Richard Schwartzbauer

Richard Schwartzbauer, 90, Mandan, passed away September 3, 2026, at Edgewood in Mandan, with his loving family by his side.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mandan, with Fr. Nick Schneider celebrating and Fr. Fred Harvey con-celebrating. Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, September 10, at Weigel Funeral Home, with a Rosary and Parish Vigil beginning at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Richard was born May 9, 1936, in Mandan to George Sr. and Louise (Gartner) Schwartzbauer. He attended a country school near St. Anthony.

Richard met the love of his life, Shirley Friesz, in St. Anthony. They were married October 23, 1961, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Fallon and began their life together on the Schwartzbauer family farm. They shared nearly 65 years of marriage and built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

Richard farmed until the family moved to Mandan in the early 1960s. Throughout his working years, he also worked as a handyman and in maintenance. He was a simple and private man whose word could be trusted—when Richard said something, he meant it.

Richard was a lifelong member of Christ the King Catholic Church. His faith remained a steady and important part of his life, and he faithfully served his church as an usher for many years.

Family was always Richard’s greatest priority. He genuinely loved spending time with those closest to him and made sure his children understood the importance of family. Weddings and other family celebrations were especially meaningful to him. His daughters will remember his old-fashioned sense of chivalry, including always walking on the street side when they were together. They will also treasure the nighttime rituals and giving their Dad kisses when they were little girls.

Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, playing cards and taking trips to the casino. He especially enjoyed trips to Laughlin, NV. Although he liked a good card game, the family knew he was never quite as competitive as his wife. He also appreciated life’s simple pleasures, including a trip to Dairy Queen and a cold beer.

After suffering a massive heart attack at the age of 47, Richard made walking a part of his daily life, often walking two miles each day. In later years, he continued taking walks with his children, giving them another way to enjoy time together.

Richard is survived by his wife, Shirley; his six children, Kathy (Roger) Krance, Bonnie Ripplinger (Terry Bienek), Rod (Sharon) Schwartzbauer, Denise (Tim) Sheldon, Debbie (Bryan) Ova, and Leann (Jason) Bergquist; his 12 grandchildren, Kaitlyn Krance (Ben), Kolton (Scotta) Krance, Brandon (Amber) Ripplinger, Jordan Ripplinger (Brenna), Tori (Rod) Haugen, Chelsi (Marc) Montplaisir, Emily (Kyle) Lassle, Richard (Taylor) Bendish, Anna Bendish, Kyle (Erica) Ova, and Brodie and Jake Bergquist; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Swap; and brother-in-law, Peter (Josephine) Friesz.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, George Sr. and Louise Schwartzbauer; two sons-in-law, Russell Bendish and Mike Ripplinger; siblings, Robert (Bertha) Schwartzbauer, George (Alice) Schwartzbauer, Frances (Gene) Dauenhauer, and infant brother, Edward; brother-in-law, Larry Swap; and his in-laws, Liborious & Rose Friesz, Josephine (Leo) Hopfauf, Paul (Eileen) Friesz, Viola Friesz, and Leonard (Geraldine) Friesz.

Richard will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—a hardworking man of strong faith who loved his family deeply and lived life in his own quiet, steady way.

Richard’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Edgewood Mandan and Ethos Hospice for the wonderful care, kindness, and compassion shown to Richard and his family.