Loretta Streifel

Loretta Streifel, 80, of Washburn, North Dakota, passed away on April 1, 2026, surrounded by her husband, five children, and many grandchildren in her final days. She was deeply loved by anyone that knew her. Loretta faced a very challenging final few months, courageously battling cancer and other health ailments. Funeral Mass will be at St. Edwin’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be on Monday, April 6 from 5:00-6:00PM at the church and resume one hour prior on Tuesday. A vigil prayer service will be held at the church on Monday at 6:00PM. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Washburn, ND.

Loretta was born on July 22, 1945, to Leo and Dorothy (Stanley) McCrory. She grew up in Mohall, ND and in 1954 her family moved to the Mohall Creamery Farm. There, they raised pigs, sheep, cattle, and thousands of turkeys—marking the beginning of her lifelong dedication to hard work and farm life.

On October 28, 1967, Loretta was united in marriage to Donald Streifel in Mohall, North Dakota. Together, they built a life rooted in love and partnership and were blessed with five wonderful children.

After a few moves, Loretta and Don settled in 1977 on a small farm south of Washburn, where their care and dedication helped it flourish. Over the next 40 years, Loretta could often be found in the fields operating farm equipment, driving truck, and loved maintaining the large lawn and the smell of freshly cut grass — all while making sure everyone was well fed and cared for.

In addition to farming, Loretta and Don operated Painted Woods Crop Insurance for 25 years. Many would say that business thrived with one salesman and one office manager that did all of the work….you all know who did all of the work!

Nothing brought Loretta more joy than being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at the farm or supporting them at their various activities. She treasured every moment spent with them and was “world-renowned” among them for her cooking and baking. Loretta had strong faith and was an active member of St. Edwin’s Catholic Church, served on the Alter Society, and taught CCD for over 15 years.

Her warmth, kindness, and steady love created a home where everyone felt welcome and cared for, and she will be remembered for her strength, generosity, and the deep love she gave so freely to those around her. Strong in her faith, she truly embodied what it meant to be a servant of the Lord.

Loretta was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, sharing 58 years of marriage filled with love, partnership, and cherished memories. She was a loving sister to Joan (Gary) Mortensen, Nancy May, and Tim (Marsha) McCrory.

In addition to her siblings, Loretta is survived by her husband, Donald Streifel; her children, Judy (Perry) Hanson of Bismarck, ND; Thomas (Wendy) Streifel of Elk River, MN; Mark (Shelle) Streifel of The Woodlands, TX; Steven (Bridget) Streifel of Bismarck, ND; and Katie Kulzer of Washburn, ND; her cherished grandchildren, Seth, Brenna, Courtney (Kaden), Justin (Dakota), Madeline, Julia (Braxton), Claire, Luke, Jenna, Maverek (Apryl), Geneva, Lexi (Kaeden), Tyler, Kya, Jake, and Ebby; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Romy, Crosby, Kailynn, and Maggie, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Dorothy McCrory, whose values and love helped shape the person she became, Walter and Ann Steifel (father & mother in-law), Amy Streifel (daughter in-law), John May (brother in-law), and John Peyerl (brother in-law).

Her love lives on in the family she nurtured and in all the lives she so deeply touched.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care Loretta received from the Bismarck Cancer Center, the dedicated doctors and nurses on the 7th and 3rd floors at Sanford Hospital, Washburn Area Ambulance, and Father Logan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Washburn Volunteer Ambulance or St Edwins Alter Society.