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Ralance L. Pfeilschiefter
• 1911 - 2009 Ralance was born to Jacob and Cynthia (Wilson) Pfeilschiefter on May 30, 1911 in rural Simcoe, ND. He was raised on a farm in rural Simcoe where he attended school and worked as a hired hand for area farmers. In the early 1930's, Ralance was hired as a shovel operator at the Truax-Traer Coal Mines near Velva. During his years at the mine, Ralance was a very active member of the United Mine Workers Union, local # 8957. When the Union was established in 1949 Ralance was elected as President. This took him to a national convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. Being an active member of the Union led Ralance on many adventures and gave him many stories to share with others for decades. Ralance married Mildred Brabandt on September 10, 1938 in a triple wedding in Minot, ND. In 1950 they moved their family to a small farm on the edge of Velva, where they raised cattle, sheep and chickens. The farm and his family were Ralance's pride and joy. Ralance became a member of the Minot Moose Lodge in 1964. He was honored to receive awards for his participation in the Ritual team and Staff Degree of Fellowship. In 1973 Ralance retired from the Velva Coal Mine. After retirement Ralance and Mildred enjoyed taking their camper to the lake and spending their week days fishing. They would return home on the weekends to take care of their catch of fish, their house and yard and attend church. In 1997 they moved to Minot. They spent their days enjoying the company of each other, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Ralance would share stories of the past and entertain family and friends with his singing. Mildred passed away July 7, 2008. Ralance was a member of Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva. Those who shared in his life, sons, Rodney (Carol) Fielding, Florissant, CO and Kenneth (Melinda) Pfeilschiefter, Bullhead City, AZ; daughters, Donna (Sonny Honrud) Pretzer and Linda (Dennis) Abel, all in Minot; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Eva Swensrud, Minot; Luvella Kannard and Orvetta Blana, both of Washington; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins survive. Ralance was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 70 years, Mildred; grandson, Dallas Don Pfeilschiefter; his parents, Jacob and Cynthia; sisters, Elnora, Clarice, Mable and Vilora; brothers, Glenn, Bud, Lloyd and Wesley. Funeral: Monday, April 27, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva, ND. Visitation and prayer service: Visitation Sunday, noon to 5:00 p.m. with prayer service at 4:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot, ND.. Burial: Monday at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND. Officiating Clergy Music Processional and recessional CD with singing by Ralance and his family Thelma Lysne and Iona Loken, vocalists Active Bearers: Stacey Abel, Torey Pretzer, Todd Pretzer, Paul Pfeilschiefter, Ryan Pfeilschiefter, Scott Fielding Immediately following the funeral everyone is invited to join the family for lunch and fellowship in the church fellowship hall. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery prior to 2:00 p.m. There will be no formal procession. Ralance's family would like to thank everyone for the many acts of kindness shown during this difficult time. Your thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated and will never be forgotten.
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Ralance
L. Pfeilschiefter, 97, Velva, died Monday, April 20, 2009 at
the Souris Valley Care Center, Velva, ND.