Bismarck Funeral Home & Crematory

05/07/2026

Ryan Aarhus

Ryan Alan Aarhus, of Wilton, North Dakota, passed away unexpectedly on May 2, 2026, at the age of 44. A memorial service will be held Monday, May 11 at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Wilton. The family will be receiving guests one hour prior to the service.

Born in Minot, North Dakota to Alan and Sonja Aarhus on December 10, 1981, Ryan spent his early years in Westhope and Minot before his family settled in Wilton, where he graduated from high school.

Ryan was a good student who excelled in mathematics and had a deep appreciation for history. During his school years, he was a dedicated three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and track. His competitive spirit remained with him throughout his life as he continued playing softball and adult flag football and became a passionate fantasy football competitor. A loyal and devoted Las Vegas Raiders fan, Ryan especially enjoyed spirited football debates with friends and family.

Known for his work ethic, Ryan began learning the construction trade at a young age. He developed exceptional skills as a carpenter, specializing in both rough framing and finish carpentry. Ryan worked for his father and uncle’s construction company for many years and later became part owner. His mechanical abilities and natural talent for problem-solving made him someone others often relied upon.

Over the years, Ryan also worked for Bobcat Manufacturing and later for North Dakota Health & Human Services, where he served as a courier and shipping supervisor until February 2026. He was respected and admired by coworkers and friends alike for his dedication and strong character.

Ryan had a soft heart and a deep love for animals, especially dogs. He was known for his sharp wit, wonderful sense of humor, and unforgettable impersonations of Forrest Gump and Hank Hill, which brought laughter to countless gatherings. He loved music from the 1960s and 1970s, especially Led Zeppelin, and his favorite song was “Stairway to Heaven.”

An outdoorsman at heart, Ryan treasured time spent hunting deer and pheasants with his father during the fall seasons and enjoyed fishing trips with friends. He believed strongly in fairness, always rooted for the underdog, and never hesitated to speak out against injustice.

Above all, Ryan will be remembered for his loyalty, intelligence, humor, compassion, and the genuine kindness he showed to others. He leaves behind countless memories that will be deeply cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Ryan is survived by his loving parents, Alan and Sonja; his brother, Adam; maternal grandmother; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and his beloved dog, Raider.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents and by an aunt and uncle.

Ryan’s family will forever carry his memory in their hearts and find comfort in the laughter, love, and strength he shared throughout his life.

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05/06/2026

Sharon Doll

Sharon Rae Doll, 57, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away on April 28, 2026. A memorial service will be held Monday, May 11 at 11:00 AM at Bismarck Funeral Home. Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

She was born in Bismarck on August 21, 1968, and grew up in Mandan, graduating from Mandan High School in 1986.

Following high school, she served as a private in the Army. After serving her country, Sharon became a stay-at-home mom to her five children, raising her kids between Sparta, WI, and Bismarck, ND.

Once she returned to North Dakota, she attended St. Mary’s University and earned her bachelor’s degree before going on to work as an accountant.

Sharon loved to be creative — crocheting, cross-stitching, diamond art, and her favorite, painting and planting flowers every year. Nothing she touched was ever boring; it was always full of color. And when she wasn't creating something beautiful, she was watching true crime and horror movies. People were drawn to her laugh and her warmth – she was generous and kind, always thinking of others before herself.

In her later years, she struggled with her health in ways that were not always visible to others.

She was loved, and at 57, her story should not have ended here.

Sharon is survived by her five children, Brittany, Brent, Brady, Brendan, and Dakota Weichel; her siblings, Fred, Diane, Bruce (Donna), Joanne, and Brian.

Sharon was preceded in death by her mom, Cecelia Jeanne Doll and dad, Frederick Clemens Doll.

A note from the family:

Sharon had a gift for color — in her home and in her crafts. Instead of black, please wear pinks, purples, and blues, or any color that brings you joy. Let’s create a garden of color for her.

Sharon's son Brady has autism, and large gatherings can be overwhelming. The family asks that you be mindful not to touch or hug Brady without asking him first.

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05/05/2026

JoAnn Wagner

JoAnn C. Wagner, age 89, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026 at a Bismarck hospital surrounded by her loving family. She would have celebrated her 90th birthday later this month. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 8th at 11am at Bismarck Funeral Home with Rev Trisha DeBoer officiating. Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery at 2pm.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

JoAnn was born on May 22, 1936 in Bismarck, ND to Obert and Vivian (Swanson) Salhus in Moffit, ND. She spent her early years in Moffit before moving to Wing, ND where she helped her mother at the family cafe and quickly became known for her strong work ethic and caring nature.

On June 4, 1954 she married the love of her life, Calvin Wagner, whom she was married to just short of 60 years before his passing. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised 5 wonderful children. Her family continued to grow, and she was a proud grandmother to 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

JoAnn worked at the grocery store in Wing and held various other jobs throughout her life. No matter where she was she brought warmth, kindness and sense of community to those around her.

She found great joy in canning and gardening with her husband - her homemade pickles were loved by all. JoAnn was also known for her cooking, especially her famous buns, her delicious homemade fudge, fleischkuekle and kraut strudels along with her baking that brought family together time and time again. She loved playing cards with family, drinking coffee, watching game shows and enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino.

JoAnn will be remembered for her loving heart, dedication to her family, and the traditions she created that will live on for generations. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

She is survived by her 5 children, Dale (Nancy) Wagner of Bismarck, ND, Curt (Pam) Wagner of Bismarck, ND, Cindy (Wesley) Trautmann of Robinson, ND, Roxy (Gary) Ennen of Bismarck, ND, and Darin Wagner of Washburn, ND; 13 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 1 great- great grandson and one sister-in-law, Betty Salhus and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Calvin; her parents; four sisters, Mary Lou Wood, Delores Rippley, Caroline Nelson and Gloria Salhus; three brothers, Raymond, Robert and Darrell; 2 brothers-in-law, Clifford and Marvin Wagner and one sister-in-law, Alice Wagner.

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05/05/2026

Charles Nodland

Charles “Chuck” Nodland, 67, passed away April 29, 2026. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church in Bismarck. To view the livestream, please visit the Faith Lutheran Church page.

Chuck was born March 13, 1959 in Bismarck. He attended school, played varsity basketball and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1978.

Following graduation, he worked at the Bismarck Tribune as a pressman and later worked at OMF and various jobs until his multiple sclerosis did not allow him to continue employment.

Chuck enjoyed fishing and relaxing in the sun. He especially enjoyed many summers at the family cabin at Lake Tschida.

He will be deeply missed by his son, Eric Nodland (Mallory Woodcock); sisters, Robin Nodland (Gene Palmisano) and Angee (Tim) Heaton; in-laws, Les and Donna Witty; sister-in-law, Kathy (Brad) Maier; brother-in-law, Paul Witty as well as many nephews. He was also blessed with many great friends who would stop and visit him throughout the years.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie (Witty) Nodland and his parents, Laverne H. and Diantha Nodland.

Chuck has donated his body to the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences Deeded Body Program.

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05/05/2026

Today, on International Firefighters’ Day, Bismarck Funeral Home joins the community in honoring the incredible men and women who run toward danger to keep us safe. 🚒❤️

We especially remember the local heroes who served with courage and have since passed on. Their legacy of sacrifice and service is never forgotten.

To our active duty, volunteer, and retired firefighters: We thank you for your bravery, your late nights, and your unwavering commitment to our neighbors.

04/30/2026

Leo "Tom" Doppler

Leo "Tom" Doppler, age 81, transitioned to his heavenly home on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

A funeral service to celebrate Tom's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 4, 2026, at New Life Church, where family and friends will gather to remember and honor him. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at 2:00 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND, with military honors in recognition of his faithful service.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 5:00-6:00 PM at Bismarck Funeral Home, with a Prayer Service at 6:00 PM.

Tom was born on December 27, 1944, to Clarence O. and Kathleen S. (Brent) Doppler at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, North Dakota. Born three months premature, he was truly a miracle baby, weighing only 2 pounds, 2 ounces at birth. Tom attended elementary, middle, and high school in Bismarck, and later continued his education at Bismarck State College and University of North Dakota. He met the love of his life, Susan Anne Mastel, and they were married on November 11, 1967.

Tom will be best remembered for his unwavering love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, playing cards, and doing puzzles of all kinds, especially during the winter months-often surrounded by those he loved.

A proud veteran, Tom served honorably in Vietnam in the United States Army, embodying courage, discipline, and a strong sense of duty throughout his years of service. His commitment to those values remained evident long after his miliary career. Tom cherished the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. on an Honor Flight in 2024 alongside his daughter, Stacey, and was deeply moved to receive a Quilt of Valor in September 2025.

Tom worked for the State of North Dakota in various roles, including truck regulatory and as a realty officer/appraiser in the Right of Way Division. Following his retirement from the state of North Dakota, he worked with Ducks Unlimited in their appraisal division and later as an independent contractor in the Bakken oil fields.

Beyond his service, Tom was known for his warm spirit, steady presence, and the kindness he extended to all who knew him. Whether through his work, friendships, or time spent with loved ones, he made a lasting impact and will be deeply missed

Tom is survived by his wife, Susan, of 58 years; his loving family; children, Stacey (Pete) Ryan and C. Gene (Stephanie) Doppler; grandchildren, Kess, Kyla, Clay, and Elijah Ryan, Zachary, Jackson Doppler; brother, Charles Doppler; sister, Lynnell (Allan Smetana) Strothman; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also fondly remembered by his granddogs, Charlie, Ollie, Jake, Remi, and PJ, and his one and only grandcat, Moose.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Donna; sister-in-law, Darlys (Chuck); brother-in-law, Rand (Lynnell); and his mother- and father-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight or Quilts of Valor, reflecting Tom's enduring spirit of service and generosity. Western ND Honor Flight

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved him, and may his legacy live on in the lives he touched.

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04/28/2026

Alvin Schmierer

Alvin Schmierer, 95, Bismarck passed away April 22, 2026, in a Bismarck Care Center. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, May 4 at 1:00 PM at Charity Lutheran Church 120 Aspen Ave., Bismarck. Burial will be held at 3:00 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Alvin was born on December 31, 1930, in Minot and was raised in the Benedict area. He attended high school in Velva for three years and graduated from Minot Model in 1949. He went on to serve three years in the army and was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone from 1951 to 1954.

On August 21, 1955, Alvin married Carol Kottsick and they were married for 65 years before Carol passed away.

After graduating from Minot State College in 1958, he taught science and coached athletics at McClusky for four years. Alvin received a National Science Foundation grant and attended the University of North Dakota, where he graduated with a master’s degree in 1965. He went on to teach science for three years at Hughes Junior High and then moved to Bismarck State College where he worked for 27 years until his retirement in 1993. While at BSC, he served as President of the All Campus Senate, President of the Faculty Senate and served as Chief Negotiator on the Faculty Salary Committee for several years. In the 1987-88 school year, Alvin was awarded the Burlington Northern Foundation Faculty Achievement Award.

Alvin’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, reading, crossword puzzles and bowling. He also enjoyed gardening and collecting coins.

Alvin will be missed by his daughter, Keri (Stephen) Rockwood; granddaughter, Leah (Antonio) Dominguez; two great-grandchildren, Aliyah Dominguez and Isabella Dominguez; daughter-in-law, Theresa Schmierer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Schmierer and son, Jeff Schmierer.

To share memories with the family and sign the online guestbook, go to www.bismarckfuneralhome.com

View Alvin Schmierer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/28/2026

Duane Seiler

Duane Seiler, 76, passed away peacefully April 24th, 2026, surrounded by his family following a long illness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Friday May 29, 2026, at Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary 825 E. Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58503.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at Bismarck Funeral Home, with a Rosary and Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Friday

Duane Francis Seiler was born on April 23, 1950, in Bismarck, ND to Michael and Elsie (Jund) Seiler. The second oldest of seven siblings, Duane graduated from St. Mary’s High School and Bismarck Junior College before earning a business degree from NDSU.

Duane began his career in Chicago as an assistant manager with the Kresge Corporation (Kmart) and later moved to New Hope, MN, to set up new stores for Ben Franklin. He eventually transitioned into a sales role with Le Gout, relocating to Fargo to cover a three-state territory. Throughout acquisitions by Kellogg’s, Best Foods, and Unilever, Duane traveled hundreds of thousands of miles, earning numerous sales awards and building lifelong friendships. When asked about his profession, he would simply say, "I sold soup."

In May 2000, Duane married the love of his life, Kelly (Cruz) Olmstead. They made their home in Fargo, where they enjoyed golfing, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing at their lake cabin in Minnesota. In 2020, Duane and Kelly moved to Sun City West, AZ, to enjoy year-round golf and "shovel sunshine." An avid golfer, "Dewey" played almost daily with friends, and was voted 'Favorite Teammate' by his Wednesday golf group the 'Wednesday Leftovers'. When he wasn’t on the course, he enjoyed playing poker, board games, card games, music trivia, and rooting for the NDSU Bison, Minnesota Twins and Vikings.

Duane (Dewey) will be remembered for his easy-going manner, quick wit, and infectious laughter. He was a loving husband, stepfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Kelly Seiler; stepdaughter, Dr. Brein (Peter) Haugen; sister-in-law, Jennifer (Michael)Taylor; six siblings: Charles (Karrie) Seiler, Caroline (Steven) Hermanson, Joanne (Steven) Loeppke, Marlene Seiler, Brian Seiler, and Dennis (Laura) Seiler; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Elsie Seiler.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley at https://hov.org/

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04/27/2026

Jacqueline Jean (Swartz) Bavaro

Jacqueline Jean (Swartz) Bavaro, 60 from Robbinsdale, MN. Born August 24, 1965 in Grafton, ND. Died April 7th, 2026.

Survived by her parents Mark Swartz and Gloria Kringstad, brother Douglas Swartz, daughters Ashley and Natalie, special friend Chris Whitmire as well as many Aunts and Uncles and cousins. She will be missed greatly.

She attended Century High School in Bismarck, ND, Northern State University Aberdeen, SD, University of Mary Bismarck, ND, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.

She earned her Masters Degree in Social Work at Northern State University. She also became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She proudly served our country in The United States Air Force.

Jackie was always happy and very humorous. She loved cross-country skiing and track. She was always health conscious and was very athletic and loved running.

She loved her puppies and writing, reading and poetry. She also loved crocheting scarves and giving them as gifts, embroidery and flowers, especially tulips.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Bismarck Funeral Home, Bismarck, ND. Burial will be immediately after at 3:00 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

View Jacqueline Jean (Swartz) Bavaro's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/21/2026

Tabea M. Mueller

Tabea Mueller, 106, Bismarck, formerly of Steele, Servant to the Lord, entered into her heavenly home on April 17, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work, advocacy and devotion to her family.

A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Friday, April 24, at Inspire Family Fellowship, 523 N 21st St, Bismarck, ND.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Thursday, April 23, at Bismarck Funeral Home, 3723 Lockport St, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 7 PM. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service.

Tabea was born January 5, 1920 on the family farm South of Tappen to Fred and Margaretha (Mittleider) Martin, the tenth of seventeen children. Tabea attended school in Valley Township until the eighth grade.

Tabea married Levi Patzner on September 5, 1940. They made their home Northeast of Robinson in Wallace Township. Tabea, already coming from a farm family, knew the hard work associated with the farm. The equipment they used was far from the big four-wheel drive tractors now. They had four wheels, but the drive came from the person running it!

Levi and Tabea had five children: Josephine, Genevieve, Levi Jr., Jim and Mary Ann. Levi Sr. passed away in February 1963, Josephine died in an automobile accident September 1967, Jim, who served in the US Army in Vietnam, died of Agent Orange in July, 1998, and Genevieve, after a courageous battle of cancer, died in September 2022.

Tabea married Reiny Mueller in 1964 and moved to Steele. Later they started Reiny’s Auto Wrecking in 1965. This was a different lifestyle to get used to.

Reiny and Tabea sold the Auto Wrecking business in 1983, and moved to Dawson to semi-retire. They enjoyed camping and especially fishing along with Tabea doing vegetable and flower gardening, canning and keeping up the big yard. They were active members of the Dawson Senior Citizens.

Reiny and Tabea took some vacations with Reiny’s daughter, Violet & Marvin Bodvig.

Reiny died in May 1990. Tabea continued to live in Dawson doing the gardening and keeping busy, even finding time to fish, but it wasn’t the same.

In 2000, Tabea sold her home in Dawson, moved to Steele and lived with her daughter, Mary Ann Binder. She enjoyed a competitive game of pinochle, Rummikub, flower gardening, quilting, canning, baking pies, apple turnovers, blachinda (meat & potatoes and pumpkin), other baked goods and cooking.

Tabea travelled with Levi Jr and Dianna to Florida to see her daughter, Jean.

In the Summer of 2012, after an unfortune incident (playing softball with her great-grandchildren) she became a resident of the Golden Manor in Steele, ND. In January 2025, she was moved to Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in Bismarck and resided there until the time of her death.

Tabea enjoyed Golden Age, Senior Citizens and Birthday Club. She was on the Senior Council and volunteered at Medcenter One in Mandan. She continued to grow flowers in season, do some crafts and seemed to be busy most of the time.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann Binder of Steele; son and daughter-in-law, Levi (Dianna) Patzner of Bismarck; son-in-law, Pat Rafferty of Woodworth, eleven grandchildren: twenty-six great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren with two more on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

Tabea was received into heaven with open arms by her parents, Fred and Margaretha; husbands, Levi Patzner and Reiny Mueller; daughters, Josephine Rafferty and Genevieve Patzner; and son, James Patzner. She was the last survivor of 17 children: Sisters: Mary (Philip) Wall, Caroline (Gustov) Geist, Lydia Martin (stillborn), Emma (Gottlieb) (Sam) Morlock, Lydia (Theodore) Morlock, Leah (Albert) Guthmiller, Esther (Lawrence) Guthmiller, Verna (Harold) Guthmiller and Norma (Leroy) Miller. Brothers: Fred Jr (Anna), Ludvig, John (Martha), Walter (Frieda), David (Alvina), Israel (Erna) and Tilmon Martin.

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04/20/2026

Kyle Petz

Kyle Joseph Petz, 52, passed away April 17, 2026 in Bismarck. A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 23 at 11:00 AM at Bismarck Funeral Home.

Kyle was born on August 9, 1973 in Bismarck to Stan and Jaqueline (Palmer) Petz. Kyle was diagnosed with severe autism at the age of two. Kyle had the cutest grin. He had been involved with the HIT and Enable programs since he was 18 years old and made many friends during his time there.

He is survived by his parents, Stan of Bismarck and Jackie of Mandan; sister, Shari (Jon) Werner; nieces and nephews, Laci, Kayla, Shelby, Ryan, Marcus, Tanya, Shania and Kylee as well as many great nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kyle was preceded in death by his grandparents and sister, LeaAnn.

In lieu of plants and flowers memorials are preferred to HIT, Inc. 201 4th Ave NW Mandan, ND 58554 or Enable, Inc. 1836 Raven Drive Bismarck, ND 58501.

The family would like to thank Enable and HIT for their great service over the years.

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