Jolene Dewitz of Bismarck, formerly of Steele, passed away April 15, 2025 surrounded by loving family.

A funeral service will be held 10:30AM, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 203 Mitchell Ave S, Steele, ND.

Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00PM, Monday, April 21, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Steele. A prayer service will begin at 7:00PM.

Burial will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Steele.

Jolene was born January 9, 1958 to Elmer and Phyllis (Heiser) Bender of Lehr, ND. She was the third of six children. She attended Lehr School and graduated in 1976 as the Valedictorian. She went to Valley City State University and graduated in 1980 with an education and business degree. She taught in Fort Yates for a year. 

Jolene met Rob Dewitz in 1979 and they were married June 26, 1982 at the Lutheran Church in Lehr. Rob and Jolene farmed in Steele and their son Chase was born in 1984. Jolene worked two years for attorney Grindberg in Steele and then went on to work for Kidder Social Services as an eligibility worker. She became the director and held that position for over 35 years, retiring in 2022. Jolene received a kidney transplant in 2021 and Jolene and Rob moved to Bismarck in 2023. 

Jolene was an excellent cook and loved bringing her famous taco salad to all family events. She loved to shop, travel, and enjoyed her trip with Rob to Hawaii. Jolene loved spending time with her grandchildren and her family.

Jolene is survived by her husband Rob; son Chase (Erin), and grandchildren Clinch, Mcoy, & Ella; her brothers Lonnie (Delilah) Bender, Merlynn (Patti) Bender, Lavern (Sonja) Bender; sister Miriam (Kelly) Masseth and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father Elmer and Phyllis Bender and infant sister LaRae Bender.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials can be donated in her name to a local Kidder County Organization.