Edward "Ed" Schiefelbein

Edward Schiefelbein, lovingly known as Ed, passed away peacefully at his home in Bismarck, North Dakota on December 7, 2024. Born to Ed and Marion (Reynolds) Schiefelbein on November 28, 1942, in Edgely, North Dakota, he was raised and educated in Fullerton, North Dakota. Ed pursued his education further by attending college in Wahpeton, North Dakota to study mechanics. His early years were spent farming with his parents in Fullerton until 1960, when he married Faye Lahman. Together, they raised a family of four children, comprising three daughters and one son, while making their home in Bismarck in the 1960s.

Throughout his diverse career, Ed demonstrated his many talents, evolving from a butcher to a baker, a candlestick maker, chef, and farmer. However, he dedicated the latter part of his professional life as a devoted firefighter with the Bismarck Fire Department, serving for thirty years until his retirement in 2001. A remarkable moment in his firefighting career stands as a testament to his bravery. One of our proudest memories, shared by his family, recounts an incident when a trailer house was engulfed in flames. Despite orders from the chief to evacuate, Ed fearlessly entered the burning structure and rescued a three-year-old girl who was hiding underneath a bed, ultimately saving her life.

Ed was more than just his career; he had a warm and generous spirit. He was known for his readiness to lend a helping hand or an ear to listen. His selflessness was such that he would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. In his leisure time, he found joy in activities such as ice carving, fishing, hunting, rattlesnake hunting, and gathering with friends to solve the world’s problems over coffee at McDonald's.

His legacy continues through his daughters, Robin (Doug) Ferderer, Bismarck, Mardee (Dugan) Senne, Bismarck, and DeeAnn (Ralph) Arbach, Ipswich, SD; as well as his special friend; and dear grandchildren: Nick (Annie) Senne, Bismarck, Joseph Ferderer, Bismarck, Samantha Kamphuis, Bismarck, Alex Ferderer, St. Paul, MN, Jessica Schiefelbein, Evergreen, CO, and Abigayle Grenz Arbach, Ipswich, SD. He took immense joy in being a great-grandfather to Nico, Ava, Willa, Ayden, and Eve. Ed also cherished the camaraderie he shared with his honorary sons from Mexico, Bobby, Alex, and Eddie.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Marion Schiefelbein; his sister, Gail; brother, Clinton; his son, Hector Schiefelbein; his firefighter brother, Tom Isaak; and several members of his firefighting family who have passed on.

A visitation will be held on December 9, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Bismarck Funeral Home, located at 3723 Lockport St, Bismarck, ND 58503. This will be followed by a prayer service commencing at 7:00 PM the same evening. The graveside service will take place at Maple View Cemetery, Dickey County, Fullerton, North Dakota, on December 10, 2024, starting at 12:00 PM.

Ed's gentle spirit and unwavering kindness will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.