In Loving Memory of Marlene Grace Bischoff
Marlene Grace Bischoff passed away peacefully at SMP Health – St. Raphael formerly the Sheyenne Care Center, Valley City, ND, with her family by her side on Thanksgiving Day, November 25th 2021.
She was born in Merricourt, ND on October 9th, 1936 to Otto and Mary (Bollinger) Richter. Marlene graduated from Hazen High School and then attended Jamestown College where she met her future husband Roger Bischoff. When Roger was drafted into the Army, Marlene moved to Montana and taught in a one-room schoolhouse. She later taught in Mandan and Chaffee, ND. She and Roger were married in Bismarck, ND on June 10th, 1961, making their home in Chaffee, Gwinner, and in 1967 moving to Valley City, where she resided for the rest of her life. Marlene finished her degree at Valley City State College. Over the years, she and Roger owned several local businesses including Allard Trophy. Working at Allard for over 40 years was her pride and joy; growing lasting business relationships and friendships. For her hard work, Marlene was honored with the Award of Merit from the North Dakota High School Coaches’ Association in 2006.
She was an active member and Sunday school teacher at Trinity Lutheran Church including creating seasonal banners for the sanctuary. She enjoyed driving around with her children spotting wildlife and going on family trips. Marlene loved to play and plan games, especially when the family all got together. She always remembered her grandchildren with cards, gifts, and candy on every holiday and attended as many of their school activities as she could.
Marlene is survived by three children, Michele (Bill) Trader along with their children Jennifer and Matthew (Grand Forks), Greg Bischoff (Valley City) and Valerie (Doug) Giles (Abilene, TX), with their children Benjamin (Seattle), and Aaron; brother-in-law Dick Wilkens (Bismarck), sister-in-law Phyllis Richter (Valley City), and brother-in-law Gordon (Gail) Bischoff (Jamestown).
She was preceded in death by her husband Roger (August 2016), her parents, her sister Anita Wilkens, and brother Allen Richter. Our loving mom and grandma will be missed dearly.
The funeral service will be 11:30 Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Valley City. Visitation and reception will be 10 am to 11:30 at the church. Burial will be in the Courtenay Cemetery, Courtenay, North Dakota.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City. An online guestbook is available at olivernathanchapel.com