Désirée Ternes

Désirée Ternes, 38, Bismarck, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2023.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 AM, Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Corpus Christi Church, 1919 N 2nd St., Bismarck. The funeral will be live streamed via the church website https://corpuschristibismarck.com 

Visitation will be on Friday, March 3rd, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck.  

Désirée was born on June 21, 1984, in Bismarck, ND the daughter of Larry and Bergetta (Harsche) Ternes.  She was raised and educated in the Selfridge and Flasher areas where she graduated from Flasher High School.  Désirée moved to Bismarck in the early 2000s to a group home, first with HIT and later with Pride, where she was surrounded by loving staff and roommates who became her second family. She truly loved her home, that’s where she felt most at peace. Throughout her years, she had an opportunity to take part in a few different day programs, doing a variety of jobs and most recently enjoyed her “retirement” day program, where she got to see her sister Caitlan every day.

Désirée's love for music and dance was contagious, and she had a unique playlist that her friends and family cherished, knowing every song by heart. Her favorite colors were purple and pink, she loved getting dressed up and feeling beautiful. Some of her most cherished joys in life were going out to eat crab legs and shrimp with her family, Ramen noodles, Mountain Dew, and Mello Yellow and her love for them knew no bounds. Her spirit shone brightest during Halloween were she typically dressed up as a witch. She also had a deep love for cats, the family dog Shiloh, and horses. Désirée's zest for life was truly infectious to everyone around her. Her hugs, smile, and teasing will be deeply missed by all that knew her.

She is survived by her father, Larry (Pam) Ternes, Shields; mother, Bergetta (Pat Becker) Ternes, Selfridge; siblings, Chantalle (Owen) Modeste, Miami Beach, FL, Caitlan Ternes, Mandan, Monte Becker, Selfridge, Jarrod (Sherry) Becker, Selfridge, April (Dave) Just, Wishek, Marshall Tischmak, Katelyn (Dylan) McAlexander, Garrett Tischmak and Grace Ternes, all of Mandan; paternal grandfather, Larry Ternes Sr., Bismarck and aunts, uncles, cousins and 15 nieces and nephews.

Desiree was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Anton and Wanda Harsche; paternal grandmother, Stella Ternes; aunt and uncles, Rebecca Paul, Anton Harsche Jr., Vern John Harsche, brother, Cameron Ternes, and cousin Neulyn Harsche.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to HIT and Pride. These organizations provide crucial support to individuals with disabilities. Donations will help the individuals afford items necessary for their basic needs and enjoy things in life they could not otherwise afford. Donations of any amount are graciously accepted and appreciated. Please visit https://www.hitinc.org/ or https://www.prideinc.org/ to donate.