Rosemary Riesinger

Rosemary (Koppinger) Riesinger, age 93, of Dickinson, North Dakota, passed away peacefully at her home at Edgewood Hawks Point in Dickinson.

A Rosary Vigil will be held at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson, Thursday, June 25th, at 6:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Dickinson on Friday, June 26th at 10:00 am, with Monsignor Richter officiating. Rosemary will be laid to rest alongside her loving husband of 50 years at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota, on Monday, June 29th at 1:00 pm. (lunch will be served following the mass at Queen of Peace Church)

Rosemary (Koppinger) Riesinger was born on May 12, 1933, in Lefor, North Dakota, to Nicholas and Theresa (Knaup) Koppinger. She was raised on the family farm and graduated from Lefor High School.

On September 20, 1954, Rosemary was united in marriage to Frank D. Riesinger in Lefor, North Dakota. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Karen, Russell, and Teri.

Rosemary worked as a bookkeeper for several years before dedicating herself to caring for her family after her daughter, Karen, was born prematurely. She remained at home to raise her children, providing them with steadfast love and guidance. Later, she returned to the workforce, serving as a bookkeeper for Schnell's Livestock for twelve years before accepting what she often called her dream job as secretary at Queen of Peace Parish. There, she faithfully served her church community for 30 years and formed lasting friendships.

A woman of deep faith and strong convictions, Rosemary's life was firmly rooted in North Dakota. She often remarked that she was born in North Dakota and planned to spend her entire life there, even as her children's journeys took them to different corners of the country. Her love for her home state reflected her steadfast character, loyalty, and appreciation for the community she cherished.

Rosemary enjoyed many simple pleasures throughout her life. She loved playing bridge, but for her it was never just about the cards-it was the camaraderie, laughter, and treasured friendships she shared with the ladies around the table that meant the most. She also had a deep appreciation for the arts and rarely missed an opportunity to attend local musical performances, community theater productions, and plays. These outings brought her great joy and allowed her to support the talents and creativity of her local community.

Rosemary was especially grateful for the friendship and support of Ken and Dee Dee Koppinger and Connie Williams. They became her lifeline and faithful companions, bringing joy, comfort, and friendship to her days. Her family owes them a profound debt of gratitude for helping make Rosemary's life so happy and fulfilling while she remained in North Dakota.

Rosemary will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her devotion to family, her dedication to her work and parish, and her enduring love for North Dakota. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the examples of faith, strength, and perseverance she leaves behind.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, Nicholas and Theresa Koppinger; her husband, Frank D. Riesinger; and her five brothers: Richard, John, Robert, Jerry, and Max Koppinger.

Rosemary is lovingly survived by her three children: Karen (Don) Schipper of Grand Junction, Colorado; Russell (Lee) Riesinger of Monroe, Connecticut; and Teri (Greg) Bjork of Haugan, Montana.

She is also survived by her five devoted grandchildren: Jessica Riesinger; Kelli (Erik) Linderbeck; Amanda Riesinger (Vincent Noce); and Haley (Kevin) Swen, Kirill, (Larissa) Riesinger Her legacy continues through her thirteen great-grandchildren: Ayla, Gianna, Kaia, Kira, Harper, Hendrix, Bodhi, Bear, Ava, Beau, Weston, Cam, and Braxton.

The family would also like to extend their love and gratitude to the staff and residents of Edgewood Hawks Point for the friendship, kindness, and compassion they have shown Rosemary over the years. Your love and care made Hawks Point, not only her home but her second family.

Gentle woman, quiet light,
Morning star so strong and bright.
Gentle mother, peaceful dove,
You taught us wisdom, you taught us love.