Weigel Funeral and Cremation Service

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Weigel Funeral and Cremation Service

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Helping Families Connect, Honor & Remember The way we say goodbye is very personal. How does one capture a life in a visitation or a service?

A life that touched your heart, and the hearts of so many others, should be celebrated. You need a place where you can meet with friends and family to share memories, shed tears, and laugh as you remember the special times. You need someone to walk with you, taking care of the details, so you are able to spend precious moments with your loved ones. Weigel Funeral and Cremation Service will help you create that special experience, being sensitive to the unique needs of today’s family. Our first memories are created in a home, and our home is the perfect place to celebrate those final memories – in your own way.

10/27/2026

Bernie Stein

Bernard Stein, 85, of Mandan, ND, passed away October 25th, 2026 in a Bismarck hospital.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, October 31st at Spirit of Life Catholic Church in Mandan with Fr. Keith Streifel as celebrant. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00PM to 7:00PM Friday at Weigel Funeral Home followed by a 7:00PM Rosary and Parish Vigil.

Bernie Stein grew up on a farm west of Mandan, ND. He went to school in a one-room schoolhouse near his family’s farm. As a child he had many interests, including playing music, as he was growing up in a musical family. Later while attending Mandan High School, Bernie played clarinet in Concert Band and also bass horn in the Marching Band. In 1956, Bernie played his first professional dance job in a small country bar that he wasn’t even old enough to be in. He played clarinet in his father’s dance band, which was known as the Tony Stein Band. Bernie continued playing in his father’s dance band through his early teens, however, Bernie always had ambitions to play the accordion. So, when Bernie became a young man in his early 20’s, he decided to pursue those early ambitions and learned to play on a rented accordion from a local music shop. Bernie played his first dance job as an accordion player with High School friend, Vern Cermak. They only knew 13 songs. And when asked, “What did you do after you played those first 13 songs?” Bernie replied, “We played them again, and again, and again, … until the people went home.” He said, “They didn’t really seem to notice or care.”

In 1959, Bernie met Janice Mosbrucker, who turned out to be the love of his life, at a dance at the St. Vincent Hall west of Mandan. Bernie and Janice found they had many things in common, one of them being both growing up in musical families. Janice also played piano in her father’s dance band, the Johnny Mosbrucker Band. They later married in 1961 and went on to have three sons. Bernie continued to play as a free-lance musician with several local dance bands, until forming his own band in 1963. Bernie’s wife, Janice, and their three sons eventually all joined the band as well, which became known as the Bernie Stein Revue. Bernie received a lot of recognition for his music performances, including being inducted into the 2004 Dakota Musician’s Association Hall of Fame. Bernie was also a member of the Bismarck/Mandan Musician’s Association since its inception. Bernie and Janice were also founding members of the Dakota Keys Accordion Club with several of their accordion playing friends.

In addition, to being a musician, he had many other jobs as well. He worked on his family’s farm and on the neighbor’s farms when he was very young. He worked as a Bank Teller, eventually working his way up to Head Teller at 1st National Bank. He worked at Supercrete Block Company as a bookkeeper. He was a traveling salesman for a short time. He was a mailman with a mail route. He ran a small garden tilling business for many years. He was the City of Mandan Deputy Auditor. He started an upholstery business called Stein & Sons Upholstery. He was a salesman at Corwin Churchill Chrysler. He was a rental property owner and house flipper for many years. After Bernie & Janice bought Joe’s Bar, they renamed it the Stein Haus and sponsored many community Polka Fest events in addition to running the bar. After selling the bar, he built the storage garages at Mid-Town Storage and owned and managed them.

With his many interests, he eventually became a jack of all trades, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, concrete, upholstery, small engine/tractor maintenance, musical equipment repair, and auto repair and maintenance. For recreation, Bernie enjoyed camping, fishing, dancing, and traveling to various reginal polka fests whether he was one of the bands playing for them or just a spectator. At many of the polka fest events, he and Janice won several trophies for polka dancing.

Unfortunately, Bernie suffered from many health ailments in the last 25 years of his life. It slowed him down a bit, but didn’t stop him from doing most of what he loved to do until the last 5 years of his life. However, even in the last 5 years of his life, he always enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Bernie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janice, his children, Bill (Joan) Stein, Bob (Judy) Stein, and Barry (Jody) Stein; his grandchildren, Lonaeja (Austin) Greenleaf, Derek (Bree) Stein, Anthony Stein, Benjamin Stein, Jenna Stein, and Brody Stein; great grandchildren, Anika Kautzman, Phoenix Kautzman, Brek Stein, and Ainsley Greenleaf as well as his brother, Norman (Darlene) Stein and sister, Arlene (Joel) Melarvie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton (Tony) & Betty Stein; his brother Tony Jr.; his in-laws, John & Josephine Mosbrucker; brother-in-law, Jim Mosbrucker; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Bernie’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the team at Sanford Health in Bismarck for the wonderful care, compassion, and kindness shown to him.

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10/27/2026

Stanley Hepper

With heartfelt sorrow and deep love, we share that Stanley David Hepper, 83, of Mandan, ND, passed away on October 26, 2026, surrounded by his beautiful family.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M., Monday, November 2, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, 408 9th St. NW, Mandan with Pastor Phil Leer officiating and lunch to follow immediately. Interment will be in the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery at 2:00 P.M that afternoon.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 P.M., Sunday, November 1, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Mandan, with a prayer service beginning at 3:30 P.M. Visitation will continue 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Stanley was born on December 26, 1942, on the family farm in Sioux County, North Dakota to Rudolph and Rose (Mattis) Hepper. The ninth of eleven children, he grew up in a lively, hardworking household where faith, family, and resilience shaped his early years.

He attended Goose Camp School east of Selfridge and west of the family farm, later graduating from McLaughlin High School at the age of 16. He continued his education at colleges in Grand Forks and Minot.

On October 10, 1965, Stanley married his forever partner, Kathleen Rae Sandland — the ‘pretty cute sister’ of his good friend and country neighbor, Marvin Sandland. Together, Stanley and Kathleen built a life rooted in love, hard work, and shared purpose. As Stanley often said with pride, they ‘made one hell of a team.’”

Stanley and Kathleen first made their home in Mobridge, SD where Stanley worked at the McLaughlin Sales Barn. They later moved to McLaughlin, SD in 1966, and then to Wishek, ND, where Stanley managed the grain elevator. In 1968, they returned closer to home and settled in Selfridge, ND, where they lived for 37 years. Stanley purchased the bulk gas trucks and soon became a commissioned agent for Standard Oil, founding Hepper Oil Co., which they operated from 1968 to 2005. In 1979, they expanded their business by purchasing the GTA Elevator in Selfridge, establishing Hepper Grain Inc., which they ran until 2000. After retiring in 2005, they moved to Mandan, ND. Stanley had great respect for the farming and ranching community he lived in and was blessed with many great customers, and many becoming life-long friends.

Retirement suited Stanley well. He enjoyed playing cards at the Moose Club, tending his garden, and spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. Some of his happiest days were spent in the field or on the water with his son Wade, his grandchildren, friends, and especially the Barchenger’s — about whom he loved to joke that he “spent half his life waiting on them.”

Stanley found joy in driving the countryside, taking in the land, fields, cattle, and wildlife. He also enjoyed tying fishing spinners, always favoring his signature chartreuse-and-orange combination.

He proudly served in the National Guard from 1964 to 1970. Stanley also gave generously to his community, serving on the Selfridge School Board, the City of Selfridge board, and the Board of Directors for the Selfridge Fire District.

Above all, Stanley was a man of wisdom, humor, and steady guidance — always ready with a life lesson, a story, or a bit of practical advice. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. To his family, he was not only a loved one, but a hero. We will shed many tears of love in his memory.

From Stanley and Kathleen’s marriage of 61 years they had 3 children: Bobbi (Kyle) Olson, Buxton, ND, Linette (Todd) Hagel, Mandan, ND, Wade (Liz) Hepper, Aberdeen, SD; grandchildren: Ty (McKenzie) Hagel, Reed Hagel, Karlie (Dustin) Kleppen, Jase Olson, Koy Olson, Dawson (Abigial) Hepper, Kalin Hepper, Rylee Hepper; great-grandchildren: Briggs, Hattie, and Sophie Kleppen, Casper and Shiloh Hagel. Stanley was a proud family man.

He is survived by his wife; children; grandchildren; great grandchildren; sister, Norma Schneider; brother, Harold; sisters-in-law: Lavern Hepper, Sis Hepper, Ruth Hepper; brother-in-law, Raymond Barchenger Sr.; in-laws: Sharon (Sandland) Hetterly, Marvin (Charolette) Sandland, Jerry & Luella (Sandland) Wolfer, Randy and LaVonne (Sandland) Pfitzer, Ed and Verna (Sandland) Mosset and many nieces and nephews that brought him great pride and joy.

He is preceded in death by parents; his mother and father-in-law, Richard and Eileen (Morgen) Sandland; grandson, Logan Hepper; brothers: Calvin (Letha), Edwin, Adolph, William, Rudolph (Donna), Alvin, Ronald; his sister, Emma (Hepper) Barchenger; in-laws: Darlys Hepper, Larry Hetterly, Cliff & Darlene (Sandland) Gilbertson.

“He leaves this world wrapped in the love of his family, and his legacy lives on in every life he touched.”

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10/26/2026

Georgian Leingang

Georgian Kathleen Leingang, 82, of Mandan, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026 in Bismarck.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Mandan, with Father Fred Harvey as celebrant. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Weigel Funeral Home, with a Rosary and Parish Vigil beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Georgian was born on April 14, 1944, in Mandan, the daughter of Anton and Marian (Schimpf) Schmidt. She was raised and educated in Mandan and graduated from Mandan High School. On October 17, 1962, Georgian married Arnold Leingang at the Church of St. Joseph in Mandan. Together, they made their home in Mandan, where they raised their family and built a life together. Arnold passed away in 2015, and remains fondly remembered.

Georgian worked for Burleigh County Social Services helping individuals access the assistance and resources they needed. Through her years of service, she advanced to the position of supervisor, reflecting her dedication to her work and the people she served. She took pride in her years of service there.

Georgian was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and additionally participated in the Christian Mothers group leading the rosary with local families at their vigils. In her free time, Georgian enjoyed dancing, listening to music (especially her favorite, Elvis Presley), cross-stitching, and seeing what treasures Arnold brought home from local auction sales. These interests brought her enjoyment throughout the years.

She was a very dedicated grandmother who loved her two grandchildren. She was there to meet them at the door whenever they took a trip down the block or when she picked them up from school ready to get the daily Dairy Queen treat. Georgian was there for them throughout their lifetimes and a listening ear during any struggles they had along the way.

Georgian will be deeply missed by her children, Thomas (Cindy) Leingang, Tim Leingang, and Toni (Todd Ustrud) Leingang; her granddaughter, Samantha Leingang; her siblings, Marlene Boehm, Ga***rd (Annmarie) Schmidt, Randy (Debby) Schmidt, and Kevin (Jean) Schmidt; and numerous other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Marian Schmidt; her husband of 52 years, Arnold; her grandson, Benjamin Leingang; and many other family and friends.

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10/26/2026

Magdalena Deichert

Magdalena Deichert, 100, passed away October 25, 2026 at Benedictine Living Community - Bismarck, formerly known as St. Gabriel’s, where she resided for 9 years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, October 30th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mandan with the Monsignor Patrick Schumacher as celebrant. Burial will take place at 2:00 PM Friday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00 - 6:00 pm Thursday at Weigel Funeral Home followed by a 6:00 pm Rosary and Parish Vigil.

Magdalena, affectionately known as “Maggie”, was born to Louis and Aurora (Ternes) Koch in Shields, ND on May 7th, 1926 as the 2nd of 20 children. She was raised on the family farm and from a young age learned the quality of hard work and the fruits that flourished from it. This was a characteristic of her that followed through to the end of her life. She met the love of her life, Max Deichert, and they were married on June 28th, 1948. Together, they had 13 children, 11 of which were raised on the family farm near Raleigh. After retiring from farming, Maggie found service in helping others. She assisted Lorraine Gabbert in making sandwiches for several years. In 1992, Max and Maggie moved to Mandan to be closer to their children. A few years later, Max learned he had cancer and passed away in 1997. A loss so great for Maggie again found her serving others. She began volunteering at AID, Inc for nearly 20 years and formed many relationships. Everyone cherished Maggie as her care and selflessness left them feeling loved and her quick, witty, German humor followed by her infectious smile attracted everyone to her.

Maggie stayed far from the center-of-attention and she could often be found sitting quietly observing everyone around her. She had incredible humility and selflessness, unlike anyone else we know. Maggie encountered great suffering in her life that allowed her deep devotion to Jesus Christ and his beloved mother, Mary, only to grow stronger. She was a beacon of faith and a steady witness to her Catholic faith. She was an active parishioner at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mandan. She spent many Friday mornings folding bulletins and could be frequently found in the pews praying the rosary prior to daily mass.

In 2017 at the age of 91, Maggie decided she had enough with the pain in her knee and decided to undergo a knee replacement. We always told her she was stubborn, but that idea became a fact after the surgeon who operated on her told her that she not only had severe degenerative arthritis, but also that she had broken her kneecap and the fracture appeared to be several years old. Pain was never something to stop Maggie.

A few months after her knee replacement, Maggie moved into St. Gabriel’s to help with rehabilitation. During her 9 years there, she played many games of BINGO and was fortunate enough to take her power chair down the hall to listen to her brother, Pius, play his guitar, which he so loved to do. She loved to crochet and made more doilies than she could give away or sell. When asked why she was moving out of Library Square, she initially said, “Its only for rehab for a few months,” but the staff at St. Gabriels captivated her heart and convinced her to stay just a little longer. She spoke so highly of the care she received and the way the staff loved her. We are so grateful to each and every nurse and CNA who made her feel at home and loved her just as we did. Thank you to Jessica and Sam, nurses from Caring Edge Hospice, for your brief, but loving care of our Mom during her last days with us.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, Max; her son, Blase; daughter and son-in-law, Hilda and Terry Freadrich; 2 infant daughters; grandchildren, Michelle and Steven Hultberg; her parents, Louis and Aurora; and siblings: Lawrence, Nikolus, Blaise, Louie Jr, Steven, Pius, Letvena Koch, F***y Deichert, Pauline Roll, Refina Stegmiller, Genevieve Tishmack, Agnes Friesz, Mary Lou Bohn, and Letvina Koch.

She will forever remain in the hearts of her daughters Mary Hultberg, Bismarck; Donna Deichert, Bismarck; Helen (Dennis) Baumgartner, Mandan; Delores (Pat) Messer, Mandan; her sons Mike (Jolene) Deichert, Wilton; Charlie Deichert, Bismarck; Bernie Deichert, Dickinson; Ted Deichert, Gladstone; Gene (Joanne) Deichert, Bismarck; daughter-in-law, Terri Deichert, Dickinson; 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; her sisters: Cecilia Gustin, Angelita Schafer, Peggy Weber, Daisy Heinrich, brother, Richard Koch, and sisters-in-law, Jeanette Koch, Darlene Koch and Maggie Koch.

As she passed minutes before the Divine Mercy hour on Sunday, we call upon the intercession of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, whose devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and his Divine Mercy inspired many on their journey to Heaven. “There is no misery that could be a match for my mercy, neither will misery exhaust it, because as it is being granted— it increases.” —Jesus from St. Faustina’s Diary 1273

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10/26/2026

Balzer "Butch" Ternes

Balzer (Butch) Ternes lived a full 88 years that quietly ended Oct. 23, 2026, surrounded by his wife and family. His life was one of steady devotion and the kind of everyday character that never needed recognition to matter deeply.

His life will be celebrated with a funeral service on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan followed by a burial service at 2 p.m. at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan.

Growing up as the youngest boy in a family of 14, he learned early how to hold his own — and how to make himself useful. His childhood on the farm in Shields, N.D., shaped him in ways that stayed with him for life: a deep love of horses, a respect for hard work, and a knack for fixing just about anything with whatever tools were on hand.

He graduated from Flasher High School and served in the U.S. Army for three years with pride, humility, and the steady sense of duty that came so naturally to him.

He met and married Joan Jansen in 1969 and together they built a marriage that lasted 58 years.

He started his career in construction and soon began working for Oliver-Mercer Electric, settling in Hazen where he & Joan raised three daughters, Doris, Kaye, and JoDee. He spent his 30-year career as a lineman, a job that suited him perfectly — steady, demanding, and full of purpose. He took pride in keeping the lights on for others, no matter the weather or the hour. At home, that same instinct to protect showed up in the trunk of his car, which was always packed with a winter survival kit. His girls never pulled out of the driveway without knowing he had already thought of every possible emergency and prepared for it.

Outside of work, he was a craftsman through and through. Woodworking wasn’t just a hobby; it was his love language. He built toys, furniture, keepsakes — each piece made with meticulous care and precision. His children and grandchildren treasure those creations not just because they’re beautiful, but because they’re pieces of him: his humor, his patience, his stubborn perfectionism, and his joy in making something that would last.

Retirement in 2000 didn’t slow him down. He and Joan moved to Center, N.D. and he used his time to do what he loved — wandering auction sales, discovering forgotten treasures, and bringing them back to life with the same careful hands that once climbed poles and shaped wood. Every antique he restored came with a story, and he told those stories with a sparkle in his eye, proud of the history he was preserving and the craft he had mastered.

But nothing he built or restored ever meant as much to him as the family he created and who became the center of his world. When grandchildren arrived, his heart simply expanded again. They were his pride, his joy, and his favorite audience for tall tales, gentle teasing, and the kind of wisdom only he could deliver.

Balzer leaves behind a legacy built not from grand gestures, but from steady hands, good stories, and a lifetime of showing up for the people he loved. His craftsmanship lives on in the toys and treasures he made, his stories live on in the memories he shared, and his devotion lives on in the family he shaped.

Those who loved him will miss his quiet humor, his gentle guidance, and the way he could fix just about anything. They will carry forward the lessons he taught simply by living: work hard, take care of your family, keep your tools sharp, shake the dice, and always leave things better than you found them.

Balzer was preceded in death by his parents, Anselm and Deonella (Braun) Ternes; brothers Ambrose, Bill, Lenus, Raymond, Bert, Al, Baldwin, and Larry, sister Claudina, as well many members of his large extended family, whose memories he carried with him throughout his life.

Surviving him are his wife, Joan; daughters Doris (Kevin) Cooper, Kaye Ternes, and JoDee (Blair) Holzer along with his three grandchildren, BriAnna Menge, Pierce Cooper, and Grace Cooper. He is also survived by four sisters, Linda Gustin, Minnie (Ron) Keller, Alvina Buck, and Anisa Begger, and many, many nieces and nephews.

Balzer’s hands built so much in this world. Now his rest is well‑earned, and his legacy is firmly, lovingly in place.

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10/24/2026

Dawn Marie Ellis

In Loving Memory of Dawn Marie Ellis

October 12, 1969 – March 1, 2026

Sunrise: October 12, 1969 🕊 Sunset: March 1, 2026

Until we meet again...

With profound sadness and hearts filled with love, we celebrate the life of Dawn Marie Ellis, who

entered eternal rest on March 1, 2026, following a courageous battle with ALS.

Dawn was born on October 12, 1969, to the late Linda Jean Case and Allen Albert Peterson. As

their firstborn child, she was deeply loved and cherished from the moment she entered the

world. Throughout her life, Dawn was known for her resilience, quiet strength, and unwavering

love for her family.

Her greatest joy was being the mother of five children—Shanita, Alesia, Isaac, Kenya, and

Kendra. She was also a proud, devoted wife of 17 years to a decorated veteran—her

ex-husband, whom she still considered a genuine friend, Isaac Renfrow—and a Nana whose

beloved grandchildren brought immeasurable joy to her life. Every smile, hug, and shared

moment with them became a treasured memory she held close to her heart.

Dawn shared a special bond with her sisters, Jennifer Charter and Michelle Costa. She was

also a beloved cousin, aunt, and friend whose kindness, compassion, and gentle spirit left a

lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She loved to travel, embraced

opportunities to explore new places, and treasured the memories she created along the way.

In her later years, Dawn devoted herself to rebuilding relationships, pursuing her criminal justice

degree, strengthening family bonds, and making the most of every moment with the people she

loved. Her determination, humility, and enduring hope inspired those around her and reflected

the remarkable strength she carried throughout her life.

Although Dawn’s journey included both triumphs and challenges, she faced each chapter with

courage and perseverance. Through it all, her love for her family never wavered.

Today, we find comfort in knowing that Dawn has been reunited with her beloved son, Isaac

Andre, and her cherished parents, whom she loved dearly. Though our hearts are heavy with

sorrow, we celebrate a life marked by love, perseverance, and grace. She will be profoundly

missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in our hearts.

Left to Cherish Her Memory

Dawn leaves behind her loving daughters, Shanita, Alesia, Kenya, and Kendra, who will forever

treasure the love, lessons, and memories they shared with their mother.

She also leaves her cherished and plentiful grandchildren, who brought immeasurable joy and

happiness to her life; her loving cousin, Laura Coleman; her beloved sisters, Jennifer Charter

and Michelle Costa; and Theresa Span.

She will also be lovingly remembered by her many extended family members and dear friends

whose lives were touched by her presence and who will forever cherish her memory.

Preceded in Death By

Dawn was preceded in death by her beloved son, Isaac Andre; her mother, Linda Jean Case;

and her father, Allen Albert Peterson.

Though they are no longer with us in this earthly life, their love remains an enduring part of her

story. May the thought of their reunion bring comfort to all who mourn her passing.

Acknowledgments

The family of Dawn Marie Ellis sincerely extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has

offered prayers and expressions of love during this difficult time. We are truly grateful for every

gesture of kindness and for all those who continue to hold our family in their hearts.

Forever in our hearts 💜

In every sunrise...In every gentle breeze...

In every laugh shared among family...In every precious memory...

You will always be our mother. Our Nana. Our sister. Our cousin. Our friend.

Your love will continue to guide us; your memory will forever warm our hearts, and your spirit will

live on in every life you touched.

Rest peacefully, Dawn.

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10/23/2026

Thank you to Bismarck Magazine & Mandan Magazine for featuring us! Thank you to the Mandan and surrounding communities for all of their trust in us to care for their loved ones all of these years.

The building in which Weigel Funeral and Cremation Service now resides was first built in 1904 before being purchased and turned into a funeral home in 1956. Both the home, its occupants, and now business are integral parts of Mandan's history.

Full story at: https://issuu.com/bismarckmagazine/docs/mandan_magazine_-_volume_4_issue_2_fall_2026/21

Mandan Magazine is a proud product of Mandan Progress Organization, in collaboration with Bismarck Magazine. Mandan Magazine is fully funded by the MPO, and all advertising sales go directly to supporting its mission.

10/20/2026

Joseph Wax

October 18, 2026, Dr. Joseph Wax, formally of Minot, currently from Flasher, passed away at the age of 96. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, October 24 at 9:30 AM at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Flasher with Fr. Frank Schuster presiding. Burial will take place at 1:30 PM at Rosehill Cemetery in Minot. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 23 from 4-6 PM with a Rosary/Parish Vigil at 6 PM at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral.

On March 19, 1930 seven miles southeast of Ledford, North Dakota, in a house without plumbing and only a stove for heat Joseph Wax was born. It is a Wednesday, St. Joseph’s Day. Sepp Wax was the seventh of nine children born to German-Hungarian immigrants, Nicholas and Margaret (Schabary) Wax.

Moving to Dickinson, Joseph did not thrive academically,but excelled at sports and mischief. In 1951, he joined the Army National Guard R***e Company and was shipped oﬀ to Korea to join the 2nd Infantry. Arriving at the Battle of Heart Break Ridge in early September, he was involved in the main action. Joseph’s Company is assigned Hill 687 and eventually take it after multiple days of see-saw battles resulting in an attrition rate of over 70%.

Returning from Korea, Joseph is oﬀered a scholarship to Notre Dame to run in track. He declined in order to enjoy hunting while pursued a college degree and playing football, and basketball as well as running in track as a Savage at Dickinson State. Joseph flourished in college, earning a Bachelors degree from Dickinson State, a Masters degree from the University of Northern Colorado, and a doctorate degree from the University of North Dakota. While at Dickinson, he lettered in both track and football. He never stopped learning or enjoying physical activity. Every day he found time to read and jog- up to five miles a day. He was a black belt in Shin Ryu and one of the finest sh***un and r***e shots.

Joseph’s professional career spanned 42 years that included teaching in Souris, Ray and Riverdale. He coached at was Superintendent at Granville. He was Director at the Model School, which later became the Campus Laboratory School, and a tenured professor at Minot State University. He influenced so many students over his lifetime that it was a strange day when he did not encounter one.

Joseph found humor in the most diﬃcult of situations. Humor was his cooling lotion on the hot rash of life. He also never sweated the small stuﬀ or held a grudge. He knew what his immigrant father knew: that worry and anger destroy the vessel it was carried in. Though Joseph accomplished much, he was always humble. Those with experience in higher education know that the humble path does not suﬀer from heavy traﬃc by professors.

His greatest love was his wife, Valeria, He married Valeria E. Kuhn on December 28, 1955. Together they raised six children. While Joseph was teaching during the regular school year and going to graduate school during the summer, Valeria, kept the house in one piece and the children fed and cared for on a teacher’s salary.Unfortunately on November 28, 1994, Valeria passed; but not before they set sail six children: Valeria Noel Wax, Joseph (Mary) Wax, John Wax, Peter (Sherry Neisar) Wax, Mary (Charles, deceased) Goldsborough, and Mark (Jocelyn) Wax. Grandchildren are: Kalindi (Jordan) Brandvik, Jeﬀrey (Linzi) Wayde, Nicholas (Tiﬀany) Wax, Helen Wax, Genevieve Goldsborough, Mikaila (Lane) Kaseman, Hanna Rose wax (deceased), Derek (Mollie) Wax, Benjamin (Amber) Goldsborough. Great grandchildren: Makayla (Mason), Baylor, Tayler. Kayman, Randall, Luke, Grayson, Kia, Kashmir, Kloie, and Lillyian. Joseph’s second love was hunting and being outdoors. No greater gift could be awarded than to ride. In the smoked-filled vehicle on the way to an early-morning hunt with Joe and his old buddies. Once dangerous men, now boys grown old sharing stories of daring and danger. Real stories interlaced with insults that weep of mutual respect and understanding. But once at the pond or the field, the old men became boys again and each decoy and each hiding spot needed to be set and adjusted just so. These once dangerous men have al drawn the short straw. Now the last soldier will “bug out” to join them. Maybe at a duck pond or a pheasant field, but wherever, it will be a good day to go hunting.

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas Jr. and Margaret Wax, and Lloyd his siblings:Barbara, Peter, Margaret, John, Marcus, Nicholas III, Helen, and Anton; and his wife, Valeria

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Address

309 4th Avenue NW
Mandan, ND
58554

Telephone

(701) 663-5351

Website

http://www.weigelfuneral.com/

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