Anna Pauline "Ann" Abelstad, 86, of Minot died on Thursday, November 20, 2014 in a Minot nursing home after a long struggle with Alzheimers. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her family.

Ann was born on April 17, 1928 in Palermo, ND to Minius and Bertha (Arneberg) Bingen. She was raised on a farm in Palermo Township of Mountrail County. She attended rural school, graduated from Palermo High School in 1946 and continued her education at Minot Business College where she received specialized training in bookkeeping. As a young adult she was employed at Bridgeman Creamery.

Ann married Alvin Abelstad on October 8, 1950 in Palermo. They made their home on a farm in Sundre Township of Ward County, southeast of Minot, where they were cattle and grain farmers. She was employed at Minot Livestock Auction, Jay's Men's Store, Mr. D's Men's Store, American Family Insurance and DuPaul's Jewelry. They moved into Minot in 1981.

Ann was a member of Our Redeemer's Church and the Valley Homemakers Club. Always very supportive of her children, she was a 4-H leader and member and officeholder in the PTA. She especially enjoyed sewing, reading, walking, traveling, camping, card playing and square dancing.

Ann's loving family includes her husband of 64 years: Alvin; children: Daryl (Brenda) Abelstad of Colorado Springs CO, Susan Thomas of Minot and Nancy (Carlos) Cisneros of Saginaw MI; grandchildren: Stacey Abelstad, Donald (Lisa) Abelstad, Tonya (Mike) Harden, Jeremy (Misty) Mahany, Brandi Mostad, Kristen (Mark) Tolsma and Marissa Cisneros; 14 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; brother: Harold (Mary) Bingen of Anacortes, WA, sister-in-law: Arlene (Edward) Weigel of Minot; and several nieces and nephews.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, son: Kim Allen Abelstad and siblings: Betty Thompson and Martin, Rolf, Gus, Olaf, Melvin, Alvin and Ernest Bingen.

Celebration of the Life of Ann Abelstad: Monday, November 24, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Redeemers Church - Minot.
Interment will be at Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Sunday from noon until 5:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Our Redeemer's Church or The Alzheimer's Association.