Elsie Neibauer

Elsie C. Neibauer, 85, Mandan, went to be with her Father in Heaven on Nov. 19, 2012, at home, surrounded by her family. Though she will be dearly missed, she is now at peace. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan, with the Rev. Chad Gion as celebrant. Burial will be at the Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a parish rosary/vigil at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Elsie was born on June 25, 1927, shortly after her twin brother Edward, to John and Ludmilla (Belohlavek) Charvat, on a farm south of Mandan. She was raised and educated in Morton County and graduated from Mandan High School. Elsie met her husband, John, through family and they were married Nov. 12, 1946. John and Elsie farmed in Huff until 1962 and then in Almont until 1973. Not only did they raise their 12 children while farming but they also took care of several close friends and relatives that lived with them. They gave up farming and moved to Mandan in 1973. She continued to work as a cook, which she did for the Seven Seas and the Mandan Villa. She also did cleaning of homes and laundry for others. Later, she and John moved south of Washburn, living along the river. This was convenient for them to enjoy fishing, hoping to catch the "big one." They also raised chickens, turkeys (30-50 lbs), geese and a large vegetable garden. After Washburn they moved to Center and because of Elsie's health issues they moved back to Mandan.

Elsie was a woman of generosity and hospitality, giving many hours of her time to her family and extended family preparing large meals using her own canned goods. These meals always presented with the special touch and the love of her family. She did find some time to relax and enjoy doing crossword puzzles, word searches, reading, fishing and listening to music, her favorite being Dean Martin and Charlie Pride. After walking many miles in her life, Elsie decided it was time to get her driver's license. It was a high point then to drive to George's Bakery, the Library, Ben Franklin and the basketball games.

Elsie will be deeply missed by her husband of 66 years, John; her daughters, Marilyn (Gary) Bahr, Popkerville, Ky., JoAnn (Ron) Hinson, Washburn, Donna (Ernie) Groth, Mandan, and Sandy (Fiance Curt Prellwitz) Allen, Sherry (Dale) Helbling, and Lisa (Shannon) Kost, all of Bismarck; her sons, Ron, Mandan, Richard (Elaine), Stanton, John (Cris), Lincoln, and Doug (Viv), Gary (Janice), and Terry, all of Bismarck; 31 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Helen (Mike) Knoll, and Marie (Leo) Bauer, Mandan; and sister-in-law, Elda Charvat, Mandan.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Rose (Frank) Jerabek; her brothers, John, Walter and Ed (Beatrice); and an infant son, Walter.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to St. Alexius Hospice and North Dakota Talking Books Library.

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