Rufina Stegmiller, 95, New Hradec died Friday, June 5, 2026 at Benedictine Living Community, Dickinson. Rufina’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, New Hradec with Fr. Shane Campbell as the celebrant. Interment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Rosary and Vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Bob Nickola as presider. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Thursday.
Rufina Koch was born May 4, 1931 on the family farm near Shields, North Dakota, the daughter of Louis and Aurora (Ternes) Koch. She was raised and educated in the Shields area.
Rufina was united in marriage to Leo J. Stegmiller in 1960. They took over the family farm where they raised their four boys. They lived on the farm for 52 years before moving to New Hradec.
She enjoyed dancing Polkas and Waltzes with Leo and her family. Rufina was an avid gardener with her final gardening season in 2025. Cooking, baking, canning, and needlework were some of her favorite things to do. She was well known for her strong work ethic. Rufina loved family gatherings, especially spending time with her grandchildren.
Rufina is survived by her sons, James, Dickinson, Anton, Mandan, Nick, New Hradec, and Bill (Brenda Rogness), Dickinson; grandchildren, Melissa (Ricky) Bean, Cassie (Dustin Kohler) Stegmiller, Candice (Caleb) Burgard, Shane (Marlene) Stegmiller, Sierra (Brett Biel) Stegmiller, Matthew (Eden Holzer) Stegmiller, and Marshall Stegmiller; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Angelita Schafer, Maggie Deichert, Daisey Hindrick, Peggy Weber, Cecilia Gustan, and Richard Koch; in-laws, Jeanette Koch, Darlene Koch, and Maggie Koch; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo J. Stegmiller, June 20, 2018; her parents; siblings, Lawrence, Nicholas, Latvina, Fanny, Pauline, Genie, Blase, Latvina, Louie, Agnes, Steve, Pius, and MaryLou.
