Craig Becker

Craig Becker, age 51, of New Salem, died Jan. 18, 2010, at his home, surrounded by family and friends, following a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services were held on Friday, Jan. 22, at Peace Church in New Salem with the Reverend Joshua Eddy officiating. Burial was in the spring at Bethel Cemetery, south of New Salem, with military honors provided by the New Salem American Legion Post.

Craig was born on Jan.23, 1958, the son of Donald and Dorothy (Kaelberer) Becker and raised on Dorothy’s family farm. He was a graduate of New Salem High School.  Craig was a member of the North Dakota National Guard from 1976 to 1982. He married Kristi Bumann on April 17, 1986, and they raised their four children together on the family farm. Craig was a person who enjoyed the farm life and living in the country, with his favorite time of the year being the lambing season and any other time that he was able to utilize the name, John Deere. The family was grateful to have him home so he could experience this one more time.

In 1979 he began Becker Construction, where he proudly employed his children and numerous high school kids throughout the years, always giving them more than he bid. He was very proud to be a “papa” to grandson, Carter, and enjoyed watching him grow to be a very busy toddler.

Left behind mourning his death are his wife, Kristi; daughters, Alisha and Deanna; sons, Brandon (Angela Klemisch, fiancée) and Charles; grandson, Carter Craig Becker; and his mother, Dorothy (Kaelberer) Becker, all of New Salem. Also surviving are his sisters, Leslie (Melvin) Lennick of Center, and Cheryl (Steve) Strinden of Fargo; his father-in-law, Alvin Bumann of New Salem; Kristi’s brothers and their spouses, Craig (Donna) Bumann of Sioux Falls, S.D., Kelly (Carol Rose) Bumann of Bismarck; Kristi’s sisters and their spouses, Cathy (Ronnie) Jahner, Kerri (David) Schenkel and Carol (Chris) Pittman, all of Bismarck; nephews, Shane (Annie) Lennick, Kurt Lennick, Derek Lennick (Godchild), Michael Strinden, Patrick Bumann, Joseph Jahner, Daniel Schenkel, and Collin Pittman; nieces, Marie Strinden (Godchild), Shannon (Ryan) Cinker, Amanda Bumann, Christina Jahner (Godchild), Taylor Schenkel and Caitlin Pittman; great-niece, Zadee Cinker; and great-nephew, Gage Lennick.

Preceding Craig in death are his father, Donald Becker; his mother-in-law, Muriel (Skjolsvik) Bumann; and his grandparents.

Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan

Preston Beckman

Preston Beckman, age 83, died Jan. 16, 2010, at Sakakawea Medical Center in Hazen.  Funeral services were held on Thursday, Jan. 21, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Center with the Reverend Dennis Ristvedt officiating. Burial was in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Center, with military honors by the Center American Legion Post.

Preston Henry Beckman was born on May 30, 1926, in Bismarck, the son of Henry and Marie (Bethman) Beckman. He was raised in the Hannover area and educated in Hannover and Center. Drafted into the U.S. Army in October 1951, Preston served with the 3rd Armored Division and saw active duty in the Korean War. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with Bronze Service Stars. After his honorable discharge with the rank of sergeant in 1953, he married Norma Borne-mann on July 12, 1954. They made their home on his farm in rural Hanover.

Preston enjoyed his life as a farmer, much preferring to be outdoors and riding his horse across his land. He was talented at fixing old machinery even when others thought it was not repairable. His International tractor was his pride and joy. He loved dancing and also listening to Polka Party music on Sunday afternoons. Preston was noted for his vivid storytelling, and always had a new one to share. Very personable, he always found time to visit with friends and family. Preston loved his family dearly and had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren.

He will be missed by many, including his wife, Norma; his four sons, Jerome Beckman of Ypsilanti, David of Washburn, Dennis (Cindy) of Hannover and Dallas (Trish) of Carrington; 10 grandchildren, Daniel, Betsy, Becky, Levi (Tammy Sue), Jason, Cody, Samantha, Paige, Tyler and Emily; four great-grandchildren, Preston and LilyAnne and Debrus and Samantha; three brothers, Ernie (Erma) Beckman of New Salem, Wilbert (Loretta) of Hazen and Burton of Hannover; one sister Beatrice (Walter) Reinke of Center, and many nieces and nephews.

Preston was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Lillian (Ed) Rollenhagen, Bernice (Edwin) Berg and Irene (Raymond Jensen; one sister-in-law, Irene Beckman; and two nieces, Naomi Jaeger and Susan Soland.

Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan

Bella Ereth

“Bella” Perpetua Ereth, 86, Mandan, died Jan. 20, 2010, at Medcenter One Hospital, Bismarck.

Mass of Christian burial was held on Monday, Jan. 25, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan, with Rev. Patrick Schumacher as celebrant. Burial was at Mandan Union Cemetery. 

Perpetua Ereth was born in Saskatchewan, Canada, on Aug. 5, 1923, to Anton and Barbara (Tomi) Resler. She was raised and educated in Canada. Bella married Frank J. Ereth on Nov.10, 1947, in Canada. In 1953 they moved to the United States and became United States citizens in 1958. She had various jobs and started a daycare in 1978. Bella took care of many younger children and the highlight was being able to take care of her own grandchildren.

Bella would walk into a room and the attention was on her. Her smile and outgoing social manner would easily attract people as she could strike up a conversation with anyone. Whether at work, socially or with family, her positive attitude was enjoyed by all. Bella was always ready for a spirited card game. An additional source of fun and entertainment was with her family playing bingo and going to the casino.

Blessed to have shared her life are her daughters, Linda Baron (special friend, Jerry Willman), New Salem, Carol (Tony) Meier, Glen Ullin, Lorraine (Gordon) Gatzke, Marion Neibauer, Darlene (Daryl) Schaf, Bernice (Wayne) Schaf, and Sheila (Leigh) Tveito, all of Mandan; sons, Murray (Pearl), Randy (special friend, Nancy Nauman), and Mark (Yvonne), all of Mandan; 26 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; and special friends, Margaret Friess, Margaret Schaf, Larry Baron, and many good friends, too numerous to mention.

Bella was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe, who died in 1985; sisters, Pauline, Margaret, and Annie; brother, Pete; and 10 infant brothers and sisters.

Go to www.weigelfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook and view flower and tribute photos.

Veronica Nagel

Veronica “Vera” Nagel, 87, Mandan, died Jan. 25, 2010, at the Baptist Home, Bismarck.

Mass of Christian burial was held on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan, with Rev. Patrick Schumacher as celebrant. Burial was at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Vera was born Feb. 15, 1922, in Raleigh, to Romanus and Bertha (Roth) Blotsky. Raised and educated in Raleigh, Vera married Carl Nagel on June 28, 1943, in Raleigh. Together they raised three children. Vera was a wonderful cook, especially German recipes. She enjoyed spending time outdoors gardening and tending her flowers. Always ready for a spirited game of Kings in the corner, solitaire or a trip to the casino, Vera found enjoyment in spending time with friends and family. Crocheting, needlework and cross stitch were pastimes she enjoyed for many years. A loving and kind woman, Vera will be missed by those who loved her.

Left with fond memories is one daughter, Deborah (Martin) Oexner, Columbia, Ill; two sons, Norman (Sara) Nagel, North Branch, Minn., and Herman Nagel, Mandan; two grandchildren, Lisa Gmys and Michael Pierce; and three great-grandchildren, Heather Gmys and Gracie and Brennan Pierce; two sisters, Emma Harmel, El Cajon, Calif., and Marie Winters, Rapid City, S.D.; and one brother, Ray Blotsky, Fargo.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carl, in 2004; two sisters, Kathy Witford and Ann Bachmeier; and three brothers, Jake, Burt, and Joe Blotsky.

Go to www.weigelfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook and view flower photos.

Imogene Pletan

Imogene Pletan, age 82, of New Salem, died Jan. 20, 2010, at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck. Services were held on Tuesday, Jan. 26, at the New Salem City Auditorium. Burial was in the spring at the Carson Cemetery

Imogene was born on Sept. 12, 1927, in Carson, the daughter of Arthur and Adena (Peterson) Nelson. She was raised on a farm north of Carson, attended a rural school through the eighth grade and graduated from Carson High School in 1945. She attended Dickinson State College, where she received a certificate to teach in rural schools and taught in Carl School No. 1 in Grant County for two terms.

On Oct.23, 1949, she married Gordon Pletan at Carson. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Earl Morrell’s farm and worked on shares. In 1950, they moved to Werner and rented Sam Pelton’s farm. They were able to purchase their own land north of Flasher in 1957, where they operated a dairy farm. They remained on the farm at Flasher until 1980, when they moved to New Salem. While in New Salem, Imogene worked as a cook for the Sunset Inn Restaurant. She gained recognition for her delicious Kneophla soup and pastries.

Gordon passed away on Nov. 26, 2001. Imogene continued to cook at the restaurant until she retired. She loved to cook, bake and entertain family and friends in her home with her delicious meals.

Imogene is survived by three sons, Gary of Society Hill, South Carolina, Dale (Becky) of New Salem, and Dwight (Lorie) of Mandan; her daughter, Trudy (Tom) Truax of Menoken; six grandchildren and their spouses, Chad (Tina) Pletan of Mandan, Casey (Monica) Pletan and Cody Pletan, all of New Salem, Kristin (Jory) Berge and Lisa and Steven Pletan, all of Mandan; two great-grandchildren, Seth and Nathan Pletan; two brothers, Ted (Shirley) Nelson of Seattle, Wash., and Bill (Phyllis) Nelson of Bismarck; six sisters-in-law, Joyce Peterson of Lombard, Ill., Marlys Vaagen of Taylor, Loretta (Tom) Hoversten of Lodi, Wis., Carol Pletan of Coon Rapids, Minn., Colleen Pletan of Winter Haven, Fla., Sharon Pletan of Seattle; two brothers-in-law, Ralph Pletan of Bismarck, and Donald (Jackie) Pletan of Plattesmouth, Neb.; special friends, Ruben “Bud” and Arlene Kovar; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Special thanks are extended to Bob and Marsha Beth and their family for their loving care.

Imogene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gordon; her son, Kevin; and an infant son and daughter.

Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan

Frances T. Urlacher

Frances T. Urlacher, 80, St. Anthony, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Jan. 20, 2010, at the Mandan Care Center Off Collins.

Mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, Jan. 23, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, St. Anthony, with Rev. Joshua Waltz as Celebrant and Rev. Gary Benz as Concelebrant. Burial was at St. Anthony Cemetery.

Frances was born Dec. 28, 1929, to Jack and Frances (Frederick) Benz. Having been born and raised in the New England area, being close to the land, Frances developed an appreciation for the beauty of nature and what it produced.

After her marriage to Peter on Nov. 6, 1950, in New England, they farmed in the area for several years, starting their family and later moving to St. Anthony, where they continued farming. Peter felt blessed to have married her saying, “She is the best woman ever put on this earth.” Frances was a person of strong faith with daily prayer and giving countless hours to her church. She was up to the challenge of all farm-related work wherever needed. Endless hours were spent in her garden, enjoying the outdoors with her flowers and listening to the sound of the birds. Her efforts in her garden brought forth a bountiful harvest of produce for canning.

In all, the highlight for her was her home and family. Her love and dedication to her family was evident in her pride in maintaining a clean home, baking and canning, which always meant great meals to enjoy with her family. Frances was most happy organizing large family events, yet not wanting to be the center of attention. In true Christian spirit, her love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was central in her life. Remembering each one of their birthdays, attending first communions, confirmations, graduations and weddings was her time given with joy. Her kind and soft spoken manner will be remembered and cherished by her friends, but most of all by her loving family.

Frances will forever be in the hearts of her husband of 59 years, Peter, St. Anthony; daughter, Patty (Randy) Berger, Mandan; sons, Dale (Linda), Aberdeen, S.D., Dennis (Linda), Duane (Beth), both of Mandan, and Doug (Joyce), St. Anthony; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Jeanette (Laudie) Veverka, Bismarck; brothers, John (Theresa), Dickinson, Henry (Marge), Mandan, and Bennie (Irene), New England.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Margie Peters; two infant sisters; brother, Adam; and sister-in-law, Veronica Benz.

Go to www.weigelfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook and view flower and tribute photos.