Carol Tishmack

Carol Ann Tishmack, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away peacefully October 25, 2026, at the age of 85. Born in Lemmon, SD, on October 15, 1941, to Earl and Florence (Palmer) Van Cleave, she left behind a legacy for deep, enduring love for her family.

On May 4, 1979, Carol married the love of her life, James “Jim” Tishmack in Bismarck, ND.

Above all else, Carol’s greatest joy in life was her family: her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. She dedicated herself to caring for them and took immense pride in watching them grow and start families of their own. She also loved the peaceful small farm outside of Bismarck that she and Jim built together. They spent many happy years riding horses, fishing, camping, playing games with friends and family, and enjoying the outdoors. Carol always loved welcoming visitors to her home, whether taking in the peaceful quiet on the deck or sharing a Mike’s Lemonade with loved ones like her nieces and nephews.

An animal lover through and through, Carol’s heart was always open to creatures great and small. She shared a particularly special bond with horses, possessing a rare gift for calming and settling a horse when no one else could and even her own son, Rick, was jealous of that bond. Following Jim’s passing twenty years ago, she continued to find deep peace on their farm, surrounded by the animals she adored. Over her lifetime, she also cherished her dogs, cats, and bunnies; in her final years, she found great comfort and faithful companionship in her loyal dog and two cats, who stayed by her side.

Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Tishmack (who passed away in May 2005); her parents; sisters, Esther and Eilene; brothers, Everett, John, Paul and Orman; grandson, Harley Zahn and her son-in-law, Troy Zahn.

She is survived by her loving family, including her children: Rick (Paula) Penor of Menoken, ND, Cathy Zahn of McKenzie, ND, and Lori (Brian Baughman) Penor of Seattle, WA; grandchildren, Rhiannon Penor, Carolee (Jake) Nagel, Jolene Zander, Jason Penor, Erick (Ayrica) Penor, and Jennifer (Cody) Green; 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Joyce (Don) Hanson and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held on October 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Bismarck Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to an animal rescue or shelter of your choice, honoring Carol’s lifelong love for animals.