Pauline Stradinger, 85, passed away the morning of December 24, 2012 after a short stay at St. Benedict’s Health Center in Dickinson. She felt her passing was near and left a letter and her obituary for her son Dennis to carry her words forward. Pauline’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, December 31, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Keith Streifel as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a rosary & vigil at 3 p.m., with Deacon Dallas Carlson presiding.

Pauline Frances Steckler was born June 2, 1927 in Dickinson to Martin and Rose (Miller) Steckler. She was raised and educated in Dickinson, attending St. Joseph’s Parochial School through the Eighth Grade and attended Dickinson Model High School for two years.

Pauline was a waitress at the Villard Hotel and Café for 1 ½ years. Pauline married Robert C. Stradinger on March 3, 1945 in Wibaux, Mont. They lived in Dickinson, where they had their marriage blessed by Monsignor George P. Aberle at St. Joseph’s Church. Together they raised two sons.

Pauline enjoyed fishing with the family as the boys were growing up. She loved to dance, especially doing the polka with Bob. She also loved to listen to Daniel O’Donnell, country music and old time music, especially The Big Joe Polka Show on Saturday nights. She was also an avid reader.

She is survived by her sons, Gerald Edward (Mary) Stradinger of Red Wing, Minn., and Dennis Duane (Janell) Stradinger of Dickinson. Also surviving her are her grandchildren, Wayde Olsson of Dickinson from Gerald’s first marriage, Christa Sue and Douglas Robert Stradinger, both of Fargo; two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews; step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

Pauline is preceded in death by her husband Robert, her parents, Martin and Rose Steckler, one sister, Florence Boehrnsen and her husband Erwin, one brother Edward Steckler and his wife Doris and their daughter Roberta Alice Steckler. A grandson Wayne Gerald Stradinger preceded her in death.

Dearest Mom, we won’t ever forget you, we will love you for eternity. You had a tough job raising two boys while Bob’s job kept him out of town a lot. You did a wonderful job and for that we are very grateful, thank you.