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Doris Wilhelmi, 87, passed away on March 11, 2010, in Mesa, AZ.
Doris Vivian Smith Wilhelmi was born November 30, 1922 to Joseph and Annie (Prucha) Smith in Lawton, ND. She was raised on a farm near Lawton where she attended elementary and high school. She continued her education at Mayville State Teachers College. After graduating, she obtained her first teaching job at Loma, ND where she taught for 2 years.
Doris married Arthur Peter Wilhelmi on June 22, 1944 at St. Edward’s Church in Nekoma, ND and has lived on the family farm since then.
Doris was an educator in many fields with some of them being religion, tap dancing, and several years of teaching grades 5-8 for the Nekoma School District. She was president of the Community Club, a member of the school board, St. Edward’s Altar Society, Homemaker’s Club and square dance clubs. Doris helped write and direct many plays and organized various events held in Nekoma. She was well-known for her hospitality and talent in the kitchen. She lived her life with dignity, selflessness, and endless enthusiasm for her family.
For the past 25 years, she has wintered in Mesa, AZ where she also lived a full, happy life with many friends of all ages.
Doris is survived by her children: Douglas (Jeanie) Wilhelmi of Coeur D’ Alene, ID; Robert (Jean) Wilhelmi of Nekoma, ND; Richard (Cheryl) Wilhelmi of Nekoma, ND; Wendel (Daniel Fecteau) Wilhelmi of Fountain Hills, AZ; Camille Wilhelmi Petri of Rosemount, MN. Doris was very proud of her six grandchildren: Alyson Wilhelmi of Grand Forks, ND; Megin Wilhelmi of Rosemount, MN; Andrew Wilhelmi of Jamestown, ND; Jena Wilhelmi of Minneapolis, MN; Michael Petri of Bloomington, MN; Rachael Petri of Rosemount, MN. Doris is also survived by her beloved sister, Gladys Thomas of Mesa, AZ , and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Arthur, infant son Randal, and brothers Robert and Raymond Smith.
A celebration of her life will be held Friday, March 19th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Nekoma, ND with burial following the service at the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held at Brooks Funeral Home in Langdon, ND on Thursday, March 18 from 5:00- 7:00 p.m. with a vigil prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be available one hour prior to the service on Friday.
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My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Doris who have been friends of the family forever. Doris was a great lady who contributed so much through the years. My best to all the family whom I know are hurting. I was there last year and losing a mom is very hard. Time heals. Be patient.
Cindy (Lenz) Roberts
Sorry to hear about Doris. We are all thinking of all of you. Ron and Shirley Lenz
I can remember Doris teaching catechism on the dining room table in the rectory in Nekoma. That was many years ago but I still remember her as a very stately, humble person who loved what she was doing. I am sorry for your loss.
Ron Fischer
It has been many years since I have seen Mrs. Wilhelmi but once you met her you could not forget her. This is how I would describe her. A true and loving soul that acts like a bee which extracts the sweetness of many flowers to make its honey. I could hear her say. If you smile, life becomes sweeter. After all, if I smile at you, you will smile back! She surely will be missed by family and friends. Wendel, You and your family have my deepest sympathy.
John Bergman
So sorry to hear about Doris' passing. Made me think of the "good old days" living close to Joe & Annie. My sympathy to all of Doris' family.
Karen (Nash) Riggin
Doris was a woman of many talents that she shared with so many people. She was a woman "ahead of her time". She had an impact on so many people and helped create and conserve the history of Nekoma. I admired Doris, loved her foresight and mourn the loss of Doris. We also have many wonderful memories and lessons learned. My heart goes out to all the family. I hold each of you near to my heart in thought and prayers.
Grace Petri
Doris was an amazing person. I never saw her without a smile on her face, she filled any room she was in with love. She was one of God's finest creations. Wendel, Cami, Doug, Bob and Dick my thoughts and prayers go out to you in this difficult time.
Theresa Krom Lang
Reading the obituary for Doris brings back many memories. She was one of my all time favorite teachers! Even though the tap dancing lessons were more years ago than I care to admit, some of the steps still come to life now and then!! Doris was always so involved in the community (which she passed on to her family). We will miss the many plays that she and Ruby wrote and directed. I will cherish my memories of Doris. She was a very special lady. You, her family, are in our thoughts and prayers. It is not easy losing a Mom.
Darlene & Jerry Roppel
We send out condolences to Doris' family. We were guests at her home many times and she always treated us like family; what a gracious lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill & Barb Thompson
Doug and Family~
Just learned of the death of your mother. As I remember her, she was a vibrant personality and so involved in her family. It has to be one of life's hardest endurances to say goodbye to our parents. Thankfully she had many good and productive years. Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your mother.
Jane Charrier Robinson
We remember so well the people we grew up around and Doris is one of those you always relate to when you think of the good old days and Nekoma. I have so many found memories of all the Wilhelmi family and I'm proud to call them great friends of my past years growing up in Nekoma. God bless you all.
Rick Lenz
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