Odell Mildenberger

Odell Mildenberger, 80, of Bismarck, went home to her Lord and Savior on Friday, November 25, 2011, at St. Alexius Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 29, at Church of Corpus Christi, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from noon to 5:00 p.m. Monday at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. A Catholic Daughters rosary will begin at 6:45 p.m. Monday followed by the vigil service at 7 p.m. at Church of Corpus Christi. Odell was one of 12 children born to Nick and Bada Schmidt Friesz. She was born on April 4, 1931, near Flasher and grew up on the family farm with her siblings, whom she remained close to all her life. Odell married Arthur Art Mildenberger on October 17, 1950. A month after their marriage, Art was drafted and served in the Korean War. After Art's return, the couple farmed for several years in the Mandan area. In 1959 they bought a dairy farm equipment business in Edgeley, ND, where the couple raised their family. In 1987 Odell and Art moved to Jamestown where Odell worked at the hospital and in 1998 they moved to Bismarck. Art and Odell loved to travel and traveled extensively to Europe, China, Mexico, and South America as well as many places throughout the United States including Alaska and Hawaii. Odell's passion was caring for her family and she loved to be involved with their lives. She enjoyed hearing about the grandchildren's activities and had a special relationship with each one. Odell was a great cook and loved a large group around the table. Her oven-baked chicken, German potato salad, and caramel rolls were just some of the family favorites. Along with the good food, she had an appreciation for the politics of the country keeping up with events going on in government and often times having a strong opinion to share. Odell loved playing cards and other games. When family and friends gathered, there was always a game to be played. Odell will be remembered for her kind heart and love of others. Even though she fought a thirteen year battle with leukemia – seeking help with expert doctors locally and in Houston, TX, at the MD Anderson Clinic – she considered it an honor to volunteer her time and energy to numerous organizations to help others in need. She loved the relationships she made and the people she was able to help and was a very active member of her church in Edgeley, Jamestown, and Bismarck. She regularly attended daily masses, was a lay Eucharistic minister, and was an active member of the Women's Circle. Odell is survived by her husband of 61 years, Art; four children, Kathleen Mike Schneider, Bismarck, Jacque Max Saucedo, Eagan, MN, two sons, Doug Paulette, St. Paul, MN, Colin Shannon, Mounds View, MN; twelve grandchildren, two step grandchildren, and six great grandchildren; five sisters, Frances Tony Hopfauf, Josephine Helbling, Emerita Loeb, Loretta Harlan Loeb, Luella Lee Collins; two brothers, Roy Jeanette Friesz, Jim Judy Friesz, sisters-in-law, Irene Friesz and Ellen Friesz. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Dale, her sister, Margaret, her brothers, Ray and Martin, and Henry. Memorials may be given to First Choice Clinic in Bismarck, Corpus Christi Cross Fund or a charity of your choice.

Odell Mildenberger

April 4, 1931 - November 25, 2011