Archie Jalbert

Funeral Mass for Archie Jalbert, 88, of Dickinson will be 1:00 pm. Friday, November 6, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New England with Father Gary Benz celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New England.

Visitation for Archie will be 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm Thursday, November 5th at Stevenson Funeral Home with a rosary and vigil service being held at 6:00 pm.

For those attending, please adhere to social distancing guidelines provided by the CDC and ND Department of Health. To view the live webcast of Archie’s funeral mass, rosary, and vigil, please go to www.stevensonfuneralhome.com, select photos and videos and the livestream will be active 15 minutes before each service.

Heaven gained the kind and gentle soul of Archie Jalbert on Monday, October 26, 2020. Archie passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s Nursing Home in Dickinson, 21 years to the day after his loving wife, Leona passed away.

Archie Delano Jalbert was born in Reeder, ND on July 18, 1932, the son of William and Selma (Walters) Jalbert. Archie grew up on the family farm south of New England and attended country school and later New England High School. Following his education, he continued to work on the farm. It was during this time he met Leona Gartner at a dance and the way Archie described when they met, it was love at first sight. The two were married on July 7, 1953 at St. Mary’s in New England and were blessed with ten children. They purchased the Jalbert family farm in 1956 and the Gartner family farm in 1964. They proudly continued the tradition of farming, guiding the Jalbert farm through its 100 year anniversary. Archie cherished 46 years of marriage to his Princess, Leona and together they have left behind a legacy of love. After Leona passed away, Archie made his home in Dickinson while continuing to farm.

Farming was Archie’s passion and he was a faithful steward of the land. There was truly no one like him with his quick witted sense of humor and memorable sayings like “Nothin’ to it” or “Okie-dokie smokey”. Archie had the ability to make friends with people everywhere he went and enjoyed time visiting with friends and family. He was a Ford man through and through, often telling others to “watch out for those Chevies”. Archie was a wonderful dancer and enjoyed old-time music. He lovingly nicknamed all of his children and found great joy in spending time with them, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Archie served his community as a Supervisor on the Kennedy Township Board for 39 years, Chairman for the Hettinger County Township Officers Association Board for 18 years, New England School Board, President and Vice President of the Hettinger County School Officers Association, as a political candidate for District 36, a 4-H leader, Eucharistic Minister and hospice volunteer. While serving at a hospice breakfast in 2001, Archie met Bethol Knutson, who was very special to him in his life.

Archie is survived by his children, Jon of Dickinson, Kathy (Duane) Jesch of St. Augusta, MN, Colette (Allen) Ensign of Dickinson, Rachelle (Rex) Langston of Newnan, GA, Janel Frank of Mandan, Jody (Nancy) of Bismarck, Jamie (Tammy) of Dickinson, Melanie (Lee) Kathrein of Dickinson, Lisa (Larry) Heiser of Dickinson, and Shawn of Minot; grandchildren, Jason (Malinda) Jesch, Jeremy (Michelle) Jesch, Michelle (Mick) Gibbs, Michael (Amanda) Jesch, Dustin Jesch, Jennifer (Dave) Dodds, Jessica (Michael) Patrick, Lucas Ensign, Amy (Paul) Warren, Matthew (Casey) Langston, Gabriel Langston, Jonathan Langston, Amanda (Kyle) Langan, Rylee Jalbert, Aiden Jalbert, Jesse (Mindy) Jalbert, Brittany (Andrew) Schmautz, Katie Jalbert, Michaela Kathrein, Morgan Kathrein, Christopher Wandler, Cody Heiser, Karli Heiser; 22 great grandchildren; sister Joyce Fossum of Rapid City, SD, sister-in-law, Mary June of Dickinson; and special friend Bethol Knutson of Dickinson.

He was preceded in death by his wife and princess, Leona; siblings, Burneece (Morris) Steen, Leslie, Glen (Margie), Charlotte, Wayne (Karine), Earlene (George) Jones, Marvel (Orville) Olson, Russell (Lucille), Dennis and brother-in-laws, Darrell Paulson and Albert Fossum.