Anna Feist

Anna Feist, Bismarck, passed away at the age of 99. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, October 31, at Church of Corpus Christi, 1919 N 2nd St., Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Monday, October 30, with a rosary/vigil starting at 7:00PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck.

Interment at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery, Linton, North Dakota will follow after services.         

Anna was born September 15, 1924 to Mike and Bertha Nagel and was second oldest among 12 siblings. She married Michael Feist on October 22, 1945.  Michael passed away on September 7, 1997.  With their marriage, they had eight children, Robert (Anna), Bismarck; Elaine (Gary) Taszarek, Bismarck; Donna (Larry) Chaffin, St, Louis MO; Delores Preston, Spokane, WA; Edward (Sherry), Bismarck; Janice (Tom) Young, Bismarck; Nancy (Myron) Pfennig, McClusky; Patricia (Ralph) Phelps, Rochester, WA.

Despite facing challenges from the start, Anna grew up in a sod house. She started first grade without speaking English. She showed a determination that would carry her through life.

In the mid 1940’s, Mike and Anna moved to their farm northwest of Linton, where they raised cows, pigs, and chickens. Her hard work did not go unnoticed as she sold eggs and cream to provide for her growing family. Anna was the queen as a "hay stack topper".  A new house was built in 1972 replacing the old house that did not have modern conveniences.

Anna had a talent for cooking and baking traditional German dishes; she even made up her own recipes. She also had a large garden with a green thumb that included canning and used them throughout the year.

Anna was an accomplished seamstress. She lovingly made quilts that provided warmth and comfort for generations. From clothing items to delicate doilies and towels—and even Barbie doll clothes.  She still had the first sewing machine she ever owned.

Anna found joy in gatherings such as playing cards and polka fests, always ready to join in the lively music and dance. She had a strong faith and was a member of the Christian Mothers of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Linton and Corpus Christi in Bismarck. She was also a member of the Homemakers Club which included local farm wives. 

Anna lived a life rich in love and devotion to those she held dear; she will forever remain an inspiration within the hearts of all who knew her. May her gentle soul find eternal peace, knowing that her legacy as a loving mother will endure for generations to come.

Anna is survived by her children, 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.  Her siblings Rosemary Schneider, Lucy Horner, Isadore Nagel, Mike Nagel and Phyllis Kukowski. 

Anna is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John Preston (son in law), Dan Duty (grandson) and Marcus Dethloff (grandson). Her siblings Max Nagel, Frank Nagel, Matt Nagel, Rosina Deis, Eugene Nagel, Regina Schmidt and Darlene Brandt.