Carol Steichen

Carol Ann (Biegler) Steichen, 70 of Tuttle, ND, passed away in her home on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 after a long battle of health challenges. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday February 11th, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 318 2nd Street SW, Steele, ND followed by fellowship at Pfiefers 510 7th Street NW, Steele, ND. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 6:30pm, Monday, February 10th St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and will continue an hour prior to the service. A rosary/vigil service will be held at 6:30PM.

Carol was born on June 12th, 1954 in LaMoure, ND to Wilma (Schlosser) and Eddie Biegler Senior. She was the 5th of 13 children. She was baptized June 16th in Edgeley, ND where she lived until she was three. The family then moved to Sterling, ND and at the age of five the family relocated to Driscoll, ND. 

Carol attended Driscoll High school when she met the love of her life Bobby Steichen. Bobby proposed to Carol on November 29th and they were married on February 3rd 1973 in Tappen at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Carol and Bobby welcomed their first child Catherine Ann on July 9th, 1973 and then their son, Darby Allan on October 19th, 1975. Bobby worked as a farm hand and Carol waitressed until they found their dream home. They were able to purchase the farm in the fall of 1976 where they focused on raising Simmental cattle and farming the land. Carol and Bobby recently celebrated their 52rd wedding anniversary together.

Carol spent her life serving others as a waitress and a cook in many local establishments. At the age of 15 Carol started her waitress career at the Pirates Inn of Steele, she also worked at Tops Café and the Lone Steer but her most prized accomplishment was owning and running her own café called Carols Kitchen in Tuttle and Robinson. Carol was a force of nature, a tireless worker whose dedication and passion were evident in everything she did, especially in running her beloved café. Her café was more than a business; it was a second home for many, a place filled with her laughter, quick wit and the irresistible aroma of her incredible home cooking along with a little sass. After a long and fulfilling career, she retired in June of 2024.

Carol was amazing cook that will be remembered by her homemade buns, knoephla soup and grape salad. She also enjoyed catering to any one in need and enjoyed taking her chuck wagon on the road to auction sales, pick up pulls, and a variety of community events. She had a gift for conversation—whether with an old friend or a stranger, she could talk to anyone about anything, making them feel heard, valued, and often leaving them laughing with her quick wit and sharp humor. Carol’s ability to connect with others was a rare gift. 

Carol enjoyed her title of Grandma the most. Her greatest pride and joys were her grandchildren and she would light up with the opportunity to share stories about them. She attended every activity that she could including livestock shows, basketball games, football games, and stayed in contact with them daily through phone calls or facetime and was looking forward to her first grandchild’s wedding in the summer. 

Carol loved to play Pinochle, Sudoku, puzzles, Tri-ominos, and Candy Crush. And she also enjoyed watching PBR Bull riding, How to Catch a Smuggler, and Cops. She was also proud to be the first female member of the Tuttle Lions Club. 

Carol is survived by her husband, Bobby Steichen; daughter, Catherine Schmitz (Jamie Goedken), Oakes, ND; Darby Steichen, Valley City, ND; her grandchildren, Lacey Schmitz (Ben Lodoen), Lynsey Schmitz and Dawson Steichen; her siblings, Eddie Biegler, Lawrence and Sharon Biegler, Sharon Simpson, Ronnie and Kathy Biegler, Donnie and Jodi Biegler, Wendlin and Roxanne Biegler, Mary and Don Christianson, Patty Biegler, Cindy and Darrel Wald, Kathy and Robert Oster, Debbie and David Lang; in-laws, Dean and Gloria Steichen, Donna and Butch Klein and numerous nieces, great nieces and nephews and great nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Wilma and Eddie Biegler, Katherine and Ray Steichen; son-in-law, Paul Schmitz; sister, Linda (Biegler) Mayhew; brothers-in-law, DeWayne Steichen, Tom Steichen Richard Simpson and sister-in-law, Shirley Steichen, and Danette Biegler.