Mercedes "Cede" L. Motschenbacher, 92, of Maddock, ND, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at SMP St. Aloisius Long Term Care in Harvey, ND.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 11, 2026 at the North Viking Lutheran Church in Maddock with Pastor Cassie Borges officiating.  Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be held at the North Viking Lutheran Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred North Viking Lutheran Cemetery: 4645 38th Street NE Maddock, ND 58348.

Mercedes L. Trimmer was born April 10, 1933 on the family farm located near Maddock, to Harold Sr. and Natalia Trimmer.  Cede's life was rooted in hard work, faith, and family. She attended a country school for her early years before moving to Maddock in fourth grade, where she later graduated from Benson County Agricultural Training School in 1951.  Even as a student, she was known for her strong work ethic, working for the Maddock Theatre selling tickets and ushering while attending school.

On September 9, 1951 Cede married Jerry Motschenbacher.  Together, they farmed alongside Jerry's parents and made their home on the farm north west of Maddock.  Over the years, they built a life that reflected dedication and perseverance, moving briefly to Carrington, ND before returning to Maddock.  There they owned and operated the Gambles Store until March 1977, and later managed the Gem Apartments – endeavors that kept them busy and deeply connected to their community.  Cede also worked at the Red Owl Grocery Store and the Maddock Memorial Home, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed.

Above all else, Cede was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  She lovingly raised two daughters, instilling in them the values she lived by – kindness, responsibility, and care for others.  Her greatest pride and joy was her family, especially the time she spent with her grandchildren, whose lives were forever touched by her endless love.

Cede lived her faith through service. She taught Sunday school, served on the altar committee, and was an active member of the AMVETS and American Legion Auxiliary, where she helped organize blood drives and sold poppies in support of veterans.  She also found joy in bowling, playing bridge, and staying socially connected with friends and neighbors.

In her quieter moments, Cede enjoyed listening to old country music, dancing, collecting angels, and welcoming others into her home for coffee and conversation.  She had a way of making people feel comfortable and cared for – whether through a shared laugh, a listening ear, or simply spending time together.

Cede will be remembered for her steady strength, her generous spirit, and the deep love she had for her family and community.  Her life was one of service, connection, and grace, and she will be remembered through the lives she touched and the love she shared.

Cede is survived by her daughters, Barb (Jerry) Lunde and Debbie (Brad) Hovland of Maddock, ND; grandchildren, Corey (Andrea) Motschenbacher, Cassandra Hovland, Justin (Kayla) Hovland, Jalissa (Andy) Hoffman, Bridget (Chad) Geller, Cody (Caleb) Lunde, Jordan (Sarah) Lunde, and Teah (Riley) Dellinger; great-grandchildren, Braeton, Ian, and Emery Motschenbacher, Declan and Bailey Hoffman, Ripken, Riker, and Rigley Geller, Cooper Wachendorf, and Eden Dellinger; brother, Harold Trimmer; sister, Elnor Haugen; nieces, Rochelle Olson, Nancy Morken and Brenda Miller; nephews, Michael Haugen and Tyrone Trimmer.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Gerald; parents, Harold Sr. and Natalia Trimmer; sisters, Lorraine Aanderud and Delores Morken; nieces, Rachel Dahl, Vaughn Haugen and Trisha Trimmer; nephews, Greg Haugen, Edward Haugen and Mark Aanderud.