Tim Senger

M. Tim Senger, 94 of Devils Lake passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Sheyenne Crossings in West Fargo ND. 

Michael Timothy Senger was born October 29, 1929, in Devils Lake, ND. The eighth child of 13 born to Anton and Mary Axtman Senger and Anton’s first wife, Helen Ziegler. To avoid confusion with an uncle named the same, he went by Timothy most of his life.

He attended Lake School and graduated eighth grade at age 12. He stated “school was easy for me”. Due to his older brothers being drafted, he was needed on the farm so was unable to attend high school. He often wished he had been able to continue his education and became a very strong advocate for education.

Tim would spend the next years working alongside his family on their farm. His farming started with plow horses and ended with air conditioned cabs. At the tender age of 9, he was handling a 5-horse team.

On September 23, 1952, Tim was joined in marriage to Rosella Schiele. They would spend the majority of the lives on the farm, first up north of Devils Lake,  and later moving to a farm north of Rohrville. Tim loved farming. He felt close to God being close to nature. He truly trusted God would provide, and he always did, no matter how tough some of those years were. To support his family, many animals were also raised on the farm, along with large vegetable gardens.

Tim and Rose added 9 children to their union.

As if these years weren’t busy enough, he was a firm believer in giving back to the community and served on many various boards and projects. Some of these included: Rohrville Farmer’s Union Elevator, Ramsey County Farmer’s Union, Ontario Township, and Crary Public School.

Tim was also very committed to living his faith in action and helped with Religious Education, Marriage Preparation, Sponsoring couples, and Right to Life. He was also a member of the Knight’s of Columbus. If someone was in need, Tim was always willing to help.   

In 1993, Tim and Rose moved off the farm into Devils Lake. Tim continued to farm a few more years after this and retired from farming in 1997.

In many ways, Tim was a man before his time. He helped taking care of the children and changed diapers, taught himself how to play the accordion and fix almost anything, and this was before youtube.  He traveled with a toolkit and his kids would have their lists ready when he arrived. When his daughters were having trouble sewing their skirts for cheerleading, Tim helped them figure it out. He was always open for an opportunity to learn.

Tim’s children remember his wonderful work ethic, but also him taking a break during haying or harvesting to kick a ball around or swing a bat. To add some fun for the kids, he put up a swing in the hay loft and used a ring from a steel bin to build a swimming pool. In the winter he would often play games with the family and taught the girls how to do the waltz, polka, etc. He was a wonderful dancer. He and Rose spent many enjoyable moments square dancing, and dancing to the country western bands.

 Some of the most significant memories Tim’s children have of him are: His unwavering faith- “No need to be worried, God will take care of it”. He would kneel in the middle of a room, unsupported, when praying the family rosary so he wouldn’t fall asleep.  His motto: “If you are going to do it, do it right. “  “It doesn’t matter if they don’t help you, you still need to help them.” Tim truly believed everything was a gift from God and gave of his time, talent, and finances to many different charities and causes.

 Survived by : wife, Rose, 9 children: John (Maggie) – San Antonio, TX; Dave (Karen) Senger – Minneapolis, MN; Cheri (Senger)Carrier – Minneapolis MN;  Donna (Senger) Langton, Bismarck, ND; Karen (Joe) Harder, Fargo, ND; Terri (Mark) Brenner, Fargo, ND; Rick (Joanne) Senger, Minneapolis, MN; Beth (Ken)   Kocher-Naples, Florida; Cory (Monica) Senger, Indianapolis, IN; 23 grandchildren; 15 Great grandchildren; Surviving siblings: Marie Bosch, Marcy Schafer, Donna Mae Leiphon, Issy Bosch, Louise Everson, Diane Christianson.

Preceded in death by his parents and siblings Margaret Jager, Frank Senger, Wendelen Senger, John Senger, Jennie Bertsch, Frances Wentz.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 0.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. led by the Knights of Columbus and Reverend Mr. Ken Severinson. Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with burial in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery. 

Memorials may be directed to the Women's Care Center or Right To Life organization in memory of Tim.