Monica Dykema, 81, Linton, ND died peacefully surrounded by her family at CHI St. Alexius, Bismarck, ND,  on Wednesday, December 27, 2017.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Linton.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at St. Anthony Catholic Church where there will be a prayer service at 7 p.m.  Visitation will continue on Tuesday for one hour before services at the church.

Monica was born on the family farm, west of Wishek, ND on September 3, 1936, to Joe J. and Margaret Wald. She attended country school, rural Wishek through the 8 ^th grade.  Being the oldest of eleven children, Monica helped with household chores and caring for her younger siblings.

In her early 20's, Monica moved to Linton and worked at Renschler's Café as a waitress where she met her future husband, John Dykema.  On December 1, 1962, the couple were united in marriage at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Linton, and together raised five children.  When their youngest child started school, Monica began working at Russdons for many years until the store closed.  She then worked at the thrift store.

Monica is most remembered for her strong faith and devotion to prayer.  She spent many hours daily praying for her loved ones.  For nearly 60 years, she was an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and the St. Anthony Catholic Daughters for over 50 years.  She was also a member of the Legion Auxiliary and Linton Senior Citizens.

Monica enjoyed time with family and friends, especially family gatherings.  She was always ready with treats for her grandchildren whenever they came to visit.  She had a lifelong love for ice cream and also enjoyed going to the Grill on Tuesday for dumplings.  She was excited to become a great-grandma earlier this year.

Monica is survived by her husband of 55 years: John of Linton; four daughters and sons-in-law: Louann (Joe) Kiefer, Linton, Cheryl (Lyle) Hanson, Linton, Paula (Robert) Werner, Bismarck, Lori (Jody) Kuzel, Lidgerwood, ND; one son and daughter-in-law: Kevin (Rachel) Dykema, Bismarck; eight grandchildren: Jonathan (Kalee) Werner and Taylor (Molly) Werner, Julie Hanson, Tanner and Brooklyn Kuzel, Connor, Hailey and Brianna Dykema; one great granddaughter: Avlyn Werner; six sisters and five brothers-in-law:  Marge Wangen of Fargo, ND, Christine (Larry) Freidig of Lake Stevens, WA, Betty (Floyd) Fetzer of Bismarck, Helen (Jerome) Werlinger, Bismarck, Vi (Elmer) Weigel of Bismarck and Irene (Monte) Felchle of Bismarck; two brothers and sisters-in-law: Joe L. (Sue) Wald of Bismarck, Steve (Nancy) Wald of Fargo; and brother-in-law, Bill Bosch, MN; as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Marvin (Jean) Dykema of Bismarck, Dennis (Doris) Dykema of Strasburg, ND, Arlene (Don) Davis of Hazelton, ND, Marlene Dykema of Pollock, SD and Elizabeth Dykema of Dickinson, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Joe J. and Margaret Wald; two sisters: Anna Mary Bosch and Emma Jackman; four brothers-in-law: Jerome Wangen, Don Jackman, Orville Dykema and Louis Dykema; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Abel and Wilmina Dykema.

For the last 7 ½ years, Monica had dialysis in Bismarck three times a week.  The family wishes to thank the caring staff at CHI St. Alexius Hospital, especially the kidney dialysis unit, and the South Central Transit bus drivers, for their excellent care given over the years.

You may share memories and condolences with the family at the Myers Funeral Home website: www.myersfh.com