Clara E. Mesling, 86, Dickinson, died on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Clara’s Liturgy of Word Service will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Ladbury Funeral Service Dickinson with Deacon Ron Keller presiding. Entombment will take place at the Dickinson Mausoleum.
Clara was born on May 25, 1936, in Stark County, North Dakota, to Adam and Lena (Ochsenfeld) Kathrein. She had three years of elementary school in Hettinger County and the remaining years at St. Mary’s in New England, ND. After graduation, she worked at Citizens State Bank in New England, Midland National Bank in Billings, MT, and Liberty National Bank in Dickinson. When American State Bank opened in Dickinson, she became Assistant Cashier. That is where she met Peter D. Mesling, and they were wed in 1964 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dickinson.
She had many jobs and titles throughout her lifetime, but most importantly she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt who loved her family. She was always involved with and supported her children’s activities which included being very active with Camp Fire and 4-H when they were younger. Volunteering for community organizations and church was also important to her. When the kids graduated, she became a devoted dog mom to Moya and Tippy and enjoyed her daily walks with her buddies! She was an excellent cook, and in 1993 she compiled a family cookbook as a memorial to her parents who were wed in 1919. She tracked down recipes and stories from all their descendants and created a 363-page treasure! Clara spent many hours crocheting and creating beautiful blankets. She also enjoyed playing card games and Scrabble with friends and family.
Clara and Pete both enjoyed traveling throughout their marriage and she loved to share those memories. Her great laugh and sense of humor will be missed the most!
Clara is survived by her three children, Chena (Jon) Rhodes, Carla (Harley) Steffen, Peter (Christine) Mesling; her four grandchildren, Tyler Steffen, Haley Steffen, Harper Rhodes, Thea Mesling; her sister-in-law, Maggie Kathrein; and many nieces and nephews.
Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Peter D. Mesling, who passed away in 2013; her sisters, Mary Kaufman and Katherine Sticka; brothers, John M. Kathrein, Joseph H. Kathrein and William Kathrein; brothers-in-law, William Sticka and Edward Kaufman; sisters-in-law, Anna Kathrein and Delores Kathrein.
Clara’s family would like to thank the staff at Edgewood Hawks Point in Dickinson, ND, for the special care she was given while she resided there for several years.
Clara enjoyed her involvement with the Hospital Auxiliary in Dickinson for many years. Not only did she find the work satisfying, but she also enjoyed the many good friendships she developed! Memorials will be donated to CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson Foundation in her memory.
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