Elizabeth Regstad

Elizabeth Regstad, 94, Bismarck, passed away on December 27, 2023.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00AM, Thursday, January 4 at Church of St. Anne, 1321 Braman Ave, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00PM to 7:00PM with a rosary/vigil service starting at 7:00PM, Wednesday, January 3 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck.

Burial will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Velva, ND.

Elizabeth M. (Heintz) Regstad was born on March 6, 1929 and passed into Eternal life with her Savior on December 27, 2023.  Elizabeth, who was known as “Betty” to her family and friends, was born to John and Frances Heintz and raised in the Orrin area, north of Drake, ND. This was a Germans-from-Russia (Ukraine) community where German culture and language played a prominent role.  Her education progressed from a one room schoolhouse to high school by correspondence and onto nursing training in Minot, ND where she was then was employed at St. Joseph’s Hospital from 1950-51. Following that training and experience, Betty assisted Dr. B.Z. Hordinsky in establishing his medical practice in Drake.

In 1953, Betty married Rueben Regstad in Drake, ND and they moved to Velva where Rueben was employed at the William J. Neal Power Plant. Together, they raised their six children in Velva. Rueben passed away in 2001 and Betty stayed there until 2011 when she moved to Bismarck. After her children were grown, Betty was active in a number of civic organizations, including holding positions on the Velva Park Board and Souris Valley Care Center Board. Betty also displayed her care for community and country by involvement in her Republican party and serving as an election judge in the 7^th District.  She was a very committed prolife advocate and the chairperson for her local chapter of Right to Life for decades. Betty had many leadership roles in her parish, St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, as well as several in the Fargo Diocese. She will be remembered for her compassion for the poor and vulnerable, supporting multiple ministries. Betty was a willing and patient listener who made time for others and helped them feel loved. She generously wrote notes of encouragement and comfort to those in need. Even strangers seemed drawn to her because of her empathy, wit, and ability to communicate. Betty enjoyed many things, including constant learning, listening to music, caring for plants, traveling, and hosting company. Her guests were blessed by her wonderful cooking and baking.  Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and confidant of many. Most importantly, she was a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ.  She will be deeply missed.

Betty is survived by three daughters, Mona Rasmussen, Fayetteville, AR, Valerie (Jeff) Lange, Bismarck, Alison (Matt) Stayman, Grand Forks, three sons, Neil Regstad, Bismarck, Vaughn (Denise) Regstad, Hermantown, MN, Kurt (Tina) Regstad, Bismarck. Sisters, Mary Roerick Fix, Harvey, ND, Kathleen (Dennis) Marlowe, Clayton, IN, brother, Joe Heintz, Bismarck, sister-in-law Marlys Heintz, Cheyenne, WY.  Surviving grandchildren are Brad (Jamie) Rasmussen, Monica (Ryan) Locey, Kristin (Mark) Lehner, Ryan Lange, Renae (Aaron) Lehman, David Lange, Luba Regstad (Anuruddha Das Utsa), Alex Regstad, Abby Regstad, Elise Stayman, Will Stayman, Andrew Stayman, Christine Stayman, Landon Regstad, as well as great grandchildren, Konrad Lehner and Madeline Locey.  She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rueben, brother Alfred Heintz, son-in-law James Rasmussen, and a number of brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, as well as a grandson, Samuel Regstad.

Memorials may be sent to John and Frances Heintz Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Diocese of Fargo, (address: 5201 Bishops Blvd. S., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104-7605) and/or Holy Cross Cemetery (address: St. Cecilia Catholic Church, PO Box K, Velva, ND 58790).