Weigel Funeral and Cremation Service

02/26/2026

Some of our staff went and volunteered at the Spirit of Life Food Pantry today. Some of us packed lunches and some of us helped packed food boxes. Thank you to Spirit of Life for allowing us to come down and volunteer. We are excited to come back and serve our community again.

02/20/2026

Jacob Pertile

Jacob Pertile, 35, Bismarck, passed away on February 19, 2026, at Sanford Health, Bismarck, surrounded by his loving family following a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, Mandan. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Jacob was born on December 18, 1990, in Ashland, Wisconsin, to Donald John Castillo and Susan Irene Westeen. He was raised and educated in Ironwood, Michigan. At the age of 10, Jacob was baptized at the Assembly of God Church in Beecher, Wisconsin by Pastor James Kelly-- an important moment in his faith journey. Jacob graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 2009.

In 2013, Jacob moved to Bismarck, where he attended Bismarck State College. He built a successful career in the automotive industry and proudly served as the Sales Manager at Veracity Motors in Bismarck, where his strong work ethic, extensive knowledge, and personable nature left a lasting impression on coworkers and customers alike.

Jacob lived life with passion and enthusiasm. He enjoyed playing guitar and drums, four-wheeling, camping, ice fishing, building and driving RC cars, riding motorcycles, and selling cars. Above all, he cherished time spent with his beloved son, Bentlee, and with his family.

Jacob is lovingly remembered by his partner, Karlee Jo Wynstra; son, Bentlee Jacob Pertile; parents, Susan Westeen and Donald Castillo; stepfather, Robert Silva; and siblings, Katie Pertile, Taylor Silva, Carissa Castillo, Haley Hill, Grayce Hill, Kyle Hill, Robert Kerby, Tabatha Case, and Crissy Case.

Jacob was preceded in death by his grandparents, Norma and Bart Pertile and Francis and John Castillo; uncles, John Jr. Castillo and Paul Shwery; stepfather, Daniel Westeen; and great-aunt and uncle, Betty Ramme and Raymond Pertile.

Jacob will be remembered for his kind heart, adventurous spirit, love for his family, and the joy he brought to those who knew him. His memory will live on in the lives he touched and the love he shared.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jacob’s funeral fund. Donations can be made online at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jake-pertiles-fight-against-cancer.

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02/14/2026

Today may feel especially heavy as you remember someone you love. Please give yourself the space to honor their memory and to care for your own heart. Love continues to live on in those who carry it.

02/12/2026

Jack E. Kautzman

Jack Kautzman, 98, passed away February 11, 2026, at the Baptist Home, in Bismarck.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church in Mandan, with Rev. Keith Streifel honoring Jack’s long, full life. He will be laid to rest at the Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Monday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Weigel Funeral Home with a 7:00 PM rosary/prayer service.

Jack was born on October 20, 1927, to Ralph and Elizabeth (Hatzenbuhler) Kautzman. Raised in Center, ND, he grew up learning the value of hard work on the family farm alongside his siblings until he took a position at the Refinery in Mandan. Later he apprenticed and worked with Fred Koenig as an electrician and linemen. He worked alongside others to bring power to the rural areas in Morton County.

Jack was married to Lillian (Zander) on November 1, 1949. Together they purchased their first farm in St. Anthony, ND. There they started their family, having two daughters. Six years later, they purchased the Kolberg Farm at Fort Rice. The family grew with another daughter and their first son.

They family raised beef cattle and farmed small grains. Later, a dairy parlor was added.

Semi-retiring from the farm, Jack and Lillian moved to Mandan. The two of them partnered in many construction endeavors, building and renovating homes in Mandan and Bismarck. Jack’s last build was a house overlooking the Missouri River on Highway 1806 where they lived for several years before moving into Mandan.

Jack and Lillian loved dancing and meeting friends at the clubs. Polkas were his expertise. Often traveling a far for a polka contest. In the winter, the two of them escaped to Arizona.

After losing Lillian in 2016, Jack kept busy with small projects at his rentals, fishing with his uncles, and meeting his buddies at Burger King for coffee.

Jack will be missed by his daughters, Sandra (Wayne) Smith, Mandan, Colette (Dennis) Friedt, Gillette, Wyo., and Jackie (Gene) Geiger, Bismarck; son, Stacy (Rocelyn) Kautzman, Bismarck; 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Catherine Mosbrucker, Mandan and Elizabeth Goggins, Milwaukie, WI; brother, Ralph (Irene) Center, ND; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Lillian; his parents; brothers, John (Maggie) and Matthew (Jackie); and brother-in-law, Ben Mosbrucker.

A special thanks to the caring people at the Baptist Home, where Jack was always well taken care of.

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02/07/2026

VeraLyn Weber

VeraLyn Weber, age 70, of Mandan, passed away unexpectedly on February 7, 2026.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM at House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Bismarck. Public visitation will open one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM at the church. The memorial service will be live-streamed on House of Prayer church’s page: https://www.facebook.com/HouseofPrayerBismarck.

VeraLyn was born on September 24, 1955, to Matt and LaVerne (Gappert) Weber at Bismarck Hospital. She grew up in Killdeer with her siblings, Lane and LaRissa, before her family moved to Mandan during her fifth-grade year. She graduated from Mandan High School in 1973 and went on to work in various administrative roles, eventually finding her calling as an Administrative Assistant at House of Prayer Lutheran Church—a place she deeply cherished and where she made many meaningful friendships.

VeraLyn had a vibrant personality and a love for life’s simple joys. She enjoyed crocheting, camping, boating, shopping, and preparing her beloved German dishes, including fleischkuechle, cheese buttons, and strudels that family and friends eagerly looked forward to. She adored anything sparkly and took pride in her diamond jewelry, which perfectly reflected her bright and elegant spirit.

Above all else, VeraLyn’s greatest joy was her family—and her beloved dog, Ember, who was always by her side. She considered her children and grandchildren her proudest accomplishment and treasured every moment spent with them. Her laughter, warmth, and kindness filled every room she entered. One of her most cherished recent memories was celebrating her 70th birthday on a Caribbean cruise with her daughter, Shanda—a trip filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments.

VeraLyn is survived by her children, Derek Blotske (Brianna Linn), Shanda (Trevor) Heidt, Reid (Danielle) Roubal; grandchildren, Kaiden Matthew Heidt, Ryley Thomas Roubal, Brahnan Virgil Heidt, Knox Weston Roubal; siblings, Lane Weber, LaRissa (Pat) Klein; nieces and nephews, Erik Anderson, Aubrie (Tyler) Steinwand, Spenser Anderson, Jesse Weber, Lacee Weber; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and her beloved dog, Ember.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Matt and LaVerne (Gappert) Weber; daughter-in-law, Laura Blotske; and her dog, Dia Rose.

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02/05/2026

Bernice Hilfer

Bernice “Bun” Hilfer, 87, passed away unexpectedly in her home on February 4, 2026. Bernice was a lifelong resident of Mandan who loved her family, her community, the state of North Dakota, and her country. She is remembered fondly and missed dearly by all those who cherished her.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mandan, with Fr. Josh Waltz celebrating. Inurnment will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Bernice was born on May 16, 1938, to Ralph and Flora (Veitenheimer) Landeis in Mandan, North Dakota. In her youth, Bernice learned the value of hard work as she helped on the family farm northwest of Mandan, attended a small country school, and eventually graduated from Mandan High School in 1956.

Immediately following high school, in 1956, Bernice began working as an abstract typist and courthouse real estate records researcher for the North Dakota Guaranty & Title Company (now known as The Title Team), which had only recently opened its first office in Bismarck. Bernice would eventually choose to include the company’s original horse-and-rider logo on her headstone. Over a career spanning nearly 50 years, Bernice was instrumental in helping the company grow to be a regional leader in title services. She was appointed manager of the Mandan office in 1986 and was named vice president of the company in 1992, eventually retiring in 2004. Even in retirement, Bernice continued to stay busy because she deeply believed in the virtues of daily activity, work, and engagement. Bernice was deservedly proud of her business success, and her dedication is widely recognized and admired.

Bernice’s passion for her work was matched only by her love for the family she shared with her husband of 61 years, Art “Butch” Hilfer, whom she married on September 12, 1959. Art and Bernice worked hard while raising three sons, and they took joy in their role as grandparents. Butch and Bun were also enthusiastic travelers. While the couple was well-known to make the long drive from Mandan to Las Vegas (sometimes several times a year), they also toured the rest of their beloved country and often visited friends and family living in different states. Bernice frequently recounted their visit to the World Trade Center and tours of several presidential libraries, as well as her appreciation for the splendor of America’s natural wonders and landscapes.

Bernice was a strong and loving wife, mother, and grandmother; she was also fiercely independent and wholly unique. Her sharp mind, curiosity, and drive were obvious to all who knew her. She loved to read and learn, and she was an avid collector of books and artifacts—especially biographies and family history. She also took great satisfaction in cooking meals and treats for her family. Her care, thoughtfulness, and style were consistently remarkable.

Blessed to have shared in Bernice's life are three sons, Wynn (Belinda), John, and Don (Nadine); 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, Bill (Jessie) Hilfer and their sons, Kaden, Ryan, and Liam; Jenna (Zach) Kelsch and their daughter, Arya; Christopher Hilfer and his son, Gavin; Stephen Hilfer (Patrick Moises); Kimber Hilfer; Katey (Matthew) Enriquez and their daughter, Estelle; Austin Hilfer; Megan (Justin) Hanson and their son, Hayes; and Haley Hilfer; one brother, Herman and Mary Landeis; and many nieces and nephews.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Art “Butch” Hilfer; sister, Isabelle Landeis-Mack; and brothers and sisters-in-law, William (Rose) Landeis and Edwin (Gloria) Landeis.

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02/02/2026

February is National Cancer Prevention Month—a time to focus on early detection, healthy choices, and supporting those impacted by cancer. Let’s work together to raise awareness and build a healthier future.

02/01/2026

Throughout February, we observe Black History Month by reflecting on the remarkable contributions, perseverance, and leadership of Black individuals throughout history and today.

01/30/2026

Reynard Schmidt

Reynard Schmidt, 82, Center, passed away January 29, 2026, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, Bismarck.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at St. Martin Catholic Church, Center, with Fr. Patrick Cunningham celebrating. Burial will be at Yucca Cemetery in rural Center.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Parish Rosary & Vigil at 7 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Reynard Charles Schmidt was born March 16, 1943, in Mandan to George and Rose (Geiger) Schmidt. He grew up on the family farm 12 miles east of Center. Reynard attended nearby Steffenson Country School and Center High School, graduating in 1960. On June 1, 1968, he married Joletta Rebenitsch at Christ the King Catholic Church in Mandan. They were blessed with 57 years together and six children.

Farming and ranching were Reynard’s life. He spent many years milking cows, raising beef cattle, and enjoyed planting and harvesting crops. He was very fond of cows and horses, especially his last team, Duke and Dinah. Reynard served on the Oliver County Farmers Union Board, Farmers Union Oil Board in Washburn, Oliver County Commission, and the St. Martin’s Catholic Church council.

In retirement, he was still very involved in the farm and ranch. In the winter months, there were numerous neighborhood card clubs, square dancing events, and grandchildren’s activities to keep him busy, as well as the annual trip to somewhere warmer.

Blessed to have shared in his life is his wife, Joletta Schmidt; 6 children, Rob (Donna), Rick (Renae), Ron (DeAnn), Ryan, Randy, and Ronda (Chris) Schauer; 16 grandchildren, Kaylene (Dalton), Justin (Jennifer), Rebecca (Jess), Reanna, Rachel, Reagan, Jess, Kaylee, Kyle, Camden, Logan, Kaden (fiancée Brenna), Katy, Kelly, Kayla, and Kortney; 5 great grandchildren, Chloe, Aiden, Blakey, Wyatt, and Lainey; his sisters, Vivian Erhardt and Clem Meyer; sister-in-law, Darlene Rebenitsch; and brothers, Freemont (Pam) Lee and Robin (Lola) Lee.

Reynard was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, Joe and Ann Rebenitsch, sister, Eileen Gratz; brothers-in-law, Connie Erhardt, David Gratz, Norman Meyer, and Gerald Rebenitsch.

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01/28/2026

Elizabeth Schaner

Elizabeth “Betty” Schaner, 98, formerly of Center, passed away January 27, 2026, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in Bismarck.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, February 2, 2026, at St. Martin Catholic Church in Center with Fr. Patrick Cunningham celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Martin Cemetery in Center.

Visitation will be held from 3-5 PM on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan with a Knights of Columbus Rosary and Parish Vigil at 5 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Elizabeth was born January 5, 1928, the daughter of Kasper and Barbara (Heck) Barth. Raised and educated in Center, she attended Center Consolidated School. Elizabeth later received her GED in 1988.

Elizabeth met Alfred Schaner while both sang in the St. Martins Church choir. The two were married on October 28, 1946. They farmed and ranched on the Schaner family farm. Elizabeth worked as a cook at the 4-H Camp in Washburn for a few years and later as a Home Health Aide in Center for 18 years. She eventually retired to spend time with Alfred, and together they traveled throughout the US.

Elizabeth enjoyed gardening, flowers, and her chickens, and was a member of several card clubs. She loved the outdoors--especially fishing--and volunteered with the ND Game & Fish for many years. Elizabeth was a member of the Merry Mixers Homemakers Club and was the longest-standing member. She was instrumental in initiating the effort to place a monument for Hazel Miner. Along with the Merry Mixers, they raised donations and the stone was dedicated in 1995.

Blessed to have shared in her life are her 8 children, Gary (Leona) Schaner, Dennis (Patti) Schaner, Jeanette (Robert) Thomas, Alfred (Connie) Schaner, Renee (Dennis) Price, Donna (Rick) Roemmich, Marlys (Mark) Weichel, and Wayne Schaner; 21 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and her sister, Katherine Schmidt.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; two children, Arnold and Karen; grandchildren, Loren and Kyle; and brothers, Jack and Ottmar.

The family wishes to thank the Second Floor staff of Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center for their amazing care given to Elizabeth.

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01/23/2026

JoAnn "Jo/Jan" Stork

JoAnn Stork, 82, of Mandan, passed away January 22, 2026, in a Bismarck hospital.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, January 30, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Mandan with Pastor Phil Leer officiating and honors by the North Dakota Nurse Honor Guard. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Just like pieces of material that are collected for quilts… Jo Stork collected those pieces her whole life to make memories.

JoAnn was the third born to J. Herbert and Eldora (Peterson) Johnson on the farm in Eagle Bend, Minnesota. She grew up with four brothers and one sister--Howard, Reynard, Lindy, Butch, and Beverly. Her family attended a country church where Jo was baptized and confirmed. She attended a small country school with less than 40 students and kept in touch with her classmates throughout her life.

Jo graduated from Eagle Bend Public High School in 1961, and went on to attend Abbott School of Nursing, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During her 50-year nursing career at Mandan Hospital, MedCenter One, and Sanford, Jo made many lifelong friends. She was honored to receive a certificate from the State of North Dakota acknowledging her 50 years of service in nursing.

Jo met the love of life at a barn dance while in college. She married Mervin Stork in 1964, and they had three children. Mervin worked at the Mandan Research Center for 27 years and owned his own business, Stork’s Blading, for 15 years. They were married for 61 years.

Throughout her life, Jo was known to be an adventurer--always ready to travel and learn something new. She could sew, quilt, embroider, mend, crochet, garden, can foods & jams, and bake, including her award-winning apple pie. She loved fishing, was a master-level UNO player, loved cards & board games, supported NDSU football, adored dogs, and counted the 4th of July as her favorite holiday.

Jo had a deep passion for volunteering & giving back to her community. She served on the Mandan Eagles Auxiliary and as President of the Sanford on Sunset Auxiliary Gift Shop, where she not only volunteered but also created many of the handmade items sold there. She was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed quilting, volunteering with LAF, and helping with baking and kitchen duties for many years.

With all quilts, you have to have a pattern, material, and thread. This makes up her 3 children.

Brian Stork who lived most of his life in CA, worked for the Navy for 35 years, is now retired, and living in Mandan. Brad Stork lives in Bismarck with his wife, Becky. Brad is a Nurse Practitioner and Becky is an RN. They have two daughters who are all grown up. Sydney, an RN & her husband, Cole Schaff, a truck driver, live in Mandan and have 2 children (Beau & Scarlett, the GREAT GRANDKIDS). Lakyn, a radiology technologist, lives and works in Hazen. In the summer, you could find Jo, supporting Lakyn at softball games. Jo loved her granddaughters to the moon & back. Barbara (Stork) Schober is retired and lives with her husband, Ryan, in Maryland.

Jo’s sister and best friend, Beverly Teigland, lives in Arkansas and was blessed to spend Jo’s final month by her side. The family will always cherish how the two giggled together like little girls whenever they were reunited.

Jo will be fondly remembered for saying: “I got it,” “I’m ok,” “Wanna see my latest quilt?” and “You wearing that?”—usually right before you headed out the door.

And as with all good quilts, the final step is attaching a label.

Jo Stork’s quilt label would read:

Never be afraid to try anything.

Hand pieced always.

Made with love.

🕯️We will miss her as a friend, wife, mom, mother-in-law, sister, grandma, great grandma, aunt, and cousin.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Reynard.

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