Victor Meidinger, 88, of Wishek, ND, passed away peacefully with wife and children at his side, August 8, 2022 at the Wishek Living Center. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Faith Community Church, Wishek. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022 from 5-7 PM with prayer service at 7:00 PM at Dahlstrom Funeral Home Wishek. Burial will be held at the Wishek City Cemetery. A livestream of Victor's funeral will be available on the funeral home website under his obituary.

Victor, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, was born June 15, 1934 on a farm north of Zeeland. He was the oldest son of Leopold and Pauline (Eckman) Meidinger. He grew up and worked on the family farm while attending a rural school nearby. In 1959, he met and married Janice (Eszlinger) of Ashley, ND. They were married 63 years on August 9, 2022.

Victor and Janice farmed 18 miles southwest of Wishek where they raised registered Polled Hereford cattle and grains. He was very proud of his farming operation and took great pride in his accomplishments. He was at times referred to as the "perfect farmer" because his rows were so straight and fields so neat. He was awarded Outstanding Young Farmer in recognition of exceptional progress in agriculture and his contributions to the community. In 1983, Victor and Janice received the NDSU Farming Award and in 2000 Victor was inducted into the North Dakota Fairman's Hall of Fame. In the fall of 2004 they sold their farm, retired and moved their home to Wishek, ND.

Victor liked to work which meant retired life didn't really mean "retiring". He continued his love for staying busy by hauling corn for Curts Dairy in the fall and delivering fertilizer for Central Dakota Frontier in the spring until he was 84 years old. He enjoyed watching TV. Any western or game show was his favorite. He enjoyed playing pinnochle and outdoor yard games with family and friends. The love Victor and Janice shared brought them 5 children: Dale, Peggy, Patricia, Karen and Kathryn.

Victor was the "Best Dad" and a Hero to all his children. A kind and gentle yet serious man who loved unconditionally. Dad was not a cook but he could make a mean bowl of popcorn on Saturday nights while watching the Carol Burnette Show, Hee Haw, or Gunsmoke. He also made the best buttered toast in the morning (frosted toast as some called it). And later in life we found out he made a drink called Redeye (Schnapps). He made a special batch and shared with many friends and family on special occasions.

Victor was involved in various community organizations. He served on the Fair board 40 years and absolutely enjoyed every season. He also served on the Wishek School Board, St. Johns Congregational Church Board, 4- H Saddle Club, and ND Polled Hereford Association. He was currently a member of Faith Community Church of Wishek.

Victor was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease approximately 20 years ago. Janice, with much love and devotion, cared for him at their home until April 2022 when they moved to assisted living in Wishek. Victor was transferred to the Wishek Living Center shortly thereafter when full nursing care was needed.

He is survived by his loving wife Janice, Wishek; children, Dale and Patti (Sorenson), Wishek, Peggy and Michael Martell, Wishek, Patricia and David Rausch, Avon Indiana, Karen and Todd Humphrey, Bismarck, and Kathryn and Byron Bettenhausen, Hutchinson MN; 11 grandchildren, Chasity (Matt) Lovell, Vince and Melisa (Rudolf) Meidinger, Lisa (Matt) Heimbuck, Evan Martell, Ross and Jayme (Perleberg) Martell, Samantha (Kevin) Tracy, Eric Rausch, Trenton and Brandon Bettenhausen, and Brittney and Briana Humphrey. Victor and Janice were also blessed with 13 great grandchildren, Javen, Bella, Kashton, Alice, Ava, Ashlyn, Violet, Micah, Amelia, Owen, Aiden, Maxx and Jaxon. They adored each and every one. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Ruth Thurn, Wishek, Verna (Gary) Lockwood, Austin TX, James (Sharon) Meidinger, Wishek, MaryLou Cornella, Hawthorne, NV, Walter (Marge) Meidinger, Fargo, Ruby(Ron) Hartman, Fargo, Don Meidinger, Ft Meyers Beach, FL, Grace (Bill) Sufka, Andover, MN; brother-in-law, Larry Wald, Wishek and sister-in-law, Julie Meidinger, Wamego, KS.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Violet, sister Linda; brother, Gary; and two infant brothers.

"God saw you were getting tired, a cure was not to be. So, he put his arms around you and whispered "Come with Me." With tearful eye we watched you and saw you fade away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, your tender hands at rest. God took you home to prove to us he only takes the best."

Thank you for all you gave us. We will always carry your memory in our hearts.

Special thanks to the staff at the Wishek Living Center and South Central Health for the care given to our dear husband and dad.