Elizabeth Kambeitz

Elizabeth Kambeitz, 96, died peacefully at home, in her daughter's arms in Bismarck, on January 16, 2011. Since the death of her husband in November of 1993, Elizabeth lived with Mike and Sandy Kienzle's family in Bismarck when not on her farm south of Napoleon. Mass of Christian burial will be held at noon, Thursday, Jan. 20, at Church of Saint Anne, Bismarck with the Rev. Edwin Wehner officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck, where a vigil/rosary will begin at 7 p.m. Elizabeth was born on October 13, 1914, the seventh of ten children born to Raphael and Marianna Feist Gross in rural Napoleon. She grew up on the family farm in the area of the St. Anthony church, south of Napoleon and attended school in the Hills District. In her youth and into early adulthood she worked on the family farm and worked many summers for other families, assisting them with childcare and chores. As a young adult, she spent time in Mount Angel, Oregon, working as a nanny. However, she was enticed back to North Dakota by her boyfriend, Wendell Kambeitz, whom she married on October 8, 1940. The couple lived on the farm Wendell purchased from his father, Paul. Elizabeth was an active member of St. Philip Neri Church, the Christian Mothers Altar Society, and Catholic Daughters. She was generous to a fault, giving to many charities and worthy causes, faithfully sending them money month after month throughout her adult life. In the early years of their marriage she and Wendell provided foster care for delinquent boys, offering them a home where they were given trust, hope, purpose, respect, and love. As a homemaker, she excelled at making guests and family comfortable with wonderful meals and warm, lively conversation. Elizabeth and Wendell entertained an endless parade of visiting children on the farm because they simply loved young people. They believed in listening to kids and teens for their insight and innocent wisdom. Elizabeth is survived by eight children, Thomas Pat Kambeitz, Bismarck, Mary Ann Paul Daly, Valentines, VA, Philip Clara Kambeitz, Bismarck, KennethFelisa Kambeitz, Santa Fe, NM, Elizabeth Dennis Kost, Washburn, Lucia Rich Gray, Prairieville, LA, Sandra Mike Kienzle, Bismarck, Cynthia Allan Sveund Kambeitz, Bismarck; fourteen grandchildren, Karen Gayton, Tom M Kambeitz, Mike Kambeitz, Chris Daly, Paul M Daly, Ann Cassetta, Jim Kambeitz, Rob Kost, Cliff Gulibert, Steven Gray, Brad Berlin, Laura Goebel, Neil Kienzle, and Neily Kambeitz; twenty-one great grandchildren; two brothers, Leo Gross of Napoleon and Matt Gross of Bismarck; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wendell on November 21, 1993; her daughter, Margaret Mary; her brothers, Anton, Alois, and Raphael; and her sisters Philipine Gross, Margaret Mitzel, Rose Piatz, and Bertha Kambeitz. Because of her strong belief in the value of Catholic education, memorials might be given to Saint Anne School and St. Mary's Central High School Circle of Saints.

Elizabeth Kambeitz

October 13, 1914 - January 16, 2011