Dorlene Kaelberer

Dorlene Christina Kaelberer, 98, of New Salem, North Dakota, passed away at her home on 18 August 2025. She was born on the family farm on 3 April 1927 to Edward and Frieda Albrecht.

Dorlene was a beautiful woman who will be greatly missed. She navigated a world of immense change over the last 98 years. After growing up (and working) on a farm during the Depression, she overcame a serious illness and graduated from New Salem High School during World War II. She then spent several years working at the Quain and Ramsted Clinic in Bismarck before marrying Raymond Kaelberer on 3 September 1947. She moved to their farm south of New Salem and was a farm wife for the next 46 years and mother to four children. Dorlene was a long-time member of Bethel Church, singing in the choir and serving in all areas of church life. Beyond all the daily duties of a farm wife, her hobbies included crocheting, reading, playing cards, music, and completing thousands of crossword puzzles. One of her claims to fame is her homemade buns, of which it is estimated she made tens of thousands over the years. Up until her final days, she still regularly video conferenced with her children living in Minnesota, Maryland, California, and Florida.

She is survived by her son Ronald Kaelberer and wife Jaya, daughter Vicki Nagel, son Kevin Kaelberer and wife BJ Vinson, son Monte Kaelberer and wife Debra, and grandchildren Julie Kaelberer, Maya Kaelberer, Michele West, Douglas Nagel, Derek Kaelberer, and Devon Kaelberer.

Dorlene was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Frieda Albrecht, husband Raymond Kaelberer, sister Dorothy Neas, grandson Kori Kaelberer, and great-grandson Alex West.

A celebration of Dorlene’s life will be held in the Chapel at Elm Crest Manor in New Salem, North Dakota, at 2:30 pm on 23 August 2025. The family will receive friends from 1:30 pm until the time of the service. Memorials received will be donated to Elm Crest Manor.