Arlys Poppke

Arlys Poppke, 95, of Bismarck, was born November 27, 1929, to Oscar and Violet (Mutschler) Wietstock in Bismarck, ND. She died peacefully at Miller Point in Mandan right before her 96th birthday.

She graduated from Wing High School playing on the basketball team with her classmate and lifelong friend of 91 years Marlys Lein. Arlys was employed as a teller in Wing and later in Bismarck with the State Bank of Burleigh County for 21 years, where she made many friends because of her warm and friendly personality!

Arlys met the love of her life Walter (Buster) Poppke and they were married in 1949. They lived in Wing, ND and moved to Bismarck in 1963. After Arlys and Buster retired, they joined their winter friends for thirteen years in Phoenix, AZ.

She cherished her grandchildren and made sure that every birthday and holiday was memorable for them by creating birthday cakes of interest for them. Arlys loved her sleepover parties with her grandchildren. Levi defined her as “Proud”, Crystal as ”Joyful”, Tony as “Peaceful” and Dustin as “Gracious”.

Arlys was devoted to her faith and was avid about reading the Bible and her bible study groups. A non-competitive pinochle and card game player. She would always have time for music and dancing while always be on time to enjoy.

She is survived by her two children, Judy Masset and Bruce (Adella) Poppke; four grandchildren, Peter Jr. (Tony) Masset (Gretchen), Dustin Masset (Ashley), Levi Poppke, Crystal Thompson (Paul); and five great grandchildren.

Arlys was preceded in death by her husband, Walter (Buster); parents; three brothers, Loren (Ardell), Kenneth, and Milo; sister, Janice; and son-in-law, Peter Masset.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Eastgate Funeral Services, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck. A visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, Arlys would ask you to make a donation to Faith Lutheran Church, The Elks, or Heaven’s Helpers Soup Kitchen.