Diane Lengenfelder

After a 10-year struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease, Diane Lengenfelder passed away amid prayer and hymns, surrounded by her children at 1:42 am on Saturday, October 25th.

Diane was born June 4, 1944 in Braddock, North Dakota. The eldest of five siblings, she grew up working on the family farm, tending to the younger children, and the duties of a rugged, rural life.

In 1954, the family moved to Steele, North Dakota. Diane graduated salutatorian from Steele High School in 1962. After graduation, she spent a year with the Sisters of St. Joseph in St. Paul, MN, taking courses at St. Catherin’s College. The sisters ran a tight ship. Days at the convent began at 4:00 AM and having difficulty sleeping since childhood, this early schedule quickly took its toll on Diane’s health. After finishing up the year, she lived with her grandparents in Bismarck, North Dakota, selling apparel at Opgrans, a high-end clothing boutique downtown.

While completing a delivery to a regular customer, Diane met John Lengenfelder. Diane was more the quiet type but also friendly and despite being a farm girl who wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, she was also lady-like, academically brilliant, and quick-witted. John was attracted to her gentle femininity and motherly qualities. After dating six months the couple was married on September 13, 1964 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Steele, ND. Soon after, they would begin their lives as parents.

Diane was highly intelligent and loved reading about heady topics. Her brilliant and bright mind was able to grasp the deepest scientific and spiritual insights, and she never grew tired of diving deep into God’s realities. She was obsessed over books. Everytime the kids went with her to the mall they tried keeping her away from bookstores. If she got so much as a whiff of ink, it meant at least an hour or two of waiting around while she happily scavenged the clearance section. Many long hours were spent in libraries, including the Benedictine Library at the University of Mary, just outside of Bismarck.

Eventually John built Diane a large bookcase to house her huge collection of conquered materials. Within that collection one could find topics such as physics, theology, theoretical science, world religions, psychology, symbolism, phenomenology, and everything in-between.

Whenever Diane had time between cooking, cleaning, helping other people, and chasing after all the kids, she could be found with her nose in a book. She never lost her love of learning. She could be found, even late at night, doing her research, with a book in hand, a pen in her ear, and papers covered in notes. Even while she washed the dishes or folded the laundry, she would be lost in her deep thoughts, having barely audible conversations with herself.

Diane enjoyed sewing, beautifying her home, and crafting. From the year 2000 to 2010, Diane and daughter, Maria Wanchic, owned and operated a wedding decor business together named,

Lamplighter Decor and Rental. Dad often got stuck with the building projects, creating archways, pillars, and backdrops. With Diane’s special touches, they always turned out beautifully.

Diane’s greatest joy in life was practicing the Catholic faith. She studied Mariology and was very devoted to the Virgin Mary. She ceaselessly promoted the revelations of Mary at Fatima, Portugal and taught her children the rosary and to pray for world peace. She took an active role in the Fatima Family Apostolate and Blue Army (World Aspostalate of Fatima).

Diane taught her children life lessons through her quiet faith. She taught self-sacrifice and was a shining example of long-suffering, fortitude, and patience. Whenever there were troubles, she turned to God in prayer. Through the tough times, she remained faithful and loyal to her marriage and family unit. Although she could have graduated with multiple degrees and followed a path of worldly success, she gave that up to be a wife, homemaker, and lovingly raise seven children.

Diane is survived by her husband of 61 years, John F. Lengenfelder, sons, Steven Lengenfelder, Kevin (Lynda) Lengenfelder, John Scott Lengenfelder, Kris (Rebecca) Lengenfelder, Robert Lengenfelder, daughters, Maria (Eric) Wanchic, and Melissa Stegmiller (Jorey Kartez), siblings, Janice (Jim) Hoge, Lois Miller, Blanche Tomlinson, Duane (Mary) Materi, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Diane is preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Rozanne Materi, brother, Roger Materi, and son, David Lengenfelder.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 30, at Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary, 825 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck.

A visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 29, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck . A prayer service will begin at 7:00 PM.