Fred C. Kist

Fred C. Kist, 70, died July 26, 2010 at his home in Mandan, ND, surrounded by his family and loved ones after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Services were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 30, 2010 at First Lutheran Church, Mandan, ND with Rev. Lee Herberg officiating. Burial was at the Mandan Union Cemetery in Mandan, ND.

Visitation was held from 2-9 p.m. on Thursday, July 29 at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, ND with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Fred was born on August 25, 1939 to Fred Sr. and Laura (Fallgren) Kist in Mandan, ND. He attended Mandan High School and Dickinson State College where he participated in rodeo, in particular, bull riding. It was there he meet Ellen Trotter of Grassy Butte, ND. They were married December 27, 1960, in Mandan. His strong dedication to his career started at age nine when he began working at Kist Livestock. Though this became his life’s work, it was also his lifestyle. Even though he was the president, he was involved in all phases of the business. To balance his life’s work, he enjoyed going out to the field as a way to relax, enjoy nature and private time. He had a very generous spirit, always looking out for the disadvantaged and making sure they would get a break. He would find duties they could do at the sale barn or in the field.

To relax he enjoyed watching old western movies, Andy Griffith, professional football, professional rodeo and took a special interest in watching his grandson, Jesse, win the State Basketball Championship in 2009. Additionally, he looked forward to fishing in Flin Flon, Canada and hunting in the fall. In 1956, he won the State High School Bull Riding Championship, and in 1959, he was the National College Bull Riding Champion. His avid interest in rodeo continued throughout his life. Fred had a strong, positive attitude even with his recent illness; a highlight was when he purchased his new truck.

He will be greatly missed by his daughter, Cindy (Darin) Schafer, Mandan; two sons, Jerry (Korinne) Kist, Mandan, and Terry Kist, Bismarck; two grandsons, Jesse and Jake Kist, Mandan; special friend, Lila (Melodie) Wannemacher of Washburn; two sisters, Laura Jean (Harold) Rebenitsch, Detroit Lakes, MN, and Mary (Mike) Burnette, Spokane, WA; brother, Bill (Mary Sue) Kist, Bismarck.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Ellen, who died in 2003.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Go to http://www.weigelfuneral.com to sign the online guest book and view tribute flowers.