09 Feb Elaine Mathern

Elaine Mathern, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 8, 2024, at Benedictine Living in Bismarck. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 11 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. followed by Rosary/Vigil Service at 2:00 p.m. at Bismarck Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of Corpus Christi on Monday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Obrigewitch, followed by interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery.  The service will be livestreamed on the Church of Corpus Christi website.

Devoting her life to family and faith, Elaine was a beacon of kindness and love.

Elaine Lipp was born on July 8, 1940. She was raised on a family farm near Braddock by her parents John and Johanna (Rahrich) Lipp, along with her sister and best friend Vi. They later moved to Bismarck, where she graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1958. She married Joe Mathern on May 31, 1960. With a foundation of love and strong faith, they spent the next 63 years together in Bismarck.

From a young age, Elaine knew she wanted a big family. Her greatest joy was raising 8 children and later watching her family tree grow to 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She was equally excited for each new branch to the family tree. Elaine was an anchor of calm and patience in a lively, boisterous household of five sons. She sometimes joked that she should’ve been a nun, which is ironic because people often called her a saint.

All were warmly welcomed to Elaine’s table. She served mouthwatering caramel rolls, chocolate chip cookies, and German dishes–yet they gathered for so much more. Everyone left her house with full bellies and full hearts. She was a master in the lost art of listening. People naturally opened up to her, knowing she would support and pray for them. She will be remembered for her calming, comforting presence. She would celebrate their victories and mourn their losses alongside them with her nurturing power and unique sense of humor. Family members looked forward to receiving her handwritten birthday cards.

Elaine was an active member of Catholic Daughters and Cursillo. Her life was guided by mass and daily prayer. She was often immersed in the pages of a daily devotional and Reader’s Digest Condensed Book. One of her favorite places was their cabin at Brush Lake, where she spent many summers doing puzzles and playing games with grandkids.

Elaine is survived by her children Joe (Sue), Shelly (Mitch Torgeson) Gerard (Pam), Greg, Tom (DeAnn), Ted (Andrea), Mary (fiance Marc Schneider), and Kari (Eric Stromstad), 20 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 1 on the way.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Joe, her parents, sister Viola Ressler, and a granddaughter, Paige Vearrier. The family would like to express deep gratitude to the staff at Benedictine Living who provided support and compassion for Elaine in her final years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Corpus Christi Food Pantry.