Cecelia Steidl passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on Sunday, January 8, 2017, surrounded by her family in Bethany on University.

She was born on October 10, 1919 to Balzar and Albina (Job) Vetter on the family farm in Emmons County, North Dakota, and enjoyed the many activities of rural life with her six brothers, two sisters, several nieces, nephews and many cousins nearby.

Cecelia enjoyed the outdoors, farming and caring for animals, dancing, sewing, cooking and especially riding her beloved horse, Jimmy. German was the language spoken at home and Cecelia learned English while attending the local country schoolhouse.

On April 10, 1939, she was united in marriage with Martin Steidl, Jr. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Linton, North Dakota. They made their home near Fingal, ND, farming for many years, and then moving to town and working at the school in later years.

Cecelia and Martin raised five sons and one daughter in Fingal. She was active in many community groups including St. Ann’s Society, the American Legion Auxiliary, Homemakers and the Eagles.

In 1999, she moved to Fargo to be closer to her children. She joined the congregation at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, taking part in the daily mass and coffee club, making many new friends along the way.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, and sisters; her husband, Martin; and her son, Richard.

She is survived by her sons, James (Karen) Steidl, Fargo, ND; Thomas Steidl, Tower City, ND; William (Joanne) Steidl, Fargo, ND; Anthony Steidl, Fargo, ND; and daughter, Julie Hemmah, Fargo, ND. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Memorials are preferred to Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo.