Willie Mastel

Funeral Mass for Wilfred “Willie” Mastel, 87, of Dickinson will be 10:00 am Thursday, August 17, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dickinson with Monsignor Thomas Richter celebrating. Burial will be 9:00 am CT Friday, August 18, 2023 at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.

Visitation for Willie will be 5:00 – 6:00 pm Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at Stevenson Funeral Home, with a rosary and vigil taking place at 6:00 pm.

Willie passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023 at his home in Dickinson with his children by his side.

Wilfred Anton Mastel was born in Hague, North Dakota on May 28, 1936 to Valentine and Helen (Welk) Mastel. Willie grew up on the family farm and attended Hague High School, graduating in 1954. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy. After being honorably discharged in 1957, he attended Bismarck Junior College and obtained an Associate’s Degree in Business. 
Willie married Virginia Wokal on October 7, 1961 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bismarck. The couple was blessed with four children, Tom, Jane, Mary, and Beth. The family moved to Dickinson in 1968, where Willie owned and operated Furniture City.

Willie was extremely involved in the community, serving on leadership committees with Dickinson Charities, the Stark County Development Corporation, North Dakota Blue Cross, North Dakota Water User Association, Southwest Water Authority, the  Columbus Club and Building Association,  Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Trinity High School, the Governor’s Community Leadership Committee, Knights of Columbus Club, Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce, Dickinson Roughriders Festival, and the Bismarck Jaycees.

Willie enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time on the family farm and gardening. He especially enjoyed the fishing trips he took to Alaska and Mexico with his friends and family.  Willie and Virginia spent their winters in Arizona for over 25 years. Willie also loved playing cards, primarily pinochle and gin.  He enjoyed telling jokes, and was a “prankster”.  Those close to him nicknamed him “Smiley”.  Willie was a generous man and will missed by many. 

Willie is survived by his children, Tom Mastel, Jane Sheehan, Mary (Dave) Duncan, and Beth Mastel; grandchildren, Joe, Jason, Molly (Andrew), Katie, Sarah, Adam, Meg, Jake, and Claire; great-grandson, Jack; and siblings, Delores, Alvina, Leo (Rita) and Gene (Marlene).

He is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; parents, Valentine and Helen; and brothers, Alois (Angie) and Duane (Carlene).

In lieu of flowers, Willie’s family suggests that memorials be made to North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.