Christian Nuss

Christian Nuss, 98, of Bismarck, passed away March 16, 2025 in a Bismarck Care Center.

A Mass of Burial will be held March 25, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Church, Mandan, ND with Father Fred Harvey as celebrant. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery. Visitation will be held March 24, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Bismarck Funeral Home, Bismarck, with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.  

Christian was born on April 26, 1926 to Franz and Karoline (Bengert) Nuss in Munchen, Ukraine. Christian married Bernadette Hunkele on May 10, 1947 in Spalt, Germany and they made their home in Nuremburg. Christian worked several different jobs including at a theater and working for a farmer who grew hops. During the early years of their marriage, he apprenticed with a stone mason and learned the trade. He did what he could to make ends meet while Europe worked to rebuild after the Second World War. They were blessed with a daughter, Irmgard, who they lost to a respiratory illness when she was 2 1/2 years old.

Christian and Bernadette immigrated to the United States in 1952 arriving with only enough money to exchange for a few dollars to spend on the trip from New York to Belfield, ND. They had relatives in Belfield who sponsored them and helped them get on their feet. They eventually settled in Mandan, ND where they started a family that came to include five children. Christian built a successful business as a stone mason/brick layer which included projects at the International Peace Gardens and Liberty Heights. He donated much time to projects such as the addition of the cafeteria and gymnasium for Christ the King school in Mandan. He also delved into real estate development. Liberty Heights and Diane’s Addition in Mandan are two of his notable projects. Driving around Bismarck/Mandan with family, he would always point out the brick work he had done on homes, churches, schools, and other buildings. He was always thankful for the opportunity he found in the United States. He never complained about paying taxes; he once said taxes were a small price to pay for living in this country where peace and prosperity were possible.

He retired in his 50’s, then bought a farm and tried his hand at raising cattle and pigs. He enjoyed the land and the work of raising animals and continued it for as long as he was able. Every summer he planted a very large vegetable garden which produced much of the family’s vegetables. His love for gardening continued when he went to live in assisted living centers. He became known for the gorgeous flower and vegetable gardens he kept on the premises so he could bring joy to the other residents. He also propagated indoor plants which he gifted to residents and staff. His generosity was one of his notable characteristics.

He and Bernadette enjoyed traveling around the world and throughout the U.S. with friends and visiting family in Germany. He was devoted to Bernadette and cared for her faithfully through her battle with Alzheimer’s until her passing in 2019. He and Bernadette were married for 72 years. We are left with fond memories of him bringing chocolates to her every day.

Christian loved visiting with people and especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. He lit up when they were around. He always kept spare change and candy on hand for their visits.

In his later years he started to cook for himself and for guests. He found so much joy in preparing tasty meals to share and giving his recipes to anyone inquiring about the enticing smells coming from his apartment. Food was one of his love languages. He also was an avid fisherman and hunter in his earlier years but continued to fish well into his 90’s.

He really enjoyed a good game of pinochle and regularly played with whoever would sit for a game. He played in many tournaments and won more than his fair share of games and even tournaments into his 90’s. Maggie Krumm, his neighbor across the hall, was not only a pinochle partner but they became very good special friends after Bernadette’s death. They looked out for each other during times of poor health by checking in on each other and bringing the other meals. They got to know each other’s families and were included in family events.

On March 10, 2024, he was honored as the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Exemplification Honoree. He became a Knight of Columbus in 1961 and a Sir Knight in 1966.

Christian will be deeply missed by daughter-in-law Debbie Nuss, son Donald (Karen) Nuss, son Frank Nuss, daughter Diane (Brian) Kuehn, son John (Julie) Nuss; grandchildren Shanon (Steve) Gerding, Michael Nuss, Theresa (Casey) Meidinger, Benjamin (Megan) Nuss, Kristin Nuss (Ryan Knapton), Annie Nuss, (Charles Coulter), Sarah (Drew) Kuchta, Dustin (Ellie) Kuehn, Heather (Jerry) Lindsley, Christopher(Sarah) Nuss, Joshua (McKinzie) Nuss, Jacob (Kyra) Nuss; 21 (+1 on the way) great-grandchildren; one great, great grandchild as well as brother Franz Nuss and numerous nieces and nephews in Germany, as well as Maggie Krumm, his neighbor and dear special friend.

Christian was preceded in death by his parents, wife Bernadette, daughter Irmgard, sons Alexander and Michael, brother Peter and sisters Anna Marie and Eugenia.