Nina Filibeck

Funeral services for Nina Kunkel Filibeck, 94, of New Salem, will be 11:00 a.m. CDT, Monday, January 29, 2018 at St. Pius V Church with Father John Guthrie celebrating. Burial will take place in Peace Cemetery.


Visitation for Nina will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CDT, Sunday, January 28, 2018 at Elm Crest Manor, New Salem. Visitation will continue from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CDT, Sunday at St. Pius V Church with a rosary and vigil service being held at 7:00 p.m. CDT.


Nina passed away Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Elm Crest Manor in New Salem.


Nina was born June 20, 1923 in New Salem, ND, the daughter of Harley and Emma (Zarndt) Norton. She attended school in New Salem, graduating with the class of 1941. Following she received her Teacher’s certificate from Dickinson State and began teaching in several area rural schools during the war years. On June 20, 1945, she married Floyd Kunkel. To this union four children were born: Dennis, Nancy, Deb, and Russ.


After many years of poor health, Floyd passed away on August 26, 1975. Nina continued farming with her sons. On July 4, 1983, Nina and John Filibeck of Glen Ullin were married and the couple moved into New Salem. Their days were filled with lots of laughter, family gatherings, some dancing and checking out all of the local fishing spots. John passed away from cancer on November 11, 1993.


She was in her 60’s before she took a couple of art classes and became a master of painting different scenes on antiques and country type items. These have become treasured keepsakes for family and friends. She painted her last scene on an antique saw at the age of 94. Nina was well known for her “Nina buns”, springele cookies, burnt sugar cake, and rhubarb bars which were fought over at family get-togethers. Her famous raisin cookies went to the Filibeck Christmas. If she felt someone was in need, she would drop by with a bowl of soup or some of her special homemade goodies. Having come from a big, close family she loved company. Her door was always open and the coffee pot was put on. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought much enjoyment to her. Nina’s sense of humor helped her through many difficult situations. She entered Elm Crest Manor in New Salem in 2017, just in time to hand out Halloween treats to all the kids.


Grateful to have shared her life are her children, Dennis (Gloria) Kunkel, Russ (Tammy) Kunkel both of New Salem, Nancy (Joel) Dewitz of Steele; step-children, Jan Filibeck of Mandan, Joyce (James) Ulmer, Jane (Dennis) Schiele, and Donna (Ron) Emter all of Bismarck, Mary Ann Filibeck of Lincoln; and step-daughter-in-law, Janet Filibeck of Glen Ullin. She leaves behind 23 grandchildren and step-grandchildren and over 40 great-grandchildren. Surviving her include sisters-in-law, Ruby Norton of New Salem, Lois Schneider of Steele, and Alice Kunkel of Fargo; special friends, Arlene Weiss and Lynette Fitterer both of New Salem; and many nieces and nephews.


She was preceded in death by her husbands, Floyd Kunkel and John Filibeck; daughter, Deb and her husband, Dennis Grenz; infant grandchild, Amy Kunkel; brothers, Bill, Ed, Bert, and Dallas Norton; sisters, Evelyn Rigney, Helen Ulmer, and Beverly Olson; and step-son, John Filibeck, Jr.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Elm Crest Manor, New Salem Ambulance, and New Salem Fire Department.


Filibeck Nina


Burial Date: January 29, 2018
Funeral Home Glen Ullin, ND
Cemetery Glen Ullin, ND
Church St. Pius V Church

Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. CDT, Monday, January 29, 2018, St. Pius V Church, New Salem, ND.
Rosary & Vigil: 7:00 p.m. CDT, Sunday, January 28, 2018, St. Pius V Church, New Salem, ND.