Francis “Mick” Mabin

World-Class Adventurer, Cowboy Poet and Coyote Whisperer

Francis “Mick” Mabin, 86, of Bismarck, ND, took his final bow on July 10, 2025, at CHI St. Alexius. Born in Minot, ND, on September 2, 1938, to Lula Rogers and Francis Mabin Sr., Mick could charm a rattlesnake, out-talk a telemarketer, and write a poem about it all before breakfast. He shared an adventurous childhood alongside his younger sister Ione, many cousins, and childhood best friends including Gary, Jimmy and Duane.

In 1957, he married the love of his life, Theresa DeLorme, and spent the next 68 years proving that true love is real. He once titled a poem, “Lord, I’ve loved a lady,” and to see the way he looked at Theresa, you knew he meant it. He also asked the Lord to let one of them walk slowly down the path to heaven until the other caught up. We’re guessing he’s up there now, walking quite slowly, probably stopping to chat with those who have passed before him.

Mick graduated from Minot High School and promptly joined the Navy, where he served three years and collected enough sea stories to last a lifetime. After that, he lived a life so full of adventure it would make Indiana Jones look like a homebody. He was a cowboy poet, professional coyote trapper, house flipper, bar owner, traveling salesman, and power line construction worker. If it involved grit, guts, or a good story, Mick was in.

He and Theresa raised three children—Patricia Marie, Michael James (Nancy), and Mary Jo (Jeff Reiser)—who each inherited his wit and wisdom. His advice was legendary and often repeated: “Slow down, pause, and keep it simple.”

He is survived by his wife Theresa, three children, as well as his seven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren who will carry on his legacy of humor, heart, and the occasional tall tale.

He also had a soft spot for animals, especially his beloved dogs Blackie and Trumpy, who were more like four-legged family members than pets.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, at Bismarck Funeral Home. The family will receive guests one hour before and again after the service until 4:00 p.m. Come ready to laugh, cry, and maybe hear a poem or two.

Matthew Mabin, Alexander Mabin, Cullen Reiser, Micah Mabin, Ben Aull, and Peter Ray will serve as honorary pallbearers for a burial to be held later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family or to a charity of your choice.

Mick lived big, loved deeply, and left behind a trail of laughter, wisdom, and adventure. Heaven just got a little rowdier and a lot more poetic.