Funeral services for Jean Pladson, age 79 of Bismarck formerly of  Bottineau were held on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Lake Metigoshe Christian Center.  Officiating at the service was Pastor Cole Bentley.  Jacque Marum was the pianist and special music was provided byBobbie Jo Vandal and Joe Mechtenberg.  Casket bearers were Chris Vandal, Tyler Pulkrabek, Joe Mechtenberg, Jeremy Sheldon, Bruce Pulkrabek and Lance Obrigewitch.  Burial will be a the Salem Cemetery near Bottineau.

Evelyn Jean Pladson, a daughter of Bert and Olga (Petterson) Hanson, was born on October 4, 1939.  She was baptized at Nordland Lutheran Church and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Bottineau.  She attended Hilton School #3 before moving to Bottineau with her family in 1947.  On November 19, 1955, she married Duane Pladson.  Three children were born to this union James, Deb and Becky.  They lived in the Turtle Mountains near the Canadian border.  Besides farming, Duane also worked as a carpenter and later started his own construction company and Jean was the secretary.  Duane built them a beautiful home on the shores of a lake in the northeast corner of Bottineau County.  Duane passed away in 1988 at the age of 54.  Jean remained in their home until moving into the Good Samaritan Center in Bismarck in 2010.  She had a strong work ethic her whole life and she survived the rugged winters and all that country life entailed.

She was a member of the Salem Lutheran Church and later the Metigoshe Lutheran Church.  She taught Sunday School and was active with the WELCA.  She held many church offices through the years.  She was the chairwomen of decorating the new Christian Center was the first women elected to the church council.

Jean always knew who Jesus was and she loved him.  She loved God and depended upon the Holy Spirit as she lived out her life.  She lived in the peace, presence, power and love of God.  She counted blessings everyday.  As she was blessed she blessed the lives of others.

She took a deep interest in family reunions and in 1992 she organized 2 family reunions.  The reunions continue today on her mom's side.

She worked several places through the years, she worked Dakota College in Bottineau, San Haven State Hospital.  She was a retreat hostess at Metigoshe Ministries, Business Basics Secretary and she was also a broker agent at the Dunseith Port of Entry.

Jean had a love for music.  She was instrumental in getting Charley Pride started.  He still visited with her when he was performing in the area.  The other artist she spent time with and worked to promote was Loretta Lynn. She also enjoyed playing quitar.

School was a real enjoyment to her.  Her education continued in 1985 when she went to NDSU-Bottineau and received 2 associate degrees. She was also  on the Dean's List every quarter.

Jean had a happy nature and enjoyed people and gatherings.  She was a good cook and baker.

Beginning Experience became a very important group to her.  She attended Level 1 shortly after her husband died.   She soon became the facilitator in Bottineau and Rugby.

Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the love of her life.  She also loved the residents and staff at the Good Samaritan Center, her pastors, congregation or anyone who crossed her path.

She enjoyed gardening, had a beautiful yard, writing, music, hunting and fishing which she enjoyed with Becky.  She was a deep thinker and enjoyed books especially her Bible.

Jean passed away on Monday, January 7, 2019 at a Bismarck hospital.

She is survived by her daughters, Deb (Bruce) Pulkrabek of West Fargo and Becky Vandal of Bismarck; grandchildren, Brooke (Joe) Mechtenberg, Tyler (Brittany) Pulkrabek; Kasey (Jeremy) Pulkrabek, Chris (Bre) Vandal and Bobbi Jo (Lance) Vandal; great grandchildren; Teagan, Aria and Ivy Mechtenberg, Jasmine Schildberger and Hayley Vandal

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Pastor James Pladson, infant sister, Marilyn and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.