Mabel Hoerauf Jesperson

Mabel Hoerauf Jesperson, 97, Bismarck, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at CHI St. Alexius Hospital, Bismarck.

A celebration of life will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 214 E. Thayer Ave, Bismarck. Burial will take place prior to the service at 10:00 am at St. John's Cemetery, Hebron.

She was born on March 1, 1927, in Glen Ullin, ND, the daughter of Charley and Katherine (Miller) Bertsch. Mabel graduated from Glen Ullin High School and embarked on a life of love and service. On November 25, 1947, she married Wilbert Hoerauf, and together they embraced a life filled with joy and challenges. Their journey took them to Mandan, Almont, and Glen Ullin before they settled on a farm near Hebron in 1960. They welcomed three children: Dale, Rob, and Kathy.

Throughout her life, Mabel exhibited a remarkable spirit and tenacity. She worked at the Peoples Department Store during her time in Mandan and volunteered extensively at Marion Manor in Glen Ullin. It was her unwavering faith that stood as her guiding light, particularly after the devastating, unexpected loss of her husband Wilbert in 1974. A few months later, she and the kids moved to Hebron.

In the summer of 1980, she married William Jesperson, and together they shared many memorable years. In 1986, they moved to Bismarck and William was diagnosed with cancer, passing away in 1993.

Her passion for community service never did wane spending lots of time volunteering at the Senior Center, until age 94. Mabel was an active and integral member of the Hay Creek Senior Living community, where she inspired those around her with her engaging spirit and kindness. She was an avid bowler, proudly celebrating her last game on her 90th birthday, and enjoyed countless hours playing board games, where her competitive nature shone brightly. She played for fun, but played to win, whether it was against friends, family and even grandkids, there was no letting you win, you had to win fair and square. When Mabel won, she would clap and shout out “I Won” followed by her laugh. Sorry, Uno and Yatzee were a few of her favorites.

Mabel’s love for flowers brightened her surroundings, reflecting her vibrant personality. However, the cornerstone of her life was her deep faith in Jesus Christ. Each morning, she could be found in her beloved “Prayer Chair,” communicating with the Lord and lifting up the people she loved in prayer.

Those most honored to share in her life: children, Dale (Lael) Hoerauf, Bismarck, Rob (Joan) Hoerauf, Minnetonka, MN and Kathy (Kent) Spriggs, Fargo; grandchildren, Angie Hoerauf, Alan Spriggs, Katie (Nathan) Wagner, Rachael (Jack) Allen, McKenzie Hoerauf and Brent Hoerauf; three great-grandchildren, Sylvie and Maeve Wagner and Owen Allen.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Bennie (age 9), infant baby Roy, Ray (Leona) Bertsch and Alice (Bud) Filibeck.