Bernice Hilfer

Bernice “Bun” Hilfer, 87, passed away unexpectedly in her home on February 4, 2026. Bernice was a lifelong resident of Mandan who loved her family, her community, the state of North Dakota, and her country. She is remembered fondly and missed dearly by all those who cherished her.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mandan, with Fr. Josh Waltz celebrating. Inurnment will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Bernice was born on May 16, 1938, to Ralph and Flora (Veitenheimer) Landeis in Mandan, North Dakota. In her youth, Bernice learned the value of hard work as she helped on the family farm northwest of Mandan, attended a small country school, and eventually graduated from Mandan High School in 1956.

Immediately following high school, in 1956, Bernice began working as an abstract typist and courthouse real estate records researcher for the North Dakota Guaranty & Title Company (now known as The Title Team), which had only recently opened its first office in Bismarck. Bernice would eventually choose to include the company’s original horse-and-rider logo on her headstone. Over a career spanning nearly 50 years, Bernice was instrumental in helping the company grow to be a regional leader in title services. She was appointed manager of the Mandan office in 1986 and was named vice president of the company in 1992, eventually retiring in 2004. Even in retirement, Bernice continued to stay busy because she deeply believed in the virtues of daily activity, work, and engagement. Bernice was deservedly proud of her business success, and her dedication is widely recognized and admired.

Bernice’s passion for her work was matched only by her love for the family she shared with her husband of 61 years, Art “Butch” Hilfer, whom she married on September 12, 1959. Art and Bernice worked hard while raising three sons, and they took joy in their role as grandparents. Butch and Bun were also enthusiastic travelers. While the couple was well-known to make the long drive from Mandan to Las Vegas (sometimes several times a year), they also toured the rest of their beloved country and often visited friends and family living in different states. Bernice frequently recounted their visit to the World Trade Center and tours of several presidential libraries, as well as her appreciation for the splendor of America’s natural wonders and landscapes.

Bernice was a strong and loving wife, mother, and grandmother; she was also fiercely independent and wholly unique. Her sharp mind, curiosity, and drive were obvious to all who knew her. She loved to read and learn, and she was an avid collector of books and artifacts—especially biographies and family history. She also took great satisfaction in cooking meals and treats for her family. Her care, thoughtfulness, and style were consistently remarkable.

Blessed to have shared in Bernice's life are three sons, Wynn (Belinda), John, and Don (Nadine); 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, Bill (Jessie) Hilfer and their sons, Kaden, Ryan, and Liam; Jenna (Zach) Kelsch and their daughter, Arya; Christopher Hilfer and his son, Gavin; Stephen Hilfer (Patrick Moises); Kimber Hilfer; Katey (Matthew) Enriquez and their daughter, Estelle; Austin Hilfer; Megan (Justin) Hanson and their son, Hayes; and Haley Hilfer; one brother, Herman and Mary Landeis; and many nieces and nephews.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Art “Butch” Hilfer; sister, Isabelle Landeis-Mack; and brothers and sisters-in-law, William (Rose) Landeis and Edwin (Gloria) Landeis.