Lorraine Geiszler-Kirschenmann

Lorraine Geiszler-Kirschenmann, 84, of Wishek, ND formerly of Lehr, N.D. and Eureka, SD, died July 4, 2015 at Wishek, ND.

Lorraine Fiechtner was born Feb. 27, 1931, the oldest daughter of Jacob and Christina (Erbele) Fiechtner, in Guyson, ND. She grew up on a farm northwest of Lehr. After her eighth-grade graduation from a rural, one-room school, she worked for several families and relatives as a housemaid.

Lorraine married Fred Elhard Geiszler of Ashley, ND, October 10, 1948 in Zion Evangelical United Brethren (United Methodist) Church in Lehr, N.D. Their wedding reception was held in the not-quite-completed Lehr Legion Hall. They settled on a farm in Logan County, where both worked as grain farmers, ran a small dairy, managed a cow-calf herd and raised five children. Three children attended Lehr Public School; two sons attended the North Dakota School for the Deaf.

Lorraine and Fred were active members of Zion United Methodist Church, as well as the Fredonia Lions Club. They were married 35 years. After Fred's death in 1983 Lorraine remained on the farm for two years.

Lorraine married Albert Kirschenmann of Hosmer, SD, October 26, 1985. They moved to Eureka after their marriage. Lorraine and Albert enjoyed their work as staff and caretakers of the (now) Prairie Bible Camp. Lorraine was a dedicated supporter of the camp and enjoyed the fact that her maternal grandfather had helped build the octagon tabernacle building. Albert died Dec. 21, 2004.

Lorraine moved to Wishek in 2006. She moved into the Wishek Living Center Apartments in 2011, later residing in the skilled nursing care unit. She was preceded in death by her husbands, son Loren, son-in-law Don Heinle, stepdaughter Carol Kirschenmann Zundell, her parents and all six brothers (three in infancy).

Lorraine is survived by children Walter (Jeanette) of Sioux Falls, SD, Larry (Barb) of Lexington, Minn., Annette Heinle of Herreid, SD, Amy Geiszler-Jones (Daryl Jones) of Wichita, Kan., and daughter-in-law Shelly Geiszler of Bismarck, ND; stepchildren Jake (Jan) Kirschenmann of Eureka, SD, Linda (Wayne) Fischer of Leola, SD, Jerome (Jean) Kirschenmann of Elkton, SD, and step son-in-law Gary Zundell of Aberdeen, SD; 8 Geiszler grandchildren and 6 Kirschenmann grandchildren; 12 Geiszler great-grandchildren and 12 Kirschenmann great-grandchildren. Sisters Alma Kappes, Alice (Paul) Janke, Marion Huseby, Arlene (Jerold) Fischer as well as 1 aunt, Esther Fiechtner, also survive her. Numerous family members and friends will also miss her friendly, loving presence.

Visitation will be from 3:00pm -7:00pm, followed by a Prayer Service on Wednesday, July 8th at Haut Funeral Home, Wishek, N.D.

Funeral Service will take place at 10:30am, Thursday, July 9th in Zion United Methodist Church, Lehr, ND

The family will direct memorials, in lieu of flowers, to the Lehr United Methodist Church, Prairie Bible Camp (the former Lehr Tabernacle) and McCoy Ministries