Ignatius, “Ig”, “Iggy” Sticka, 97, was born February 5, 1928 on the family farm near New England, ND. He grew up on the farm, attending school at St. Mary’s of New England. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on December 5, 1950. He served with the 72nd combat engineers in Korea from May, 1951 until February, 1952 when he returned to the United States and was discharged in September of 1952. After his discharge, he worked various jobs in the New England area, including three years in the Co-op Store.

On May 17th, 1954, he was united in marriage to Eudora Thielman. They had four children, Danita, Dwayne, Arvella, and Robert. In November of 1957 he began working for the U.S. Postal Service in New England. After 15 years in New England, he transferred to the Post Office in Bismarck where he worked another 17 years, retiring in September of 1989.

In retirement, Ig liked bowling, golfing, pinochle, reading, visiting friends and taking care of his house. He and Eudora loved to “go for a drive” whether it was to visit family or various sites around North Dakota. Often, when asked where they were going, the response was simply “west”. He enjoyed watching local high school and college sports and was an unending Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan. Ig loved music, dancing, playing piano and listening to his playlists of a wide variety of artists from Elvis and Johnny Cash to Celine Dion and Bocelli! He grew up in a musical family and as a young child learned to play piano by ear. Ig’s faith guided him throughout his life, as he led a life of service, gratitude, and humility.

Ig and Eudora were blessed to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary in 2024. They lived their final 6 years at Touchmark among friends where he was lovingly called “Iggy”.

Ignatius is survived by his children, Danita Sticka (Theresa), Dwayne Sticka, Arvy Smith (Gordy), Robert Sticka; his grandson, David Smith; and step- granddaughter, Sarah Owens (Dan) and their daughters, Victoria and Elizabeth, and his sister, Sister Margaret Mary.

Ignatius was preceded in death by his parents, Raphael and Ottilia Sticka; his siblings, Sally Zastoupil, William Sticka, Jean Stagl, Marge Schulz, Florian Sticka, Teresa Sticka, Sister Pauline Sticka, Greg Sticka, John Sticka; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, December 23, at Church of Corpus Christi, 1919 N 2nd St, Bismarck, ND. To view service livestream, please click this link, Ignatius.

Visitaion will be held from 6:30-8:30 PM on Monday, December 22, at Touchmark, 1000 W Century Ave, Bismarck. A Vigil/Rosary service will be held at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to liturgy.

Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.