I, Shari May (Steier) Obritsch, 36, died peacefully at my home on Friday, May 11, 2018, surrounded by my husband, Kirk, and two faithful dogs, Rutledge and Raegyn. Shari’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 18, 2018 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Belfield, with Fr. William Ruelle as the celebrant. Committal rites will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. CT at the Church of St. Anne’s, Bismarck, with a rosary & vigil at 6 p.m. CT. Visitation will continue on Thursday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday one hour prior to services.
I was born on July 8, 1981, to Fred and Geneva (Reisenauer) Steier. As you may know, I was the youngest of 14 children, so being able to do something first was not an easy feat for me; however, with the exception of my father, Fred, “I was finally given my first opportunity to go first.”
Growing up on the family farm near Schefield (St. Pius), I developed a love for FFA. I participated in FFA all throughout high school and won two “Baby Bison,” which I am very proud of as it was something my brothers were not able to accomplish. Through this beloved activity I met my high school sweetheart and future husband, Kirk Obritsch, and we started dating on March 7, 1998. After high school, Kirk and I stayed together in a long-distance relationship while Kirk was away at school in Wahpeton. We successfully completed the long-distance portion of our relationship and were married on June 19, 2004.
Kirk and I loved to get the camper and boat out as much as possible, which has been difficult the past two years. We enjoyed camping and fishing with our two havanese puppies, Rutledge and Raegyn. We loved taking the dogs out on the boat fishing and pulling our nieces and nephews on tube rides.
Another hobby of ours was tending to our amazing garden, in which Kirk and I took much pride. We enjoyed canning, pickling, salsa making, and trying new recipes to cook fresh meals. Kirk and I loved to share our bountiful garden with family and friends through giving away fresh produce and tasty salsa. We also found much joy in befriending our neighbors and doing many fun things with them over the years.
Before my cancer made it impossible, I loved to help people by working as a nurse. I greatly cherish my time working as a nurse and all the wonderful relationships I made along the way. My favorite part of nursing was taking care of heart-bypass patients.
On March 14, 2011, Fred left behind an amazing family and wife of 51 years, who were all my biggest supporters in life. I am survived by my mother, Geneva, and my brother, Gary (Brenda) Steier (Kaye [Noah Fischer], Nicole [Nick Clark], Amy, Michael [Sara]); sister, Linda (Dennis) Meyer (Cassandra [Ryan Ursu], Janessa [Laton Lohmann], Linnea); sister, Cindy (Rod) Steiner (Alyssa, Brendin [Katelyn], Colton); brother, Dion Steier; sister, Ramona (Dean) Kovash (Mitchell [Naomi], Dillan); sister, Viola (Rod) Rudolph; sister, Dina (friend, James Conner) Steier; sister, Crissy (Ken) Wolf (Ashlee, Toby); sister, Tammy (Warren) Stang; brother, Jim (Audrey) Steier (Alex; Emalyn, Jamesyn); brother, Bert (Daphne) Steier (Emma, Kendall); brother, Chet (Ruth) Steier (Avia, Nora, Hugh, Beau); and brother, Brad (Nola) Steier (Eva, Brady, Eli), and 13 great-nieces and nephews. I am also survived by my wonderful in-laws Ken and Jeanie Obritsch and their children Todd and Marilee Obritsch (Dawson); Tait and Kayleen Obritsch (Seth, Breann, Brayden); Wendy Obritsch, resident of Able Homes. I was preceded in death by my father Fred, Grandparents John and Rose Steier, and Louis and Eva Reisenauer. Kirk and I both have large, supportive families whom I love very much. I cannot express enough gratitude for the unwavering support each person gave Kirk and me during my cancer journey.
