John Stiefel

John Stiefel, 63, passed away on March 26, 2009, after a short battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 1:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bismarck with Rev. Steve Sathre officiating. Burial will be held at the ND Veteran’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 – 9:00 PM and Wednesday from 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. There will be no visitation at the church. John was born to Herbert and Frieda Ellwein Stiefel on September 11, 1945, in Hazen, ND. John graduated from Cando High School. He enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam with the 9th Infantry Division out of Junction City, KS. He married Marcia Thrall Boyer at Trinity Lutheran Church on October 24, 1981. John worked as a meat cutter for several years and then for Robert James Real Estate. He then worked with his long-time friend, Rocky, for Rocky Gordon and Co. John shared his love of ice fishing with his friends, whether the fish were biting or not. From early spring to late fall, you would find John setting up his weekend home down at General Sibley Park. All summer his motor home was his home away from home. He loved visiting neighbors, sitting by the campfire, finding odd rocks to later polish, and roasting marshmallows with his granddaughter, Maya. John was an avid woodworker; many people own things that John created in his garage, which was his sanctuary. John loved collecting things. He had collections of coins, clowns, marbles, and other miscellaneous things. John was proud of his German heritage. He enjoyed German food and the company of others that also spoke German. Maya, his granddaughter was the joy of his life. She could get by with anything with her Grandpa. John was a friend of Bill W. for over 37 years. He is survived by his wife, Marcia; two step-sons, Cory Becky Thrall of Bismarck, and Dan Cathy Thrall of Denver, Colorado; two brothers, Herbert Dolores Stiefel and Jim Steifel friend Donna both of California; one sister, Sheila Chuck Olin of Michigan; and one granddaughter, Maya Thrall of Bismarck. He was preceded in death by his parents and one niece.

John Stiefel

September 11, 1945 - March 26, 2009