Kendre "Shelly" Fleck

Kendre “Shelly” Fleck, 59, of Mandan, passed away peacefully in her home on April 16, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church in Mandan with Fr. Keith Streifel celebrating. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4-6 PM on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan with a Rosary/Parish Vigil at 6 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Shelly was born April 29, 1965, to Valentine and Doris (Bernhardt) Fleck in Mandan. She grew up on the family farm and ranch, where she developed a deep love for animals. She was known for bringing home cottontail bunnies from the fields and taming any wild cat that entered the yard. Shelly attended rural country school in Fallon, ND, for her elementary years and graduated from Flasher High School. Shelly went on to earn a secretarial certificate from Bismarck State College. Over the years, Shelly held many jobs including retail and lab/secretarial assistant, at the NDSU Land Research Center. She also worked as a cashier at Bill’s SuperValu, Central Market, and Kmart.

In her younger years, Shelly was full of life and known for her fun-loving spirit, with a touch of daredevil. She loved riding dirt bike motorcycles in the Fleck hills, cruising the section line with Uncle Jerome's car, and driving “stick.” She loved to rod her Mustang GT up and down Main Street.

On September 7, 1985, Shelly married Henry Muller and they welcomed their daughter, Kyleigh McKenna, on March 12, 1994. Shelly and Henry parted ways in 2004.

Shelly had a sharp memory and a special talent for remembering numbers. She could recall birthdays and often how much someone weighed at birth, or their children's names and milestones. She found joy in life’s simplest moments: snuggling with a favorite cat, reading a good book, watching “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” or “Little House on the Prairie,” making late night runs for smokes, or going for a joy ride in the country.

Shelly deeply valued family and friends and kept them close to her heart. She carried the weight of mental health struggles for many years— often quietly, with more strength than most realized. She faced her challenges to the best of her ability, holding space for others even when she had little left for herself. Her life is a testament to the fact that people can struggle deeply and still love fiercely, give generously, and remain a light to those around them.

Above all, nothing was more precious to Shelly than her two granddaughters, her “Rainbows” as she often called them. She thought they hung the moon and cherished every moment spent with them.

Shelly will be deeply missed by her daughter, Kyleigh Muller of Mandan; granddaughters, Brooklynn NiKole and Nevaeh Skye; parents, Val and Doris Fleck of Flasher; brother, Greg (Cheryl) Fleck of Lodi, Wisconsin; nephews, Ryan Fleck and Tyler (Sara) Fleck; and sister, Karrie (Wade) Harn of Center.

Shelly was preceded in death by her grandparents, Anton and Monica (Berger) Fleck and Frank and Matilda (Hoff) Bernhardt; as well as her special cousin Darren Berger; and dear friend, Patricia Ohlhauser.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who offered support to Shelly in her final years— whether it was financial help, providing transportation, takeout dinners or pizza, or simply a listening ear and a prayer. Your love and kindness will forever be appreciated.