Buehler-Larson Funeral and Cremation Service

07/22/2026

William "Bill" Bahm

William "Bill" Bahm, 75, of rural Almont, passed away on July 20, 2026, from injuries sustained in a farm accident.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Bismarck Municipal Country Club, 930 N. Griffin St., Bismarck, with Pastor Marcy Dawson officiating. A luncheon will follow the service with burial later in the day at the Almont Cemetery.

William John Edward Bahm, known to his family and friends as Bill, was born on May 30, 1951, to John and Tillie (Matz) Bahm. Raised and educated in New Salem, Bill graduated from New Salem High School in 1970. From a young age, Bill worked alongside his father as a carpenter, a trade he continued until 1986. Bill attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton where he studied machine tooling and specialized in plastics. He then turned his full attention to the work he loved most, farming and ranching, which remained his life's focus until his passing. Bill also served as a school bus driver for many years and in 1995, he helped build a portable classroom for the Almont School.

Bill had a heart for teaching and community service. For 28 years, he taught Hunter Education classes twice a year, finding joy in mentoring young hunters and watching his students grow. His dedication earned him the 2019 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year Award and the International Hunter Education Association's 50-Year/50-Class recognition in 2021. He also earned the Grant County Range Health Award in 2019.

A lifelong supporter of his community, Bill served as Director of the Almont Fire Department from 1995 until his passing and was instrumental in helping organize and build the community's new fire hall. He also served as an Irrigation District Director beginning in 1995 and was an active member of the New Salem Sports Club.

Bill enjoyed the simple things in life. The smell of freshly cut alfalfa always brought a smile to his face and he often reminisced about the years he spent doing cement work with his father in New Salem. He loved watching the town settle down each evening and come alive again with each new morning. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting, and, most of all, visiting with family and friends.

Blessed to have shared in his life is his wife of 52 years, Janet Bahm; daughter, Jessica Bahm and grandson, Dylan Bahm, of Bismarck; son, Edward Bahm of Lincoln; sisters, Susan Haugen of Fargo, Delilah (Bob) Peschel of Laquey, MO, and Juanita (Don) Achtenberg of Elgin; brothers, Richard (Trish) Bahm of Mandan, Ned Bahm of New Salem, and Daniel (Julie) Bahm of New Salem; sister-in-law, Katie Dawson of Duluth, Minnesota; brothers-in-law, Terry Dawson and James Dawson both of New Salem; along with many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, John and Tillie Bahm; sister, Connie Burckhardt; brothers-in-law, Rob Haugen and Larry Dawson.

View William "Bill" J. Bahm's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/22/2026

Eliana Z. Carmona Berrios

Eliana Zoreilis Carmona Berrios, 5, of Bismarck, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 17, 2026.

Born in Bismarck, North Dakota, Eliana was a bright and joyful little girl whose beautiful smile and loving spirit brought happiness to everyone who knew her. She was looking forward to starting school this fall.

Eliana loved watching Bluey and K-Pop Demon Hunter. She adored dressing up as a princess, confidently walking around like a model, and anything that was purple-her favorite color. She shared an especially close bond with her big sister, Elianis. At the end of each day, Eliana could always be found snuggled up with her beloved stuffed bunny, "Bunny," who faithfully tucked in with her every night.

Though her time on earth was far too short, Eliana filled the lives of her family with immeasurable love, laughter, and precious memories that will be cherished forever.

She will be forever loved and deeply missed by her parents, Elia Carmona Berrios and Joseph Perez; her sister, Elianis; her brothers, Damian, Dioseph and Dylan; her maternal grandparents, Maria and Rafael; her paternal grandparents, Ismael and Maria; her aunt, Angela; and many other loving relatives and friends.

The family will honor Eliana's life with services in Puerto Rico, surrounded by the love of her extended family. Local services will not be held.

View Eliana Z. Carmona Berrios's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/21/2026

William "Bill" J. Bahm

William "Bill" J. Bahm, 75, of rural Almont, ND, passed away July 20, 2026 from injuries sustained in a farm accident.

A memorial service will be held 10:00 Am Saturday, July 25th at the Bismarck Municipal Country Club, 930 N. Griffin St., with Pastor Marcy Dawson officiating. A luncheon will follow the service and burial will take place in the Almont Cemetery.

View William "Bill" J. Bahm's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/14/2026

Joel Tokach

Joel Tokach, 70, of Concord, CA and Sanger, ND passed away peacefully at Sanford Health in Bismarck on Friday, July 10, 2026.

A Celebration of Life for Joel will take place this fall at the Eagles Club in Mandan.

Joel Keith Tokach was born to Arthur and Mickey Tokach on December 14, 1955, in Mandan, North Dakota. He was the fourth of seven children and the third son. In birth order came David, Patrick, Laura, Joel, Lynn, Daniel (the baby), and Lorraine (the youngest).

Joel attended St. Joseph's Catholic School for most of elementary school. However, it wasn't the right fit for him... and probably not for the school either. He told stories about those mean nuns from St. Joseph's, and somehow, I think he may have had some of it coming. He also liked to remind everyone that he was the punching bag for his older brothers growing up. As more family stories surfaced over the years, though, we discovered he probably had at least some of it coming too.

One of his favorite stories was about his two brothers throwing him down a hill and breaking his arm. Later, the reason for this came out, and it involved Joel stealing his older brothers' job of shining their dad's work boots so he could pocket the shiny quarter for himself. Looking back, that story lined up well with his later ironworker days—Joel was never afraid to hustle for an opportunity.

Growing up in a large family during the 1950s and '60s meant everyone worked. Arthur and Mickey ran a tight ship. The house stayed spotless, chores were non-negotiable, and everyone was expected to pull their weight. Those values of hard work, responsibility, and providing for your family stayed with Joel for the rest of his life.

Joel attended and graduated from Mandan High School in 1974, where he wrestled, played football, wore long hippie hair, and developed the blue-collar work ethic that defined him. Having helped his father build a house in the river bottoms as a young boy, he found an early passion for construction and structural engineering.

He attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, earning his Associate of Arts degree before beginning his career as an ironworker.

Like many ironworkers, Joel "boomed out," chasing work wherever it could be found. His travels took him to Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, and eventually California.

In the summer of 1978, Joel met Dawn Marie Brown. They both happened to live in the same apartment complex. His roommate convinced him to come hang out with "the girls," and although Joel reluctantly agreed, the rest is history. Joel and Dawn married on November 3, 1978. They welcomed their first son, John Keith Tokach, on March 5, 1979, followed by Jeffrey Lee Tokach on February 2, 1981.

The family lived on the south side of Mandan until 1984. Joel had previously boomed out to California on his own and found better work opportunities—and much better weather. The family packed up and headed west.

Joel joined Iron Workers Local 377 but wasn't afraid to hustle work out of neighboring union halls either. After all, he had a wife and two boys to feed. Remember that shiny quarter from shining boots? Some things never changed. It may have ruffled a few feathers with other locals, but Joel was going to do whatever it took to provide for his family.

As John and Jeff grew older, sports became a year-round family activity.

When John signed up for his first season of soccer in California, the parents gathered for the first team meeting only to find out they didn't have a coach. Joel, who knew absolutely nothing about soccer, raised his hand anyway. Armed with nothing more than a clipboard, a whistle, and determination, he became a coach. Looking back, he was basically Ted Lasso before Ted Lasso was a thing (just not as positive and upbeat).

He coached soccer and baseball for years and was heavily involved in both boys' lives. He even volunteered as an assistant soccer coach at Ygnacio Valley High School during John's freshman and sophomore years. Even though John chose basketball instead of soccer, it gave Joel another excuse to keep tabs on him—and kick him in the butt if he needed it.

Joel eventually earned the nickname "B.D." (Bad Dad) from one of John's friends because of his firm, aggressive, no-nonsense parenting style that California kids weren't exactly used to. Joel loved the nickname and wore it like a badge of honor. Even toward the end of his life, he proudly told one of his nurses, "I'm B.D.—I earned that name."

Like his father before him, Joel rarely told you he loved you.

He showed you by showing up, from coaching your teams to answering your phone calls. When things were bad, he would be there.

During the mid-1990s, Joel suffered a serious on-the-job injury that forced him to pivot from working the iron to managing projects. Although he kept his Iron Worker credentials, his physical limitations restricted the welding work he could perform. Still, he always considered himself an Iron Worker first.

He went on to become a successful Project Manager, working for companies including Husky Crane, Bigge Crane, and finally Bragg Crane. Once again, Joel boomed out, managing projects throughout Northern California, Southern California, and Texas.

Joel took tremendous pride in every bridge and skyscraper he helped build. Whenever the family drove through San Francisco, he'd point to another building and proudly say, "I helped put that one up".

Later in life, Joel became a grandfather to Jackson and Frankie and began what would become the project he was most proud of—his grain bin home in Sanger, North Dakota.

Out of every building, bridge, and skyscraper he helped construct during his career, that grain bin house was the one he held closet to his heart, and he was proudest of.

He spent the final year of his life there and never returned to California after attending his son Jeff's Celebration of Life.

He never talked much about losing Jeff, but we all believe he carried that loss far heavier than he ever let anyone see.

Joel enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, including scuba diving, bike riding, hiking (including Half Dome), cooking, snow skiing, gardening, hunting, wood carving, and watching football—especially the San Francisco 49ers and his beloved North Dakota State Bison.

But if you asked him his favorite hobby, the answer was easy.

Fishing.

He loved chasing walleye on the Missouri River and proudly mounted the "whopper" hanging in his California garage. He also enjoyed fishing trips to Alaska and Mexico, always returning home with a ton of delicious fish!

Joel's final resting place will be in the Sanger Cemetery, overlooking the Missouri River where he spent so many days fishing and just a short distance from the grain bin home he built with his own hands. He will rest beside his son, Jeff.

The family is heartbroken to say goodbye but grateful to know Joel lived life exactly the way he wanted. He worked hard, provided for his family, and built things that will stand for generations—his most important project being the grain bin home in Sanger, North Dakota.

His body was tired. His work here was done. He was ready.

Rest in peace, B.D.

View Joel Tokach's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/13/2026

Jeffrey G. Laity

Jeffrey George Laity, of Fort Myers, Florida formerly of Mandan, North Dakota and Waterford, Michigan; born February 22, 1958 in Pontiac, Michigan to Robert and Myrna Laity; passed away on July 8, 2026 at the age of 68.

Memorial Service in Mandan, North Dakota is pending. Please check back for more information.

Jeffrey was brother to Jennifer (Greg) Arvanigian and Jana (David) Cothran; uncle to Andrea Arvanigian, Alex Arvanigian, Nick (Hannah) Arvanigian, Sam (Madeline) Cothran, Simone (Matthew) McCracken, and Sophie Cothran. He was also a nephew, great-uncle and a cousin to many.

Jeff was a 1976 graduate of Waterford Kettering. He then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Oakland University. He spent his career as a dedicated music teacher for Solen and Cannonball schools (grades K-12) in North Dakota and after retirement moved to Florida. Jeff enjoyed sports; was an enthusiastic Detroit and U of M sports fan.

Jeff had a big heart and a humble spirit, with an innate ability to reach out and keep in touch with friends and family. Jeff will be remembered for his humor, loyalty and work-ethic.

Friends may visit Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston's website to see complete service details.

Jeffrey will be interred in Ottawa Park Cemetery, Clarkston.

View Jeffrey G. Laity's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/07/2026

Dale Bateman

Dale Robert Bateman, 68, of New Salem, North Dakota, passed away unexpectedly from a brief illness at his home on July 6, 2026.

Dale was born on April 18, 1958, in California. During his early childhood, he entered foster care with his sister, Dawn. At the age of three, they were lovingly welcomed into the home of Robert and Jeanette Bateman, who later adopted them. Their love, guidance, and unwavering support provided the foundation upon which Dale built his life. In later years, Dale appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with members of his biological family while remaining forever grateful for the family who raised him.

As a young man, Dale proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army. He served as an Airborne infantryman stationed in Alaska. The discipline, resilience, and quiet confidence he developed during his military service remained with him throughout his life, shaping the husband, father, grandfather, outdoorsman, and friend he became.

Following his military service, Dale worked in the oil industry as a seismograph crew member throughout Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. While living in Colorado, he met Jayne (Allen). Together they welcomed two sons, Travis and Ty, beginning the family that would become the center of Dale’s life.

After their divorce in 1991, Dale returned to his hometown of New Salem, North Dakota, determined to provide a stable home for his boys. As a devoted single father, he embraced the responsibility of raising Travis and Ty with unwavering love, sacrifice, and guidance. He worked as Head Custodian for the New Salem-Almont School before work for a tree-trimming business. Later, he spent many years hauling milk throughout North Dakota and South Dakota, earning a reputation as a dependable, hardworking man who took great pride in an honest day’s work.

Dale possessed an endless curiosity about the world. He loved history, politics, current events, and could carry on a conversation with just about anyone. Friends and family knew that if they stopped by for a quick visit, they should plan on staying awhile. Every story naturally led to another, and somehow time seemed to stand still when Dale got talking. Whether sharing stories from his younger years, reminiscing about his Army service, recounting hunting adventures, discussing the latest news, or reflecting on family memories, he had a remarkable ability to make every conversation meaningful.

The outdoors was where Dale felt most at home. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who cherished the changing seasons and the quiet beauty of North Dakota. Deer season, coyote hunting, and long days afield were never simply about the harvest. They were opportunities to explore, teach, observe, and spend meaningful time outdoors with those he loved. Through those experiences, he quietly passed along lessons of patience, awareness, self-reliance, perseverance, and respect for nature to his boys. Those lessons remained with them long after the hunts ended and continue to influence their lives today.

Beyond the outdoors, Dale enjoyed cooking, reading—especially the novels of Louis L’Amour—woodworking, gardening, working with his hands, and continually improving and caring for his home. He found satisfaction in building, repairing, and creating, always taking pride in a job well done. Conversation, of course, was always included at no extra charge—other than the extra time you hadn’t planned on spending.

In later years, Dale faced significant health challenges. Complications from COVID-19, a mini-stroke, and multiple hip replacement surgeries greatly affected his health and mobility. Despite those hardships, his determination, sense of humor, and love for his family and friends never wavered.

Perhaps no title meant more to Dale than “Papa Dale.” He loved his grandchildren beyond measure, and they always held a special place in his heart. Whether he was teasing them with his quick wit, sharing stories from years gone by, teaching them something new, or simply enjoying their company, those moments were among the greatest joys of his life.

Dale was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation. If someone needed help, he was there. Those who accepted his help also knew it usually came with a conversation that lasted a little—or a lot—longer than expected. Dale could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, about nearly anything. His kind spirit, generous heart, genuine interest in others, and gift for storytelling left lasting impressions on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his sons, Travis Bateman and Ty Bateman (Emma); his cherished grandchildren, Bridger, Gunnar, Emmarie, and Sage; his brother, Rocky Bateman (Nancy Jo); his half-brother, Monty Mertz; sister Peggy (Gerald) Sprenger, nieces Kimberly (Kent), Jesse (John), Ashley (Kyle), Libby, Elizabeth, and Marisa; nephews Jared (Katina) and Christopher; great-niece Olivia; great-nephews Tomas and Mateo. His lifelong friend, Leland Wetzel; dear friend Kevin Will and many others from his years hauling milk; Tracy Cofer, whose friendship and kindness meant so much to Dale and are deeply appreciated by the family; along with many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents, Robert and Jeanette Bateman; his sister, Dawn Bustos; and other loved ones who welcomed him home.

A funeral service celebrating Dale’s life will be held 12:30 PM Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Crosswinds Church of the Nazarene in New Salem, ND. Burial with military honors will follow at 2:00 PM Friday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery near Mandan.

A memorial fund in Dale’s honor has been established at Capital Credit Union to benefit his grandchildren.

Dale leaves behind a legacy of service, patriotism, resilience, generosity, and unconditional love for his family. His stories will continue to be shared around kitchen tables, hunting trips, beside a favorite fishing hole, and wherever family and friends gather to remember a man who never met a stranger. Though he will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave will continue to live on through all whose lives he touched.

View Dale Bateman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July! As many of us celebrate with family and friends, we're especially grateful to all those who continue caring for others and serving our community throughout the holiday weekend.

From all of us, we wish you a safe and meaningful Independence Day.

07/02/2026

06/30/2026

Deloris Lang

Deloris Lang, 89, of Mandan, passed away peacefully at her home on June 28, 2026, with her family by her side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, July 2 at the Church of St. Joseph in Mandan with Fr. Josh Waltz celebrating. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Wednesday, July 1 at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home in Mandan with a Rosary and Parish Vigil at 7 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Deloris was born on August 5, 1936, in Mandan, ND to Jacob and Katherine (Kautzman) Barnhardt. She graduated from Mandan High School in 1955. Deloris was known for making the best German potato salad, meatballs, and angel food cake. Deloris worked as a banquet server at several different establishments and spent many years working at the Drumstick Café in Bismarck.

Deloris loved traveling the world and especially enjoyed going on cruises. She also enjoyed listening to classic country music, with Charley Pride being one of her favorite singers. She often proudly shared that she had the opportunity to shake his hand. In her spare time, she collected Llardro’s, Precious Moments figurines, and cookie jars.

More than anything, Deloris cherished the time she spent with her family and friends. She will be remembered for her warm heart, wonderful cooking, and the many happy memories she created for those she loved.

Deloris was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marcella (Jack) Erhardt; brother, Archie (Fern) Barnhardt; daughter, Robin (Wally) Adams; sons, Terry and Doyle Lang; and her grandson, Chris Adams.

Those left to cherish her memory include her brothers, Jerry (Mary) Barnhardt and Darrell (Kathy) Barnhardt; sister, Sandy (Al) Dick; great-grandson, Landon; her special friend, Dave Wetsch; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the CaringEdge Hospice team and to her family at Edgewood for the compassionate care, kindness, and for making Deloris feel at home.

May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

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06/19/2026

Ronald W. Schmitz

Ronald W. Schmitz, 70, of Chadron, Nebraska passed away June 18, 2026 at Vibra Hospital Central Dakotas.

Interment will be held 2:00 PM (MT) Thursday, June 25th at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Beach, ND.

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