Obituary: Frank Bachmeier

Frank Bachmeier

New Rockford, N.D.

Frank Leo Bachmeier, age 84 of New Rockford, N.D. died December 8, 2023, at Eventide in Jamestown, N.D.

Frank's visitation was held Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 from 1-2 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m., all at Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford. His burial was at St. John's Catholic Cemetery, New Rockford, N.D. Rev. Amy Kippen officiated the service. Recorded music "Softly and Tenderly," "Precious Memories" and "I'll Fly Away," all by Alan Jackson, were played. Honorary pallbearers were all of Frank's family and friends.

Frank Leo Bachmeier was born on June 1, 1939, to George and Mary (Wormsbecker) Bachmeier in Orrin, N.D. Frank was raised in the Bowdon area on the farm. He completed school until the eighth grade, once he was old enough he went to work with the neighboring farms. In 1953, the family moved to the New Rockford area. Frank then worked for the lumber yard and the elevator unloading coal cars.

He worked for two different elevators, Tinners for two years and he then went to work on the Northern Pacific Railroad section for a year, before he enlisted in the United States Army from 1961-1963. Upon his discharge, he worked for Swift & Co. until the company relocated, then Frank started working at R.T.A. Telephone Company as a poll climber.

Frank was united in marriage to Geraldine Ortley, they were blessed with two children, Brenda and Frank Jr. Frank had taken a job in Lead, S.D. for a year and a half and then relocated to Rockford, Ill. and worked at a factory for four years. Frank and Geraldine later divorced; Frank then moved back to New Rockford, N.D.

He started working for B&N Construction for a few years and then went to work with Swingen Construction, building bridges on roads for three years. Frank continued working in the construction industry until his retirement.

On June 28, 2006, Frank was united in marriage to the love of his life, Betty Nelson of New Rockford, N.D. They spent their time together doing the things that brought them the most joy, gardening, canning and cooking together. Betty passed away in 2014.

He is survived by one son, Frank Jr. Bachmeier of Las Vegas, Nev. and a daughter, Brenda Newhausen of New Rockford, N.D.; step-children, Harlow Nelson, Becky (Don) Hulse of Catoosa, Okla., Brenda (Kenny) Nealis of Cashion, Okla., Robin (Scott) Westall of West Fargo, N.D., Carla (Mike) Roberts of Warroad, Minn. and Shellie Nelson of Cashion, Okla.; 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; sisters Mary Nokleby of New Rockford, Helen Christianson of New Rockford and Francis Hammer of Jamestown; and one sister-in-law, Janet Laube of Fargo.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents; brothers, John Bachmeier, George Bachmeier, Richard Bachmeier and Jim Bachmeier; and sisters Rose Kraft, Phyllis Duchsherer and Elenora Knoll.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of New Rockford and Carrington, N.D.