James F. Fleck

James F. Fleck, 83, Mandan, passed away on Friday, August 12, 2016, at Sanford Health in Bismarck. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 19, at 1:00 PM at Church of St. Joseph in Mandan with Fr. Shane Campbell officiating. Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 18, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a vigil service will begin at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Friday one hour prior to the service at the church. James was born on January 6, 1933, in Mandan, ND, to Anton A. and Magdalena (Mae) Fleck. He was raised and educated in Mandan, and graduated from Mandan High School in 1950. After graduation, James worked at his father’s service station until joining the North Dakota National Guard in November of 1950 He was called to active duty in January of 1951 and served 20 months, one year of which was in Korea. Jim returned home in the fall of 1952. He met Maxine Meyer while on a blind date, love blossomed, and the two were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bismarck on April 20, 1955. Jim worked for Toman Engineering for 12 years; Welk Steel Company for 15 years; Anderson, Guthrie, and Carlson (AGC) for 8 years; and for Associated Builders for 12 years until his retirement in March of 1996. All work was in civil engineering, structural steel, and general contracting. Jim was a member of Church of St. Joseph in Mandan, ND, and a life-member of the American Legion, VFW, and AMVETS. He held offices in the Lewis and Clark School PTA, belonged to the Elks Clowns, and served as president of the Mandan Golden Kiwanis Club for several years. He was a Cub Scout Master, Boy Scout Master, and was the first recipient in the Bismarck Council to receive the Scouting’s Baden Powel Award. His involvement in the Scout program was very dear to him. Trust and honesty were characteristics of great importance to Jim and he was devoted to giving his all when he was involved with something. He wasn’t afraid of hard work and was unquestionably known for his punctuality, attention to detail, and thoroughness. “Some”, “about”, and “maybe” were not in Jim’s vocabulary, perhaps due to the many years he was involved with estimates concerning bid figures. Jim was also known for his frugality, instilling this mindset in his grandchildren. “If you’re gonna use it, and it doesn’t expire, GET IT while it’s on sale.” Jim enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing cards with many friends, telling jokes, having coffee and donuts at Dan’s Supermarket, and a good McDonalds burger. In his younger years, he enjoyed camping, fishing, and yardwork. Jim was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by his family and many friends. He is survived by Max, his wife of 61 years; his son, Mark (Lori), New Salem, ND; his daughter, Lynn (Paul) Schaubert, Chesapeake, VA; six grandchildren, Ryan (Dana) Fleck, New Salem, Katie (Joe) Trottier, Moorhead, MN, Meredith (Joe) Davis, St. Joseph, MO, Jared (fiancée, Elizabeth) Schaubert, Arlington, VA, Elise Schaubert, and Averyl (Nathan) Schrade, all of Chesapeake, VA; two great-grandchildren, Audrey and Brooks Fleck, New Salem; two sisters, Ardis (Lyle) Schmautz, Bismarck, and Diane Beckler, Mandan; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Anthony “Tony”; one infant brother, Arnold; and one brother-in-law, Ralph Beckler.