Roberta (Hogue) Wachter, 97, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, at Church of the Ascension, 1825 S. Third St., Bismarck. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A eulogy will be shared at 6 p.m. followed by the rosary service. A private family burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck.

Roberta was born on November 4, 1928, in Bismarck to Violet (Fristad) and Raymond Hogue. She grew up on a farm north of Bismarck with her brother Peter and sister Ramona. She attended a one-room school (Arnold School) through the eighth grade and attended Bismarck High School, graduating with the Class of 1946.

After high school, Roberta worked for Montana Dakota Utilities (MDU) 1946-1948 and at the North Dakota Department of Motor Vehicles at the State Capitol from 1948-1950.

In 1947, Roberta met James Wachter, who had just been discharged from the Navy, having served in WWII. They were married on February 18, 1950. Jim joined his father at the Wachter Ranch, north of Bismarck/Mandan, and was later instrumental in the development of South Bismarck, including Kirkwood Mall and many other local landmarks.

Jim and Roberta had four children — Patrick, Cindy, Michael, and Carolyn — and were deeply involved in all of their activities. They cherished the many friendships formed along the way, welcoming countless friends, who became like family. Roberta had a gift for connection and formed special bonds with everyone she met. Her beloved husband, Jim, passed away in 2008.

Roberta served on the first Cathedral School Board and was a charter member of the BAGA Art Gallery. She was also a dedicated supporter of the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony and an active member of the North Dakota Cattle Women’s Association, known as the “Cow Belles,” along with numerous other community organizations. Deeply committed to her community, she generously gave her time and talents in support of others throughout her life.

Roberta and Jim created cherished memories during 25 years at their lake home on Pelican Lake, Minnesota — a beloved gathering place for family and friends. Her weekly bridge club held a special place in her heart; she played faithfully for much of her life, right up until the end. She also treasured her lunch dates with lifelong friends, Theresa Tokach and Marlene Bohrer.

Roberta and Jim loved to travel, with Jim always planning their next adventure. Among their favorite memories were visiting Wachter relatives in Grünbach, Germany, and traveling to Norway with her mother and daughter to connect with the Fristad family.

Her daughter, Carolyn, and son-in-law, Mike, moved back home in 2022 to live with her and became her caregivers. Because of their devotion, she was able to remain in her home until the end of her life—a beautiful gift that not only extended her years, but greatly enhanced her quality of life.

Above all else, Roberta loved her family and made them the center of her life. She was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and took great joy in their accomplishments. She delighted in attending their activities and listening to updates about their lives.

In Roberta’s later years, her greatest happiness came from phone calls and visits from friends and family as she always loved a full house, the family being together, and the playful energy and laughter of the great-grandchildren which brought her immeasurable joy.

Roberta is survived by her sons, Patrick (Louise) Wachter and Michael (Kelly) Wachter; her daughters, Cindy (Michael) Huelskamp and Carolyn (Michael) Marak; her grandchildren, Daniel (Jenna) Keith, Jessica Wachter (Nicholas Barranger), Alexa (Kyle) Simon, and Sarah Wachter; and her great-grandchildren, Brynnlee Davis; Indiana and Lenox Keith; Violet Barranger; Crew and Nash Simon and her extended family, including Kim and Corey Dahl, Gail and Tim Meland, Craig Huelskamp and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James, parents Violet and Raymond Hogue, brother Peter (Karen) Hogue, Sister Ramona Hogue, and in-laws Helen and Eugene Wachter.

Our Mother/Grandmother met her final days with courage, faith, and grace. Though we are heartbroken as we learn to live without our beloved matriarch, whose strength and love shaped our family in countless ways, we find comfort in knowing that Heaven has welcomed a beautiful soul. Her legacy will continue to flourish here on earth through all who were blessed to know and love her.

We love you always and forever — until we meet again.

To honor her memory, memorials may be directed to the Dream Center Bismarck, ND Historical Society, University of Mary, or The Salvation Army.