Florence Hatzenbuhler

Florence Hatzenbuhler, 91, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Sanford Health in Bismarck.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 30 at 10:30 AM at Church of the Ascension in Bismarck with Msgr. James Braaten celebrating. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 29 from 5-7 PM with a Rosary and Parish Vigil at 7 PM at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan.

Florence was born on August 9, 1931 to Earl and Christine (Glavkee) Chadwick. She was raised and educated in the Breien and Solen area. Florence married John P. Hatzenbuhler on October 13, 1947, in Mandan, ND. Together, they farmed and ranched on John’s family farm in the Solen area and also raised their two sons there.

Florence’s faith and family were central in her life and she was truly devoted to both. She became a member of Sacred Heart Church in Solen when her and John married and went on to become a member of the Ascension Catholic Church in Bismarck.

Florence was a strong and hard-working lady in all aspects of their farming and ranching operation. Whether it was hauling bales, milking cows 365 days a year, or doing any and all farm/ranch related chores, Florence was out there working right alongside everyone and still found time to make a delicious breakfast, dinner, and supper. She was an excellent cook and her German dishes, homemade bread and buns, and egg noodles were enjoyed by everyone.

Florence enjoyed having company and playing card games including Pinochle, Russian Rummy, and Shanghai. When Florence and John stopped actively raising livestock and small grains, they enjoyed occasional trips to the casino to do a little gambling and visit with many friends and acquaintances they would meet there. Florence enjoyed listening to country music and, in her younger years, enjoyed dancing to polka and waltzes. Her greatest joys were when the entire family would be together whether at the farm or in Bismarck for any occasion or reason.

In 2012, Florence and John moved to Bismarck while still owning the farm and ranch in Solen. John passed away in August of 2015 before they were about to celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary in October. Florence continued to live by herself in Bismarck until late 2022 when she became a resident of the Baptist Home.

Florence will be deeply missed by her sons, Wayne (Gloria) and Darryl (Bonnie) Hatzenbuhler, both of Bismarck; five grandchildren, Jason (Debbie) Hatzenbuhler, Carissa (Tom) Seibold, Jennifer (Paul) Schuh, Thomas (Abbey) Hatzenbuhler, and Sarah (Will) Kucera; 11 grandchildren, Emily and Cole Hatzenbuhler, Kayliena Budeau, Teanna and Madison Schuh, Dawson, Darian, and Delani Seibold, and Eli, Ben, and Claire Kucera; sister, Gladeen (Duane) Schafer; sisters-in-law, Louise Chadwick, Caroline Kuntz, and Arlyce Chadwick; and many nieces and nephews.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents, Earl and Christine Chadwick; sisters, Hazel, Elenore, Shirley, and Elsie; and brothers, Melvin and Leonard.