James Barth

James Barth, age 49, died Jan. 27, 2010, at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck. Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan. Burial was in Mandan Union Cemetery.

James was born on Nov. 20, 1960, at Mandan, the son of Jacob and Eva (Storick) Barth. Raised and educated in Mandan, he worked for many years as a general merchandiser at Bill’s Super Valu.

Jim was an accomplished bowler and golfer. Tennis, fishing and darts were also favorite pastimes. He was a loyal Minnesota Viking fan, whether they had a winning or losing season. Time spent with the grandchildren in his family was special to Jim and he also enjoyed his canine companion, Matty.

Jim is survived by his longtime companion and special friend, Rita Pudwill; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Jackie and Duane Heinert, Debbie and Brad Hertz and Norleen and Leon Conitz, all of Mandan; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob and Karen Barth of Topeka, Kansas and Dave and Roz Barth of Mandan; his uncle, Adam Storick of Mandan; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; Rita’s children, Adrian (Rosann) Pudwill, Ragan Johnson, J.T. (Stacy) Pudwill, Kara Pudwill and their families; his best friends, Roger, Doyle and Kevin; and many other dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Gloria Schmidt; his niece and great nephew, Kelly and Logan Conitz; his great-nephew, Adam Atkinson; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Carol Ciavarella

Carol Ciavarella, 66, Mandan, died unexpectedly on Jan. 26, 2010, at Medcenter One Hospital, Bismarck.

Mass of Christian burial was held on Friday, Jan. 29, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan, with Rev. Patrick Schumacher as celebrant. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. 

Carol was born Jan. 4, 1944, in Sioux Falls, S.D., to Nick and Monica (Helbling) Zueger. She graduated from Mandan High School in 1962. On Sept. 15, 1962, Carol married Roger Birkholz. They shared 40 years together. Roger died on April 16, 2003. Carol married Joe Ciavarella on May 29, 2004. A talented woman, she enjoyed cooking and baking, crafts, quilting, traveling and most of all, spending time with her daughter, Shanna, and her family. Carols greatest joy was gifting others with her handmade treasures, be it quilts, baked goods or beautiful crafts. Carol was active in Catholic Daughters, St. Joseph Circle, and as a Eucharistic Minister.

Blessed to have shared her life is her husband, Joe, Mandan; daughter, Shanna (Eric) Vasquez; five grandchildren, Karsten, Cooper, Easton, Peyton, and Tessa, all of Queen Creek, Ariz.; her parents, Nick and Monica Zueger; three brothers, Roger (Pat) Zueger, Mandan, Ken Zueger, Savannah, Ga., and Mel Zueger, Queen Creek; sister, Phyllis (Jim) Benz, Mandan; one stepdaughter and three stepsons; the entire Birkholz family; and numerous special friends from her many travels around the U.S.

Carol was preceded in death by her first husband, Roger Birkholz; an infant son; sister-in-law, Melanie Zueger; nephew, Brad Birkholz; and great nephew, Michael Zueger.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Trust Fund or the N.D. Veterans Cemetery.

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

Greg Doll

Greg Doll, 52, Mandan, died Jan. 28, 2010, at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

A funeral service was held on Monday, Feb. 1, at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Mike Horn officiating. Cremation took place following the service.

Greg was born June 11, 1957, in Fargo. He was raised by loving parents, Ed and Leona (Huck) Doll. Greg graduated from high school and was a union welder, helping to construct power plants. He also enjoyed being a card dealer at the casino. On Nov. 17, 1989, Greg married Emma Goodhouse in Bismarck.

Greg was always very proud of his Lakota heritage and this led him to find his birth family. Greg was given the traditional Lakota name, Kudepi, meaning “The Hunter.” This name was very fitting to him. Being raised on a farm, Greg developed a passion for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Also riding his Harley brought Greg great happiness. An avid football fan, Greg liked the Raiders and their black and silver colors. Greg loved his family and spending time together was very important to him. This great man will be missed by those blessed to have shared his life.

Left with fond memories is his wife, Emma Goodhouse-Doll, Mandan; two daughters, Willow and Holly Doll, Mandan; four sons, Dakota (Casey) Goodhouse, Mandan, Teyna (Kussete) Goodhouse, San Diego, Calif., Misun Rasmussen and Jeremiah Harrison, both of Bismarck; four grandchildren who called him “La La,” the traditional Lakota affectionate name for Grandfather, Christian, Isaiah, and Elijah Goodhouse and Kiera Knight; his parents, Ed and Leona Doll, Hannover; sister, Virginia (Allen) Decota, Bismarck; brother, Bobby Doll, Hannover; and his birth family, two sisters, Margaret Eagle, S.D., Janice (Aubrey) Two Hearts, Wakpala, S.D.; and brothers Anthony (Redina) Eagle and Ben Melette Jr., both of Wakpala, Reuben Murphy, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and a very large extended family.

Greg was preceded in death by his birth parents, Joanne Eagle and Ben Melette Sr.; and a brother and sister, Duane and Jewel Eagle.

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

Betty L. Kuntz

Betty L. Kuntz, 52, Bismarck, died Jan. 28, 2010, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

A funeral service was held on Monday, Feb. 1, at Faith Lutheran Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Wes Aardahl officiating. Burial was at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Betty was born March 12, 1957, in Morton County to Walter and Mary (Neibauer) Charvat. On July 21, 1984, she married Adam Kuntz in Mandan. Betty worked with her sister-in-law at Becky’s Cleaning Services. She was also a nurse’s aide and a licensed beautician.

Very outgoing, Betty was motivated and always determined to get things done. Betty had many friends and loved to visit and spend time with those she cared about. A creative cook, she enjoyed cooking and baking, often testing or creating new recipes. Family was the most important thing to Betty and her grandchildren were a highlight in her life. Self described as a mid-life crisis, Adam and Betty bought a motorcycle and loved the spontaneity it gave them. They were always ready to ride. Betty will forever be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother; she will be dearly missed by those who loved her.

Blessed to have shared her life is her husband, Adam Kuntz, Bismarck; two daughters, Linda (Wes) Sprenger, Bismarck and Jessica Whisler (special friend, Austin Koch), Mandan; son, Adam Jr. (Erin) Kuntz, Mandan; seven grandchildren, Katelyn and Jasmin Sprenger, Jonathan, Lane, McKayla and Elizabeth Whisler, and Logan Kuntz; sister, Gloria (Glenn) Heidinger, Bismarck; stepsister, Darla Huesby, Mandan; mother-in-law, Tillie Kuntz, Mandan; brothers-in-law, George (Jessica) Kuntz and LeRoy Kuntz; sister-in-law, Becky Charvat, Mandan; numerous nieces and nephews, and special friends, Bob and Sherryl Lee.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Ralph and Dennis Charvat; and father-in-law, Phillip Kuntz.

When Betty began her journey to heaven, Adam held her in his arms, and all her family was present as she passed. Thank you Jesus.

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

Virginia Reichman

Virginia Reichman, 77, Mandan, died Jan. 30, 2010, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at First Presbyterian Church, Mandan, with Rev. Deanna Reikow officiating. Cremation took place following the service and burial was at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Virginia was born Sept. 21, 1932, in Wordon, Mont., to William and Marie (Balzer) Baum.  She graduated from Huntley Project High School. On Oct. 26, 1952, she married George Reichman in Wordon, Mont. In 1955 she and George moved to Mandan, where they shared their lives, raised their family and made many friends.

Virginia was one who would easily meet people, enjoyed visiting and always wanted to learn about people. She had a keen interest in other cultures as she and George would travel around the world and was more than happy to share their experiences. Virginia was always a gracious host, in her element when entertaining friends. She prepared six course gourmet meals, served on her finest china, everything done with elegance, and a floral centerpiece to match. She remembered people’s favorite dishes and would naturally prepare that special dish for them. Her artistic flair was evident in her passion for ceramics, having owned her own shop, “Ginny’s Genies,” for 15 years. She shared her talents, giving classes in ceramics and was most proud to see a student excel in class. Virginia also made wedding cakes specially designed as requested by the lucky couple.

Virginia was a generous person, giving her time to her church wherever needed, and also belonging to groups related to church ministry. Virginia was a Sunday school teacher, and also served as an elder and treasurer. She was active in Presbyterian Womens Club, National Older Adult Ministry, PEO, Delphian Book Club, American Diabetes Association, Zonta International and a Trustee for the Mandan Public Library. She continued her interests by gathering uniforms and memorabilia for the Mandan Historical Society. After owning her own ceramic shop she worked as an assistant clerk of Court for Morton County for 10 years and for a short time at the North Dakota Department of Education.

In all of this, whether for community, church or her most beloved of all, her family, it was Virginia’s gracious, elegant and gentile way that we all loved and will cherish.

Blessed to have shared her life is her husband of 57 years, George Reichman, Mandan; daughter, Alice M. (Lee) Johnson, Mandan; son, Lawrence “Larry” (Gloria) Reichman, Warner Robins, Ga.; five grandchildren, Heather (David) Barb, Heidi (Jason) Griffin, Maggie and Bill Schafer, and Mathew Johnson; one great-grandchild, Parker Barb; one brother, Gerald (Connie) Baum, Billings, Mont.; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the American Diabetes Association or First Presbyterian Church of Mandan.

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

David L. Vaughn

David L. Vaughn died on Jan. 23, 2010, at the age of 67 in Tempe, Ariz., at Friendship Village Hospice. He died peacefully surrounded by his family after a courageous 15-month battle with esophageal cancer.

Mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, Jan. 30, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan, with Bishop Paul A. Zipfel as celebrant and Rev. Chad Gion as concelebrant and homilist. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bismarck. 

David was born Nov. 17, 1942, in Okmulgee, Okla., to Roy Bedford and Van Lee (Ransom) Vaughn. He grew up in Tulsa, Okla., and attended Oklahoma State University. Moving to the San Francisco area, he was employed at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory and continued his college education at Berkley. In 1967 David moved to Phoenix, Ariz., and worked at Tally Industries as a production engineer. 

David met and married the love of his life, Diane Weigel, in Phoenix, in 1971. In 1972 he started Vaughn Drywall Company and moved to Bismarck, where he continued his business. Two of the defining moments in life were the birth of his daughters, Nicole and Adrienne. After three years of diaconate formation, David was ordained a permanent deacon in 1988 for the Catholic Church. He continued his education at the University of Mary and received a degree in religious studies and obtained a master’s degree in theology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. He taught religion at St. Mary’s Central High School and became a Pastoral Associate at Spirit of Life Church in Mandan, where he was employed for 14 years. In 2001 he became the Chaplain of North Dakota State Penitentiary and retired in the fall of 2009. David loved his ministry at Spirit of Life Church and NDSP. He was a faithful servant of God and passionately preached the Good News of Jesus. He also enjoyed officiating at marriage and baptisms.

David lived life to the fullest. In his early years he enjoyed waterskiing, running, scuba diving and had his pilot’s license by the age of 17. In recent years he loved playing the game of golf and watching sports. He also loved being with people and having good conversation.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Diane Vaughn (Weigel); two daughters, Nicole Vaughn and Adrienne Vaughn (fiancé, Corey Brunsvold), both of Minneapolis, Minn.; his mother, Van Lee Vaughn, Scottsdale, Ariz.; mother-in-law, Clara Weigel, Bismarck; brother, Charles (Paula) Hissom, and their daughters, Jamie, Stacey, and Kelly, Spokane, Wash.; and several brothers and sisters-in-law as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his father, Roy Bedford Vaughn; and his father-in-law, Andrew A. Weigel.

The Vaughn family would like to thank everyone who emailed messages and sent heartfelt cards; but especially appreciated the prayers during these months. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to support the CaringBridge website at www.caringbridge.org or the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

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