Kellie (Mairs) Wikenheiser of Strasburg, ND passed away peacefully on March 30, 2023 at the age of 61,  surrounded by her family.   Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Strasburg North Dakota, with burial to happen later in the spring. Visitation will be held Monday, April 3, 2023 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church with a prayer service to follow at 7 PM.

Kellie accomplished much and brightened many lives during her time with us. After growing up on a farm with four siblings, she graduated Lisbon High School in 1979 and went on to obtain her bachelor's degree with a focus in music education from Valley City State University in 1983. While there, she fully embraced the Viking community as a member of the Philomathian Sorority, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society and cheerleading squad, not to mention her reign as homecoming queen.

She then began her teaching career in Strasburg where she met Tim, her husband of 37 years. In addition to helping with the family farm and raising three children, she enjoyed a 34-year professional career teaching at Emmons Central, St. Benedict's, Hague, Zeeland and Strasburg. Her positive impact was felt in the schools where she served as librarian, taught music, directed the band and drama club, led the cheerleading and dance teams and advised the prom committee.

Kellie loved music, flowers and angels, and delighted in every moment she had with her children. She was active in the church, where she was a charter member of the St. Mary's Society, serving as its financial secretary for many years. Her hobbies included gardening, baking cookies, taking long walks and the occasional puzzle or game of solitaire, but her true passion was brightening the lives of others, which was often done through her music. She played the piano and guitar and sang at many weddings, funerals and other liturgies, gave private lessons, and regularly sang the national anthem at Strasburg's Fourth of July celebration.

It has been said that you only meet 1% of the people whose lives you touch and that was most definitely the case for Kellie. Whether it was through her compassionate teaching, beautiful music, heartfelt prayer, warm smile or the countless other ways she gave of herself on a regular basis, Kellie's positive influence was felt far beyond the circle of people she knew by name. Even as her health declined and she could no longer find the words to say, her very presence touched the hearts of those around her.

Kellie had the kindest of hearts. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, teacher and friend who will be greatly missed.

Kellie is survived by her husband, Tim; children:  Kelin (Nicole) Wikenheiser, Paula (Samuel) Klein and Paige (Mark) Baumgartner; grandchildren:  Kasyn Wikenheiser, Nancy, Barrett and Josie Klein and Baker and Benjamin Baumgartner; father,  Curtis Mairs and siblings:  LyDell Mairs, Todd (Beth) Mairs, Shawna (Michael) Mighty and Nathan Mairs.   She is preceded in death by her mother Dyann.