Evelyn Riesinger, 85, Dickinson, died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Evelyn’s Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, March 7, 2011 at 1:30 p.m., at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Todd Kreitinger as the celebrant. Inurnment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a rosary & vigil at 4 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service with Deacon Ron Keller presiding.
Evelyn Kelsch was born October 14, 1925 in Richardton to Peter and Margaret (Kilzer) Kelsch. She was raised on the family homestead and educated in country schools south of Richardton. She continued her education throughout the years, completing college courses.
Evelyn came a highly musical family. A typical scene in her home was she and her nine siblings singing in harmony around their reed organ. She was self taught on seven musical instruments. Her love of composing and singing music led to her becoming choir director and church organist at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church south of Richardton.
Evelyn had diverse interests. She was the first female softball pitcher on an all-male league. Evelyn was also a highly skilled hunter. She loved to sketch with colored pencils and watercolors. She loved to work in pastels. Evelyn was known for her fine needlework, embroidery and crocheting. Later in life, she became prolific at cross-stitch, creating beautiful works of art.
Evelyn married Mike Riesinger on January 4, 1949 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church. They farmed for a number of years and during that time Judith and Michael were born. They then moved to Dickinson, where their youngest, Sylvia was born. Evelyn was a stay-at-home mother for a number of years. During that time she designed and sold women’s hats. She also designed, sewed and sold highly desired Barbie Doll wardrobes, which were so popular at that time.
Her first job outside of the home was doing commercial flower arranging. She then began a 27 year career at Lindy Winky Bootery. Evelyn was a member of women’s and couple’s bowling leagues, sewing and book clubs. Evelyn loved her flower gardens and was an avid walker.
Evelyn had a great love of the theatre and the Arts. She was a member of the Community Concert Association. She was a lover of books and literary works. She was apt to quote significant lines and verse and sometimes entire poems that she had learned as a child and throughout her life.
Evelyn loved the Minnesota Twins, never missing her favorite players Kirby Puckett and then Torii Hunter. She loved doing crossword puzzles and thoroughly enjoyed her 10:15 a.m. mid morning tea and muffin sojourns. She had a passion for playing the organ and continued to do so until the end of her life.
Evelyn will be dearly missed by her three children, Judith Solfaro, New Windsor, N.Y., Michael “Mick” Riesinger, Dickinson, and Sylvia (Dave) Stecher, Cottage Grove, Minn.; grandchildren, Marisa (Jackson) Armstrong, Michael Riesinger both of Dickinson, and Kelsey (Matt) Roberts, Moncks Corner, S.C.; two great-grandchildren, Mara Jade and Roman Michael Armstrong; two sisters, Eleanor Summers and Marie Mayer; and sister-in-law, Lena Kelsch. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike on April 10, 2010; her parents; six sisters, Katherine, Anna, Bertha, Caroline, Emma and Agnes; one brother, Peter Kelsch; and one grandson, Cory David Stecher.
Mom’s greatest joys were, “Her Man, Mike”; her children, Jude, Mick and Sylver; her grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and Purp. …..(beep)
