To view a livestream of the service access https://www.facebook.com/westminot/videos
Candice Ann Dusek (Candy), 61, Minot, went to greet her Lord and Savior on February 14, 2023 in her home in the loving presence of her husband and mother. Throughout her 15 month journey with lung cancer, Candy had a remarkable acceptance and peace which she attributes to feeling God’s presence close to her throughout the challenges she faced. She told her family that “God has the last word” and trusted in His plan for her.
Candy was born in Springfield, Illinois on October 14, 1961. She was the first-born child of Burton and Eleanor Schultz. Because her father was in the air force, she had the opportunity of living in many places such as Nebraska, Massachusetts, Maine, Germany, and Minot, North Dakota, where her family made their home after her father retired. She attended elementary school in Nellingen, Germany. She attended junior high at Minot Air Force Base. During junior high, her father bought her a black pony named Miss Murphy which she spent many hours training and riding. Candy graduated from Minot High in 1979. Throughout high school, she participated in many activities such as the Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, track, and gymnastics. Candy attended Minot State College for two years working toward a Bachelor of Arts degree in an executive secretarial program.
Candy was blessed with a son on March 6, 1982. Dana (aka “The Bug” or “Buggy” as she nicknamed him) brought so much joy to her life. As a young, single mother she worked hard to provide him everything he needed. When Dana was in grade school, she signed him up to join a swim team. She spent many happy times cheering him on from the sidelines, even having the opportunity to cheer him and his teammates to a Minot High State Championship.
Candy worked at State Farm Automobile Insurance Company for two years and then began a 29 year career at Fisher Motors as the Production Coordinator in the body shop. During her time at Fisher-Motors, Candy met and married the love of her life, Blair Dusek. They had their first date on Valentine’s Day 1991 and this led to a 29 year marriage. Blair adopted Dana and they became a family of three.
Candy was a member of the West Minot Church of God. Her church family has been very important to her throughout her life. For over 20 years, Candy facilitated Divorce Care, through her church, where she helped people who were struggling after divorce. When Candy was diagnosed with cancer, her church family set up a meal train to provide many delicious meals to her and her family.
Candy had the opportunity to travel to and vacation in places such as Germany, Italy, and Holland. Her many memories include Volksmarches in Germany, camping in Italy, and visiting the Tulip Gardens in Holland. With family spread across the country, she was also able to travel to many states. In recent years, she enjoyed “girl’s trips” with her mom, Ellie, and sister, Cathy, to Massachusetts and Montana. A special favorite of Candy’s was Duxbury Beach in Massachusetts.
Candy enjoyed many hobbies such as scrapbooking, Bible journaling, and decorating her house. She was known for being the “cut-up” of the family, always willing to act silly to get people laughing. She had a love of basset hounds and owned three who were very dear to her. At 55, she was able to rekindle her love of horses by riding and competing with her horse, Cutter, at Minot Trail Riders. In 2004, she and Blair also hosted a student from Germany, Vikki, and they remained close. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Any time that she could spend with her son, Dana, and beloved grandson, Burton (or “Little B” as she called him) was precious to her.
Candy’s husband, Blair, has shown what true love is by the care he has given her throughout her illness. No one could have been more attentive and loving, while still managing to keep the house spotless. Because of his care, Candy was able to live out her last days in the comfort of her home. Candy has such wonderful friends who have shown their love for her in so many ways such as bringing her meals, sending her cards and gifts, and visiting with her. Up until her last days, she had friends coming to sit and visit with her.
Left to mourn her loss are her husband Blair, son Dana, grandson Burton and their family (Jenni Sneesby, Jaxon and Navin), mother, Ellie, sister Cathy (and her family), her mother-in-law Helen Dusek, her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and all of her dear friends. Candy was preceded in death by her father, Burton and brother, Jonathan.
Candy’s strong faith set an example of what it is like to live in God’s love. She was loved and will be missed by many…until the day we are reunited in God’s heavenly kingdom.
Celebration of Life service: Monday, February 20, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in West Minot Church of God. To view a livestream of the service access https://www.facebook.com/westminot/videos
Visitation: Sunday, February 19th, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers or plants the family would prefer memorials.
