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- [S927] Obituary.
Weigel Funeral & Cremation Services Obituary
Martha M. Meuchel, 93, New Salem, died December 17, 2013 at Elm Crest Manor, New Salem. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, December 20, 2013 at St. Pius V Catholic Church, New Salem, ND with Rev. Selva Periannan as celebrant. Burial will be at St. Pius Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 19, 2013 from 4:00-8:00 pm at St. Pius Catholic Church, New Salem, with a Parish Vigil at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Friday. Martha Mary was born on September 24, 1920, the fourth child of William Valentine and Emelia Katherine (Kling) Schmitt. She was born at home with Anna Westmeyer as midwife and with Dr. Gaebe attending. Martha attended school at New Salem Elementary for grades 1-2 and grades 3-8 at the Columbia Country School which was built on an acre of land donated by her father. It was located about one mile south of the farmstead. She attended New Salem High School graduating in 1939. After graduating she worked and helped her dad with the farm. Martha married Albert Kuether in 1944; they had three children, Arlys, Jack and Larry. Albert died January 9, 1955. Martha?s brother John helped her build a house in New Salem from lumber they got from an old farmhouse and a trailer. She went on a blind date arranged by a friend and met Anton Meuchel in January of 1958. Tony was fun to ?visit with? and by that summer they were engaged. Tony said, ?I liked her right away, but I wanted to give her a little time.? They were married on October 22, 1958. Martha was now the mother of six children, welcoming Tony?s children, Maryann, Richard and Dennis. On Tony?s ranch they had a houseful, but lots of room outside for ?adventures?. Donavon was born on January 19, 1960 and William (Bill) joining the family on July 10th, 1962. Martha and Tony celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a large reception and dance in 1983. Tony died on November 23, 1993, Martha stayed on the ranch until moving to New Salem in the fall of 1994 and then moving to Elm Crest Manor in 2008. A kind and gentle woman, Martha was outgoing and liked to socialize. She enjoyed getting dressed up and took pride in always looking her best. Generous with her time, Martha volunteered for Meals on Wheels, being named Volunteer of the Year. Music was an important part of her life. She could be found dancing to Big Band, Polka or Waltz music or singing in the St. Pius Church Choir. With her knack for putting meals together out of whatever food is available, Martha was a wonderful cook. German recipes were some of the families? favorites. Staying active, Martha could be seen going for a walk with her 3-wheel walker. She most enjoyed being outdoors. Her life?s work was centered on her family, both immediate and extended. Martha will be deeply missed by her daughters, Mary Ann Loveless, MD; Arlys (Joe) Collins, Tucson, AZ; sons, Richard (Toni) Meuchel; Dennis Meuchel, New Salem, ND; Larry (Carol) Kuether, Dickinson, ND; Donovan (Cindy) Meuchel, Judson, ND; and Bill (Bonnie) Meuchel, New Salem, ND; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Martha was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Albert Kuether and Anton ?Tony? Meuchel; son, Jack Kuether; grandson, Mark Meuchel; son-in-law, Bill Loveless; sisters, Rose (David) Keely Kuebler; Gertrude (Herman) Westmeier; Kathrine (Bob) Hughes and brother, John (Lois) Schmitt.
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