Kenneth Obritsch, 74, transferred peacefully to heaven on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Ken’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m., Monday, August 24, 2020 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Belfield with Fr. Shane Campbell as celebrant. Interment take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Military Honors provided by the Belfield American Legion William C. Blair Post 144. Visitation will be from on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary led by Victor Binstock and Richard Wandler at 6 p.m.
Ken was born on October 11, 1945 in North Fairfield to the late Louie and Anna (Hecker) Obritschkewitsch. Ken always said if it wasn’t for that last name he would have passed second grade the first time. He was the youngest of four children. He grew up in North Fairfield until his father passed away and the family moved to Belfield. Ken attended high school in Belfield. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1964 and served until 1966. He served in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged.
He met the love of his life Jeanie Binstock. They were married on October 11, 1969 (also his birthday conveniently) at St. Pius Catholic Church in Schefield. Four children were born from this union. Ken worked in the oilfields of North Dakota for 40 years before retiring. He also served as the mayor of Belfield for several years. Ken was a member of the American Legion Post 144 and the National Rifle Associaton. He was on the Board of Directors for ABLE. He attended St. Bernard Catholic Church. He enjoyed reloading bullets for his children and grandchildren, shooting, target practice, restoring his father’s tractor, spending time with family, and a good discussion over a cup of coffee.
Ken is survived by his lovely wife, Jeanie; children, Tait (Kayleen) Obritsch, Todd (Marilee) Obritsch, Wendy Obritsch and Kirk Obritsch; his grandchildren, Seth (Allison) Obritsch, Breann (Travis Heaton) Obritsch, Brayden (Morgan Nelson) Obritsch, and Dawson Obritsch; sisters, Viola Paluck and Beverly Redmond; and sister-in-law, Ruth Obritsch.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Russel Obritsch; brothers-in-law, Charlie Karsky, Patrick Redmond, and Willie Paluck and daughter-in-law, Shari Obritsch.
