie Ann was born April 13, 1927 at New Salem, the daughter of Alfred and Emma (Mattern) Becher. The family moved to Glen Ullin when she was about five years of age. Marjorie attended school and graduated from high school in Glen Ullin. She taught for several years in rural school districts. She married Bennie Schmidt April 12, 1947 at Wibaux, MT. Marge kept busy tending to the matters of the home and helped Bennie with his auction business. She enjoyed camping and fishing and cooking for her family. She also enjoyed making Christmas and Easter baskets which she gave to the church and her family members. She was a member of the First Congregational UCC for many years and an active member of the Women’s Fellowship. Those left to share her memory include her husband Bennie, Glen Ullin; one daughter and son-in-law: Carmen and Jim Geiss, Glen Ullin, and one son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Donna Schmidt, also of Glen Ullin. She also leaves three grandchildren - Cody Schmidt, Bismarck, and Andrea Schmidt, of Ventura, CA and Chris (Darla) Geiss, Glen Ullin and two great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Gehrig Geiss, of Glen Ullin and her constant companion, Taz. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Lucille.

Ray Drummond
Ray G. Drummond, Sr., 91, Naperville, IL passed away Friday, November 14, 2003 at Community Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center in Naperville. He was born February 24, 1912 in Howard, Indiana and had been a resident of Naperville for the past two years. Before coming to Naperville he had been a resident of Bettendorf, Iowa for five years and Hebron, North Dakota for 16 years. Mr. Dummond was a Navy veteran of World War II and had worked as an electrical supervisor for Alcoa Aluminum. He was a very active member of the Ashbury Methodist Church, the Hamilton Masonic Lodge in Bettendorf and De Molay. He is survived by one son Bruce (Diane DeBok) of Terre Haute, IN, a daughter Lois Tibor of Valley City, ND and a daughter-in-law Julie Drummond of Naperville. He also leaves five grandchildren – Danielle Drummond, Stacey Kelly, Lori Carden, Beth Otero, Michelle Wings and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Loretta nee Heavner; a son, Ray G. Drummond, Jr., his parents Alonzo and Belle nee Lynn Drummond; three brothers Bill, Jay and Claude and three sisters Gene Goodner, Audrey Lewis and Madge Hadley. His funeral service was held Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 10 a.m. at the Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home, 516 S. Washington Street, Naperville. Interment was in the Naperville Cemetery.

Paul Kraenzel
Paul J. Kraenzel, 91, Hebron, ND, died Monday, November 10, 2003, at Marian Manor Healthcare Center, Glen Ullin, ND. His funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 15 at the St. John Church, Hebron, with the Rev. Edwin Zuern officiating. Interment followed at St. John United Church of Christ Cemetery, Hebron. Paul J. Kraenzel, son of Reinhold Kraenzel, Sr. and Hulda (Weber) Kraenzel was born September 6, 1912 at the family homestead four and a half miles northwest of Hebron. Life was hard during the 1930’s and Paul, the cowboy that he was, left on his horse for new territory in 1933 and began working at the Adolph Roffler ranch, Grassy Butte, ND for several years. In the summer of 1936 he went with a threshing crew to Fargo, ND and into Minnesota sleeping in barns at night and threshing during the day. That winter he worked in the Harnisch Coal Mine. In 1937 and 1938, Paul drove the Hebron school bus, which required him to shovel snow most days because the roads were lower than the ditches. In 1939 he worked for Albert Hoerauf and met Ursula Hoerauf, whom he later married on June 10, 1940. Paul was never afraid of hard work or helping a neighbor. He had a love of nature, especially trees and planted many during his lifetime. Paul loved to sing in both German and English, and truly enjoyed the simple things in life. He was member of St. John Church and served on the church council for four years. He served six years on the Farmer’s Valley School Board and ten years with the Hebron Credit Union. He was also an active member of the Hebron Saddle Club.

Elaine Neidhardt
Elaine Neidhardt, age 91 of Dickinson, formerly of rural Hebron, died Tuesday, November 4, 2003 at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, ND. Her funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2003 at St. John Church in Hebron, ND with Pastor Ed Zuern, officiating. Burial was in the St. John Cemetery in Hebron. Elaine was born October 16, 1912 at Litchville, ND, the daughter of Gustave and Hilda (Bakke) Venaas. She was raised and educated at Litchville. Following her graduation from high school she attended college at Valley City and earned her teaching certificate. Her first school was a country school near Grassy Butte, ND. She later moved into the badlands south of Medora and taught at the Tetly School and stayed at the Tetly Ranch. She married Eddie Tetly in 1935 in Medora. Following their marriage they lived on the Tetly place. Elaine had a love for music and taught herself how to play the piano. In 1947 Eddie died, leaving her with two children to raise. Elaine bought an old log cabin on the other side of the river from the Tetly place and schooled not only her children but many of the area ranchers children as well. In 1949 Elaine took a teaching position near Sentinel Butte, ND and lived in town. She met Ted Neidhardt, a widowed rancher from Hebron, and they were married May 27, 1950 in Dickinson. Ted bought Elaine a piano as a wedding gift. Her love of music, combined with her piano, gave Elaine enjoyment each day for years and years. They retired in 1975 and continued to live on the ranch until infirmity required her move to the Richardton Health Center. In July of 2002 she entered St. Luke’s in Dickinson where she has since lived. Elaine died November 4, 2003 at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck. Grateful for having shared in her life are her children and step children: Shirley (Bill) Wiley, Kingston, WA; Sharon Tetly and her husband Craig Bailey, Spokane, WA; Sandra (Gary) Meyer, Lennox, SD; Marjorie Nelson, Fargo, ND; and Marlin (Maureen) Neidhardt, Crawford, NE. She also leaves seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren and one sister, Dale McInerney, Denver, CO. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Eddie and Ted; one son, Robert; three sisters, Dorothy, Shirley, and Audrey and three brothers, Bjorn, Owen, and Craig. Spangelo Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Fred Mernitz
Fred Mernitz, age 80, of Bismarck, died October 26, 2003 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday at the Peace Church in New Salem with the Reverend Joshua Eddy officiating. Burial will be in the Peace Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Wednesday at the Buehler-Larson Funeral Home in Mandan and will continue one hour before the services at the church on Thursday. Fred Ernest Mernitz was born on November 6, 1922, north of New Salem, the son of William and Lucy (Graff) Mernitz. He attended New Salem schools and worked on the family farm until 1954. On September 12, 1954, he married Alma Schneider of Hebron. They continued farming until 1958 when they moved to Bismarck where be began working as a carpenter for Marian and Viking Homes. In 1963, he moved his family into a home he built where he lived until the time of his death. He worked for Dakota Ready and Otto Tomanek Construction. In 1970 he went to work for Jim's Ready Mix and in 1986, he became foreman for Jim's Construction. He retired in 1992. Fred loved playing his accordion and church organ for family and friends. He enjoyed working on antique tractors and motors. Driving cars that he fixed up, especially his convertibles was a great pleasure. He often took his children fishing and to auction sales. A very kind, hardworking person, he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Alma; two sons and daughters-in-law, Duane and Katherine and Wayne and Kim, all of Bismarck; one daughter and son-in-law, Mavis and Ron Watson of Bismarck; eight grandchildren, Marcus, Brian, Keith, Darren, Sandra, Michelle, Brandon and Tyler; one sister and brother-in-law, Lucy and Erwin Pischel of rural Hazen; and one brother, Gordon Mernitz of Hebron. His parents preceded him in death. Buehler-Larson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Martha Redman
Martha Redman, 89, Marian Manor Healthcare Center, Glen Ullin and formerly of Hebron, died Saturday, October 25, 2003 at Marian Manor. Her funeral service was held at 10:30 CT Tuesday, October 28 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Hebron, ND with the Rev. Gabor Tamas officiating. Burial was held in the Congregational Cemetery in Hebron. Martha was born on December 22, 1913 on a farm west of the Gluckstahl church, near Beaver Creek northeast of Hebron, the daughter of Jacob and Katherine (Geist) Huber. She was raised in that area and educated at School #4 in Mercer County. Martha worked at home until she married John Redman January 2, 1935 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Hebron. Following their marriage she became a member of the church and the ladies organization, the Guiding Light. They had a son Gerald, born on May 22, 1937. Gerald died of Muscular Dystrophy in 1956 at the age of 19. Martha was a homemaker and a helpmate to her husband John at his shoe shop. She was an excellent quilt maker, seamstress and loved to embroider. In her younger years she enjoyed gardening and canning what she had grown. She worked as the city assessor for several years. Martha and John enjoyed traveling to Chicago to visit with her special friends, the Grossmayers, who grew up in the Haymarsh area and moved to Chicago in 1937. They maintained the friendship although separated by many miles. Following the death of John in November of 2001, Martha moved to the Marian Manor in Glen Ullin, as John was no longer there to care for her. Martha died Saturday, October 25, 2003 at the Manor. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, stepmother, her son Gerald, four brothers - John, Jacob, Daniel and one infant brother; five sisters - Katherine, Christine, Mary, Alvina, and Lydia. Several nieces and nephews survive Martha. At the request of the family, memorials are suggested to the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Hebron, ND. Spangelo Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Muriel Elkins
Muriel Elkins, 69, Grand Forks, ND, formerly of Taylor, died Friday, October 17, 2003 in Grand Forks. Her funeral was held Tuesday, October 21 at Price-Murphy Funeral Home in Dickinson. Interment was in Pioneer Cemetery, rural Taylor. Muriel Joanne Elkins was born in the Richardton Hospital October 17, 1934 to John and Millie (Knudson) Elkins. Muriel was raised and attended country school south of Taylor. She lived at home for a number of years then moved to Grafton, then to Grand Forks where she was cared for by Maryls Greendahl. Muriel worked numerous jobs including the Thrift Shop in Grand Forks. She later moved into Valley 400 – Woodside Village as her needs increased. She enjoyed reading, listening to music and watching television and had a great memory of family events. Muriel was a member of the Taylor Lutheran Church. She is survived by two brothers – Earl (Clara) Elkins, Dickinson and Elmo (Vivian) Elkins, Taylor; three sisters, Beulah Swendseid, Downey, CA, Frances Goetz, Mountain Home, AR and Florence (William) Temple, Mohave Valley, AZ; one sister-in-law, Catherine Elkins, Bismarck and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Her parents, two brothers and one sister preceded her in death. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.