Eileen Gratz

Eileen Gratz, 86, passed away at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, January 24, 2025. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, with Fr. Josh Waltz celebrating. Burial will be held at Mandan Union Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Rosary/Vigil service held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Eileen was born March 28, 1938, to George and Rose (Geiger) Schmidt. She was raised on the family farm and attended Steffenson Elementary School by Center, ND, then transferred to Mandan High and graduated in the class of 1956. On November 5, 1957, she married David Gratz, and they were very blessed with almost 67 years before losing David on July 25, 2024. Their six-month separation was more than a broken heart could handle; she is now reunited with Dad and Darv. Eileen spent the majority of her married life raising her six children, then babysitting and spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She provided many, many home-cooked meals. Her potato salad, borscht soup, German dishes and homemade pickles were some of her family’s favorites.

Eileen is survived by her children, Reyne (Dave) Helfrich, Steve (Jane) Gratz, Laurie (Tom) Pfliger, Pattie (Paul) Feller, and Darren (Denise) Gratz; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Tyler (Brittany, Paysen, Sutten, Colter), Elisha (Zach, Waylon), Travis (Lacy and Walter), Jared, Emily (Maliyah, Kobin, Haizlee), KyLee (Derrek, Taten, Collin, Brooks, and Baby), Tara (Chris), Justin (Kaysee), Jaden, Jennifer (Preston), Skylar, Laken, Kenley and Brityn. Eileen treasured each and every one. She was also a second mom to many!

She also is survived by her two sisters, Vivian Erhardt and Clem Meyer; and one brother, Reynard (Joletta) Schmidt; as well as three sisters-in-law, Lillian Rennich, Bernice (Emanual) Geiger, Jeannie (Jim) Fitterer; and many very special nieces and nephews. 

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, David; her son, Darvin; great-grandson, Kingston; her parents; mother-and-father-in-law, Steve & Rose Gratz; sister-in-law, Carol Radmer; brothers-in-law, Norman Meyer, Connie Erhardt, Frank Rennich and Bob Radmer; along with many relatives and friends whom she never forgot.