Arthur "Art" Streifel, 86, of Esmond, ND, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 18, 2013, surrounded by his family at St. Aloisius Medical Center in Harvey, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, July 22, 2013, 10:30 AM at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Esmond, with Fr. Brian Bachmeier, celebrant.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be Sunday from 5 to 7pm with a 7:00 PM Rosary followed by a 7:30 PM Parish Vigil all in the church.  Lectors will be:  Robert Black,  Gary Dosch and Nancy Olson.  With a eulogy by Diane Peyerl.  Casket bearers will be his grandsons:  Justin Black,  Rob Black,  Jake Miller,  Scott Streifel,  Nathan Fix,  Jason Toso,  Jared Toso and Wyatt Toso.  Honorary bearers will be the members of the Nights of Columbus. Music will be from Helen Arnold, organist,  Marlys Fix & Jennifer Hagen, pianists;  Rosalie Axtman, Cantor;  the St. Boniface Choir;  Janice Toso, Katie Streifel and Kara Fix vocalists.

Arthur (Art) Streifel was born January 11, 1927 on the family farm in Esmond, ND, to Thomas and Katherine (Hager) Streifel.  Art grew up in the Esmond area and graduated from the Esmond Public School in 1945.  Following graduation, he worked on the family farm until June 8, 1948 when he married the love of his life, Agnes Neis, the daughter of Steve and Lena (Piatz) Neis.  Shortly after, they moved to Fargo, spending a couple winters working various jobs.  In 1952, they returned to Esmond to run a grain and cattle operation on the family farm.

Art enjoyed interacting with people of all ages.  A fine example of this is his many years as a school bus driver for over twenty years which he did in addition to farming and ranching.  In the early 1970's, he began his career as a crop/hail adjuster until retiring in 2003.  Art and Agnes moved from the family farm into Esmond in the fall of 1992.

Art was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, the Eagles Club and Senior Citizens Club, a former member of  the Esmond School Board and Esmond Township Board where he served as the assessor.  He also served as an usher for many years at St. Boniface Catholic Church.  Art's love for the outdoors was superseded only by his faith and love for family.  His eyes twinkled with joy whenever his children and grandchildren gathered.

He is survived by his wife:  Agnes of Esmond;  five children:  Linda (Robert) Black of Linton, ND,  Beverly (Michael) Jesser of West Fargo,  Kenneth (Diane) Streifel of Esmond,  Marlys (Blaine) Fix of Jamestown, and Janice (Todd) Toso of Harvey;  15 grandchildren:  Justin (Allison) Black,  Angela (Greg) Normandin,  Rob Black,  Melissa (Troy) Olsen,  Paul Schwab,  Brent Jesser,  Christie (Jesse) Klover,  Amy (Mike) Haldorson,  Scott Streifel,  Katie Streifel,  Nathan Fix,  Kara Fix,  Jason (Kayla) Toso,  Jared Toso and Wyatt Toso;  16 great-grandchildren:  Brody Black,  Mia Black,  Molly Normandin,  Jesse Miller,  Jacob Miller,  Ben Miller,  Isaiah Miller,  Jasmin Gonzales, Gavyn Olsen,  Odin Jesser,  Alyssa Klover,  Alexa Haldorson, Ava Haldorson, Ian Haldorson,  Olivia Haldorson and Grayson Toso, and a brother:  Walter Streifel of Harvey.

He was preceded in death by his parents:  Thomas and Katherine;  sister:  Genevieve Olson;  2 infant sisters:  Otillia & Leona and a great-grandchild:  Gavin Klover.



Condolences:

I have wonderful  memories  of you and Art --when l was younger.  I was so sorry to hear of his passing--but know he is now in Gods hands. Perhaps, even playing cards up in heaven --with my folks (John&Katie)  now.  He was a good man and will be missed by many.  Donna Mae (Streifel) Bjordahl



The  Art Streifel Families - Sorry about your loss - my thoughts and prayers are with you - May God Bless - PAL



So sorry for your loss.   Ours prayers are with your family. John & DiAnn Streifel



Dear Cousin Angus & Family-   I'm so sorry for your lose. Art was a loving kind, always a joy to visit with. I enjoyed visiting with you also. When  he seen me he always wanted to visit. Except the very last time I saw him . He was having a tough day , with memory loss. Was not easy to see. Must have been harder for you. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughs. I am the daughter of John and Katie Streifel.  Darlene & Jeff Else



I am so sorry to read of your husband's death. My condolence for you and your family. Connie Preuss Dunkelberger



Linda and I are so sorry for your loss.  You have our sympathy. Jerry Keller



Linda & Robert.  My sincere thoughts and prayers on your loss.  Never had the pleasure of meeting your dad but I know he was a good man thru following his life thru the Benson County Press and my parents comments when we lived in Esmond ever so many years ago.  Congratulations if I may Bob on your new job.  It would be a great pleasure to see each other down the road.  Take care and peace to both of you. Roger J. Guttromson



I' m the first grandchild . I take great pride in that for the story grandpa shared with me and many others about the special day he  first met me.  I have great memories helping grandpa play cards. And the fun times on the farm.  I love you grandpa.  I' ll  cherish you in my heart forever...melissa miller



My sincerest and heartfelt sympathies to you.  I had the honor of working with Art through crop insurance, for many many years. He was the crop adjuster and I was the underwriter. I remember he used to call me up and say, "Sherry, we have a problem."  Then he would proceed to tell me the story and how he was "pretty sure" we could get it done.  A grand man with a wonderful heart.  It's been several (+12 years) since I've seen him, but I vividly remember his smile, humor and laugh!  Draw peace from the memories as he'll always be with you in heart.   Sherry Schulz Schutt



When I think of Art, I remember he was so proud of all his children and grandchildren.  I would inquire especially about Marlys and Janice since we all went to HS together and he'd fill me in and would also talk about the rest of the family. I fondly remember all the sports events he and Agnes attended rooting for the Esmond Eagles. I am so sorry for your loss. Denise Arnold