Charissa Theurer

Charissa “Char” Mae Theurer, 53, of Wilton, North Dakota, passed away on October 11, 2025.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 PM, Friday, October 17, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. Family will greet guests one hour prior.

Char was born on May 26, 1972, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend whose creativity and warmth left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

On June 2, 2001, Char married the love of her life, James Theurer, and together they built a beautiful life surrounded by family, laughter, and love.

Char was an incredibly talented artist and entrepreneur. She poured her heart into her work—making jewelry, sewing, painting, sculpting, and drawing—and was entirely self-taught. Her creativity seemed endless, and she had the remarkable ability to learn and master anything she set her mind to. She was also known for her delicious baking, especially her famous apple pies and zucchini bread that her family adored.

She had a deep love for her family and especially cherished time spent with her grandchildren on the farm, whether they were baking, crafting, or playing outside. She loved gardening and caring for her flowers, and she found joy in all things Halloween. Char’s strength and work ethic were unmatched—she was always busy creating, helping, or spreading joy. Those who knew her will remember her as warm, loving, nurturing, funny, understanding, and compassionate. She made everyone feel heard, valued, and comfortable, and her bright spirit lit up every room she entered.

Char is survived by her husband of 24 years, James Theurer; parents, Wayne (Cathy) Petrick and Judy Petrick; her sister, Tara (Mark) Ahrendt; her children, Jenn (Brett) Steele, Kim (Michael Tackett) Larson, Ally (Austin) Knowlen, and Jackelyn (Zack Watson) Albrecht; and her grandchildren, Sienna (Sam) Schumacher, Bentlee, Crosby, Ava, Wilder, Zoey, and Lily. She also leaves behind her beloved dogs, Grace, Bella, and Kaiyah; grandpuppers—Cooper, Luca, Dozer, Mishka, and Daisy—and great grandpuppers—Lennox and Tito.

She was preceded in death by Beatrice Marquardt, Jim Petrick, Jim Theurer, Katherine Gomke, Keith Petrick, and her beloved dogs, Rippi, Jake, Mason, and Hank.

In her memory, photos and stories can be uploaded to be shared at the memorial service: Charissa's Tribute Video. Photos need to be uploaded before Thursday, October 16, by 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Char's GoFundMe page.

“Once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us… a fairytale.”