Doris Wilhelmi

Doris Wilhelmi, 87, passed away on March 11, 2010, in Mesa, AZ.

Doris Vivian Smith Wilhelmi was born November 30, 1922 to Joseph and Annie (Prucha) Smith in Lawton, ND. She was raised on a farm near Lawton where she attended elementary and high school. She continued her education at Mayville State Teachers College. After graduating, she obtained her first teaching job at Loma, ND where she taught for 2 years. Doris married Arthur Peter Wilhelmi on June 22, 1944 at St. Edward’s Church in Nekoma, ND and has lived on the family farm since then.

Doris was an educator in many fields with some of them being religion, tap dancing, and several years of teaching grades 5-8 for the Nekoma School District. She was president of the Community Club, a member of the school board, St. Edward’s Altar Society, Homemaker’s Club and square dance clubs. Doris helped write and direct many plays and organized various events held in Nekoma. She was well-known for her hospitality and talent in the kitchen. She lived her life with dignity, selflessness, and endless enthusiasm for her family. For the past 25 years, she has wintered in Mesa, AZ where she also lived a full, happy life with many friends of all ages.

Doris is survived by her children: Douglas (Jeanie) Wilhelmi of Coeur D’ Alene, ID; Robert (Jean) Wilhelmi of Nekoma, ND; Richard (Cheryl) Wilhelmi of Nekoma, ND; Wendel (Daniel Fecteau) Wilhelmi of Fountain Hills, AZ; Camille Wilhelmi Petri of Rosemount, MN. Doris was very proud of her six grandchildren: Alyson Wilhelmi of Grand Forks, ND; Megin Wilhelmi of Rosemount, MN; Andrew Wilhelmi of Jamestown, ND; Jena Wilhelmi of Minneapolis, MN; Michael Petri of Bloomington, MN; Rachael Petri of Rosemount, MN. Doris is also survived by her beloved sister, Gladys Thomas of Mesa, AZ , and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Arthur, infant son Randal, and brothers Robert and Raymond Smith.

A celebration of her life will be held Friday, March 19th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Nekoma, ND with burial following the service at the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held at Brooks Funeral Home in Langdon, ND on Thursday, March 18 from 5:00- 7:00 p.m. with a vigil prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be available one hour prior to the service on Friday.