Ernestine
Ernestine Zeller
d. April 6, 2011
Ernestine (Oswald) Zeller, 86, Bismarck, formerly of Elgin, ND, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away at the home she shared with her daughter and son-in-law on April 4, 2011. A family service is planned with Pastor Steve Sathre of Trinity Lutheran Church of Bismarck officiating. There will be no visitation. Interment will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. Ernestine was born along with her twin brother, Ludwig, on October 9, 1924 in Paradise, ND to Christ and Margareta (Werner) Oswald. She grew up on the Oswald family farm near Paradise, ND. Her parents died while Ernestine was still very young, so she was raised by her older brothers and sisters. She completed her education through the 8th grade and then stayed home to help her siblings with the farm work. Ernestine met the love of her life, Waldemar Zeller, at a barn dance in Brisbane, ND and they were married on March 8, 1947. Together they purchased a farm south of Elgin, ND which is still in the family today.
Ernestine loved farm life. She was passionate about cleaning, ironing, cooking, baking, and gardening. Her other interests included family vacations, bargain shopping, and fishing.
Her husband died in December 2002 and Ernestine moved to Bismarck to live with her daughter and son-in-law. Her heart remained with the farm she so loved. She continued to visit the farm every possible opportunity.
Ernestine was the best mom and grandma. She provided her family with a wonderful life full of love, laughter, adventure, and cherished memories. She was preceded in death by her husband, Waldemar; granddaughter, Lana Kitzman; her parents; her twin brother; 3 sisters; 7 brothers; 1 step sister; and 3 step brothers.
Ernestine is survived by 2 daughters and 2 sons-in law, Rachel (Bill) Kitzman, West Fargo and Wanda (Joe) Kuntz, Bismarck; 3 grandchildren, LaRae, Ward, and Joshua Kitzman, all of West Fargo. She is also survived by Terry, Trenten, and Sheriden Brunelle who were very dear to her as well as several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of memorials, the family prefers that you share a smile, a thank you, or lend a helping hand to someone you see today. (Excerpt from poem by ~ Joseph J. Mazzella) One thought, however, brings me comfort. It is the knowledge that when I make my final journey from this world I won’t be taking any material things with me. The only things I will take with me will be what I have packed in the suitcase of my soul. I will be carrying with me every kind thing I ever did, every loving thought I ever shared, and every bit of laughter I ever brought into this world. I will be carrying all the joy I created, all the goodness I gave to others, and all the love I was able to choose and share. These things won’t be weighing me down either. They instead will be lifting me up. In fact, I will be traveling lighter than ever before on the wings of God’s glorious love. As you get ready for your own final trip then make sure that you are traveling light. Make sure that the stuff in your home always takes second place to the love in your heart. Make sure that your greatest possession is your own soul. And make sure that when you unpack it in Heaven that God and all His angels will smile.
Ernestine loved farm life. She was passionate about cleaning, ironing, cooking, baking, and gardening. Her other interests included family vacations, bargain shopping, and fishing.
Her husband died in December 2002 and Ernestine moved to Bismarck to live with her daughter and son-in-law. Her heart remained with the farm she so loved. She continued to visit the farm every possible opportunity.
Ernestine was the best mom and grandma. She provided her family with a wonderful life full of love, laughter, adventure, and cherished memories. She was preceded in death by her husband, Waldemar; granddaughter, Lana Kitzman; her parents; her twin brother; 3 sisters; 7 brothers; 1 step sister; and 3 step brothers.
Ernestine is survived by 2 daughters and 2 sons-in law, Rachel (Bill) Kitzman, West Fargo and Wanda (Joe) Kuntz, Bismarck; 3 grandchildren, LaRae, Ward, and Joshua Kitzman, all of West Fargo. She is also survived by Terry, Trenten, and Sheriden Brunelle who were very dear to her as well as several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of memorials, the family prefers that you share a smile, a thank you, or lend a helping hand to someone you see today. (Excerpt from poem by ~ Joseph J. Mazzella) One thought, however, brings me comfort. It is the knowledge that when I make my final journey from this world I won’t be taking any material things with me. The only things I will take with me will be what I have packed in the suitcase of my soul. I will be carrying with me every kind thing I ever did, every loving thought I ever shared, and every bit of laughter I ever brought into this world. I will be carrying all the joy I created, all the goodness I gave to others, and all the love I was able to choose and share. These things won’t be weighing me down either. They instead will be lifting me up. In fact, I will be traveling lighter than ever before on the wings of God’s glorious love. As you get ready for your own final trip then make sure that you are traveling light. Make sure that the stuff in your home always takes second place to the love in your heart. Make sure that your greatest possession is your own soul. And make sure that when you unpack it in Heaven that God and all His angels will smile.
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