Anna M. Feist

Anna Marie (Schumacher) Feist, age 75, cherished wife, mother, grandmother and sister, gained her angel wings on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

Anna was born in her grandparents’ house in Zeeland on January 4, 1949, to John J. and Mary (Goldade) Schumacher.  Her name was given to her by her grandpa Schumacher and he said in German “dich ech mi Anna (this is my Anna)”. She was one of 12 children and was raised in the Venturia and Zeeland area on a dairy farm.  Her farm chores rivaled her brothers and her father would often say she should have been a boy her husband would later say “I’m sure glad she wasn’t!”.  

Anna graduated from Zeeland High School in 1968 and attended beauty school in Bismarck. After attending beauty school, Anna worked at Classic Beauty Salon for a few years until her marriage and the birth of her first child.  Anna maintained her beautician license and continued her practice in her home.  Anna preferred to cut, perm, color, and style her own hair in addition to numerous friends and family.  She never left the house before her hair was perfectly done and putting on lipstick.

Anna met Robert Feist by chance on a double-blind date. Bob was not her intended date, but in a twist, Anna ended up riding piggyback with Bob across part of the Missouri River to escape a thunderstorm.  Anna sat in the front seat of Bob’s Gran Torino and the rest is their LOVE story. Anna married Bob on January 9, 1971, at St. John’s Catholic Church in rural Zeeland and started their life in Bismarck.

Anna began caring for neighborhood children, which eventually led to establishing Anna’s Daycare out of their home for over 30 years.  Anna was proud of the projects, music, learning, and love for those in her care.  She had such a passion for nurturing young minds and impacted countless children, including her grandchildren. Her patience and kindness were a guiding light to all she cared for.

She had countless talents and interests, which included gardening, cake decorating, sewing doll clothes, collecting porcelain dolls, cooking & baking, shopping, long walks, playing cards, dancing, spending time at the Feist farm, and devotional and religious reading.  Anna is most known for her love of angels and each Christmas would make and gift delicate, uniquely beaded angel ornaments.  She loved to share these passions with her husband, children and grandchildren.  

Those most honored to share in her life are husband of 53 years, Robert; her children and grandchildren, Karla J. (Bill) Kalanek and their children, Ava and Peyton (Bismarck); Michelle A. Dethloff and her children, Katie and Elise (Bismarck); Dr. Laura M. Duty (Travis Cottrell) and their children, Mariah and Derek, (Pocatello, ID); and James R. Feist (Preeti Yonjon-Feist) (Eugene, OR). 10 brothers and sisters also survive, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; father and mother-in law, Mike and Anna (Nagel) Feist; sons-in-law, Daniel Duty and Marcus Dethloff; and sister, Alice Baumann.

 Consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association in support of services, treatments, and hopefully a cure.