Karen Obrigewitch

Funeral Services for Karen Rae (Paasch) Obrigewitch, 64, of Wibaux, MT will be Thursday, 2:00 p. m. at the Medora Community Center in Medora, ND with Pastor Roger Dieterle officiating. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 8, 2007 1-9 p. m. at chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home, DickinsonKaren Rae Paasch Obrigewitch was born January 12, 1943 to Ray and Tena (Rusth) Paasch in Billings, MT. Due to her father?s military assignment, the family lived in various places throughout the United States until they settled on the Chi Otto Ranch near Medora in 1947. Karen attended rural country schools prior to completing her schooling in Medora and Belfield. After graduating from Belfield High School in 1960, she attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and later proudly completed her degree at Dickinson State University. Karen met Gerald Obrigewitch and the two were married in January of 1963. Over the next several years, the family lived in Wyoming, South Dakota and North Dakota before settling in Wibaux, MT in 1968. It was here where they raised their family of four children, ranched and operated a feedlot and weigh scale for the next 30 plus years. They later enjoyed ranching north of Medora with their children beginning in 1987. Karen greatly enjoyed time with her family and friends. During social gatherings, she was always ready for spirited discussions and lively debates. Karen loved the Badlands and especially enjoyed riding horseback through them. Karen was also a published author in various publications including several short stories in the books – Leaning Into The Wind and Woven In The Wind. Education and agriculture were her passions as was evident by her active involvement within the community in various boards, including the library, nursing home, school, Wibaux Conservation District, and Montana State MACD. She was also an EMT for the local ambulance service. Karen passed away Sunday, August 5, 2007 at St. Joseph?s Hospital and Health Center in Dickinson with family by her side. She is survived by her three sons, Ren (Kelly) Obrigewitch of Bismarck, ND; Jay (Jolene) Obrigewitch of Beach; Dey (Jennifer) Obrigewitch of Beach; a daughter Jill Obrigewitch of Wibaux, MT; her grandchildren, Lily, Coy, Birch and one on the way in November; a brother Dave (Renee) Paasch of Dickinson; and her very special mother-in-law, Bertha Obrigewitch of Belfield, ND. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; and both of her parents. The family suggests memorials be sent to the, Dennis Blom Scholarship Fund at the Roosevelt Memorial Lodge #129, North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, Dickinson Public Library Foundation or another charity of your choice.


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Burial Date: August 9, 2007
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Service: Thursday, Medora Community Center, Medora, ND