John Ressler

John Thomas Ressler, 81, Mandan, passed away May 14, 2023, at Sunset Drive Care Center with his family by his side. 

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12 noon on Friday, May 19, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mandan, with Fr. Fred Harvey celebrating. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:30-6 PM on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a parish rosary/vigil at 6 PM.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

John was born April 20, 1942, to Nick and Monica (Eckroth) Ressler in Mandan. He married the love of his life, Paulette Cermak, on July 10, 1965. They were blessed with two children, Johnnie and Jessie. 

John graduated from Mandan High School in 1962. He worked for Barney's Standard, L&H Manufacturing, the State of ND License Dept., and finally retired as custodian at Custer Elementary School.

He was always on the go in his favorite trucks, better known as “Old Orange” and “Old White.” John enjoyed woodworking, vegetable gardening, rototilling for friends, thrifting at rummage & toy sales, working in his shop, and helping others in the community. John loved the outdoors and took countless camping and fishing trips with his family. He was a great cook and you could often find him in his kitchen or at the BBQ. Poker parties, bingo, pull tabs and casino runs were some of Paulette and his favorites. His house was the go-to house for Halloween. Hundreds of plastic pumpkins lined the yard, deck, and roof top. He participated in many sports in school and into his adult life. John enjoyed watching all sports on TV, including football, basketball, and baseball, his favorite being the NY Yankees.… GO YANKEES. Later in life, he got to enjoy watching his kids and grandkids compete in sports as well. Family was most important to John and he beamed when talking about his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

John and Paulette's home was always open to family and friends. From outdoor family picnics, to super bowl parties, to playing "spoons" or other card games - everyone was welcome. John always made sure the red beer was flowing.

His final home was Sunset Drive Care Center in Mandan. John and Paulette met many new friends that quickly turned into family. His daily milkshake from Paulette was something he looked forward to everyday. Huge shout out to his AMAZING caregivers. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the love, care, and kindness John received. 

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Paulette; son, Johnnie Ressler; and daughter, Jessie (Matt) Schafer; granddaughter, Kendra (Thomas) Vander Wal; grandson Payton Schafer; and great grandchildren, Ben and Halley Vander Wal; brothers, Joe (Colleen) Ressler, Clarence Ressler, and Nick (Nadine) Ressler; sisters, Kathleen John and Adeline Castleberry; and sister-in-law, Cheryl Ressler.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward (Violet), Christ (Agnes), and Paul; and sisters, Dorothy (Frank) Hellman, Ida (Jack) Bohl, and infant sister, Mary Ann.