Wilma "Willie" S. Tiefenthaler (87) went to be with her Savior, Jesus, on Thursday, December 2, 2021. She was born in Hurdsfield, ND, on May 21, 1934, to Chris and Sara (Kleinsasser) Rall, the oldest daughter in a family of 16 children.

Larry D. Tiefenthaler and Willie had a beautiful love story that began in a little diner in Bismarck where Willie was a waitress. They were married September 27, 1954 and they celebrated 56 years of marriage before Larry passed away in 2011. Willie and Larry moved to various parts of the USA to follow Larry's job as a boilermaker. (Pierre, SD, Tucson, AZ, Butte MT, Kimball, NE, Hurdsfield, ND, New Richmond, WI, Monticello, MN, Center, ND, Pleasanton, KS, Washburn, ND.) During those years Willie was a busy homemaker raising 8 children. She was known as a mentoring mother to her children and their friends as she opened her home and heart to many, and as a grandmother her face would light up whenever she saw the grandchildren.

Willie had an unshakable faith in Jesus, her Lord and Savior, and often responded to her children's problems with "Have you prayed about it?" or "Let God be your pilot!" She was committed to her family and to caring for others. Willie was a die-hard Minnesota Twins baseball fan who relished the opportunities to see them in person. She also enjoyed playing bingo, growing flowers, and cooking and baking (she is famous in the family for her delicious caramel rolls). When anyone came to visit, she would make their favorite foods. She used her talents in a local bakery after her children grew up. She was very health conscious and family often relied on her for advice.

Willie wore a half-smirk at the corner of her mouth and she would meet your gaze with the kindest eyes when that smirk would turn up just a bit.  So warm and welcoming.  It was as if she was hugging you with those eyes and smile.  Willie would never dominate a conversation to be sure all had their say, but she would not go without saying her piece.  She continually demonstrated to those fortunate to be around her how to truly care for others.  Willie practiced what her mother taught her: always give your best. She was a role model whose loved ones called her the best "Mom" and "Grandma".

Willie is survived by those blessed to call her Mom: Peggy Peterson, Linda Wang (Dennis), Mick, Laura Blotske (Joe), Bill (Helene), Dan (Kathi), Angie Rothe (Stuart) and those blessed to call her grandma: Faith (Eddie), Eric, Andrew (Leah), Trish (Steve), Lance (Kerri), Caleb (Bri), Tanya (Waylon), Heather (Ben), Cody (Kari), Coltyn, Krista (Weston), Dani, Bradley (Nicole), Amanda (Jarett), Austin, Connor, and those blessed to call her great grandma: Ashly, Mikayla, Aliya, Savanna, Haley, Isaiah, Christian, Alijah, Justin, Dylan, Lauren, London, Isaak, Tori, Cassie, Elaina, Amya, Sierra, Alex, Lacy, Kinsey, Hank, Leo, Nolan, Kaydence, Kamilah, Kaleigh, and Amanda's unborn baby boy and girl, and those blessed to call her great great grandma: Railynn and Navani. She is also survived by her siblings, Leonard, Ted (Linda), Albert (Anna), Sara (Ray), Adeline (Arnie), Sharline and Mary.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; daughter, JoLee Smith; granddaughter, Sara; great great granddaughter, Lilly and son-in-law, Rich Peterson and her siblings, Alvin, Matt, Adolf, Irene, Tilly, Cleo, Chris Jr. and Evelyn.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice or ND Right to Life.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 13, 2021 at St. Edwin's Catholic Church with Father Patrick Cunningham officiating.  A Rosary service will be held at 5:00 PM on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at the church. There will be no prior visitation.  Interment will be held in Riverview Cemetery, Washburn.