Mike Riesinger, 89, Dickinson, died peacefully on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Mike’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 17, 2010 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Todd Kreitinger as Celebrant and Deacon Ron Keller assisting. Interment will take place on Monday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Military honors will be provided by the Dickinson Honors Team following the Mass. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., with Deacon Ron Keller presiding.
Mike was born near Lefor, on September 14, 1920, to Andrew and Katie (Staat) Riesinger. He grew up on a farm in Hettinger County. During his youth, he worked two terms in C.C.C. Camps, sending money home to support his family. He was also at N.J.A. Camp at Bismarck, working and going to school.
Mike entered the United States Army in 1942, and went overseas into combat in 1944 during the European Theatre. He was a Combat Infantryman in General Patton’s 3rd Army most of the war. His military decorations include: the Purple Heart for wounds received in action, Bronze Star for bravery, and many battle stars. Mike was very proud of his military record. Following his Honorable Discharge, he opened and managed the first nightclub/bar and bowling alley on the prairie, called “The Halfway” as it was located between Mott and Richardton.
Mike married Evelyn Kelsch on January 4, 1949 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, south of Richardton. They moved to Dickinson and Mike managed the Main Bar for many years, and then managed the American Legion for 12 years. Mike worked as a Foreman for Flint Engineering in the oil fields until his retirement in 1985.
Mike liked people and did many hours of volunteer work in the community. He was on the Legion Baseball board for close to 40 years. He was very active with Kris Kringals Korporals, as Chairman. He was the Coordinator of the Veteran’s van to V.A. Hospitals. Mike was also very involved in Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day programs. He was a life member of the D.A.V., and also of the V.F.W., serving three terms as Commander. Mike was a member of the American Legion, KC’s, Eagles, St. Anthony’s, Voiture 696-40-8-, honorary member of T.K.E. Fraternity, and Veteran’s representative for Joachim Museum. Mike worked many years for the Stark County Sheriff’s Department as a Reserve Deputy, and was also Chairman of Veteran’s Affairs at the Chamber of Commerce. Mike was an avid walker and led the walking program at DSU for many years.
Mike will be dearly missed by his wife, Evelyn; his 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, Summerville, S.C.; two great-grandchildren, Mara Jade and Roman Michael Armstrong; two brothers, Tony (Eileen) Riesinger and Pete (Elaine) Riesinger; two sisters, Eva (Hank) Krebs and Betty Dukhorn; and one sister-in-law, Rosemary Riesinger. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Richard, Joe, Fred, Leo and Frank; and one grandson, Cory David Stecher.
Dad…Thank you for helping us write your obituary.
