Kathleen Birrenkott

Kathleen Birrenkott, 92, Bismarck, passed away April 19, 2025, in a Bismarck care center. Funeral services will be on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Bismarck Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Kathleen was born on November 28, 1932, in Bismarck, ND to John and Veronica (Knoll) Dietrich, who came here from Odessa, Russia, Germans from Russia. She was raised and educated in Bismarck and was part of the last graduating class from the old St. Mary’s High school in 1950.

Kathleen was united in marriage to Michael J. Birrenkott on July 23, 1951, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bismarck. She worked in long distance for a telephone company in Bismarck soon after graduating from high school. Kathleen also worked as a salesclerk at JCPenney and Maurices and sold Avon products.

Kathleen loved cats, watching birds, reading books, music, piano and joined school and church choirs. She liked to spend her time with her flowers, gardening and especially weeding those flower beds. Kathleen enjoyed doing crafts, especially for holidays: Christmas and Easter, Bible study and spending time at the cabin on Lake Sakakawea. Both Kathleen and Mike loved to travel.

Kathleen is survived by her husband: Mike, Bismarck; children: Paula Whitley, Michael (Bobbi) Birrenkott, Rebecca (Randy) Manning; grandchildren: Thom (Fabio) Fox, Cassandra (Jon) Langerud, Jason Birrenkott, Cory Birrenkott, Amber (Wes) Geiger, Emily Jessen and Jared Jessen; great grandchildren: Daisy, Ole, Maggie, and Lucie Langerud, Samantha and Keane Birrenkott, Dane and Veda Geiger; great great grandchildren: Ridge (Birrenkott) Placek; sister-in-law: Shirley Rinde; cousin: Rosemary White.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Matilda Goar.

In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials are preferred to go to Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue, PO Box 7364, Bismarck, ND 58507