Theresa Tarpo

Funeral mass for Theresa Tarpo 93, of Bismarck, formerly from New England, will be 10:00 AM, Friday, August 12, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New England with Father Dennis Schafer celebrating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

Visitation for Theresa will be 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Thursday, August 11, 2022 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson with a rosary and vigil service being held at 6:00 P M.

Theresa entered eternal life peacefully at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in Bismarck on August 4, 2022 surrounded by her family.

Theresa was born September 4, 1928 to August P. Krenz and Lillian (Bilges) Krenz and was raised on the family farm near DeSart, North Dakota. She graduated from New England high school in 1946. Following graduation, Theresa received her teaching certificate from Dickinson Teachers College and then taught country school for two years in Carroll Township.

In the spring of 1947 she met the love of her life, a handsome army air corp pilot, Chris Tarpo, Jr.  They married on June 1, 1948 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New England. They made their home in New England and welcomed four children, Dena, Pat, Doug and Paul.

Theresa can best be described as a daughter of the North Dakota prairies as she loved walking and riding through the farmlands and buttes of southwest North Dakota to appreciate the fields of grain, wild life, open skies and beauty of nature.

She was a woman of strong faith, work ethic and boundless energy. Her talents and interests were numerous: hunting, fishing, gardening, canning, yard work, card playing, sewing, card making, tatting, crafting, buying and refinishing antiques and old houses. She had a passion for local, regional and family history. We would describe her as “lucky” at cards, bingo, raffles and gambling.

Theresa and Chris enjoyed many opportunities to travel throughout the United States, Hawaii, Canada, Italy and Greece. She loved to entertain and host gatherings for family and friends. Her front porch and swing were always open and welcoming to visitors.

Theresa was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Church and a founding member of the foundation board. She was active in the Altar guild, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Jolly Eight Homemakers and many bridge and pinochle clubs.

Theresa is survived by her children, Dena (Michael) Lenhardt, of Bismarck, Pat (Dan) Whitman of Fargo and son, Doug Tarpo of New England, five grandchildren, Jennifer (James) Miller, Mick (Torie) Lenhardt, Tom (Amber) Lenhardt, Scott (Dun Wang) Whitman, Anne (John) Graham and thirteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chris, son, Paul C Tarpo; parents August and Lilian Krenz; brothers Milo, Harvey, Hubert, Robert and her sister, Ruth Williams; one great grandson, Aidan James Miller.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the New England Memorial Hall or New England Ambulance service.