Funeral services for Martha Mattis Magstadt, age 94 of Elgin, will be held at 10:30am Wednesday, February 27, at the New Leipzig Baptist Church. Pastor Al Gaines will officiate with burial in the New Leipzig Baptist Cemetery.


Serving as casketbearers are her grandchildren and their spouses, LaDean Mattis, Kelly Mattis, Shaylene and Eric Howard, Julie and Kevin Kautzmann, Karyn and Robert Finneseth.


Martha Reichert was born November 9, 1913 in Adams County near Hettinger, ND. Martha was the youngest of six children born to Jacob and Margaretha (Oswald) Reichert. At the age of four, the family moved to a farm six miles southeast of Bentley, ND. As a young girl she did the usual farm chores – milked cows, cared for the poultry, hogs, horse's and cooked for 15 – 20 threshing crew men. Martha attended the Soli School south of Bentley.


Martha married William Mattis on September 1, 1934. He managed to catch her eye when he drove into her yard with his gently used green 1932 Model A Ford Coupe that he purchased for $110.00. They resided on a farm south of New Leipzig until 1943 when they purchased and moved to a farmstead 7 miles south of Bentley, ND. In 1952, they built a home in Elgin but continued the farming operation until retiring in 1972. Bill passed away in 1994.


Martha married August Magstadt in 1995. They continued living in Martha's home enjoying their "golden years" together. In November 2002, they moved to Dakota Hills where they kept busy taking care of each other, visiting with friends and enjoying the activities provided by the staff. Martha moved to the Jacobson Memorial Care Center in April of 2007.


Martha had many hobbies that kept her forever young at heart. Gardening, crocheting, needle crafting, sewing, playing the piano, singing, cooking, cleaning, and assisting with field work kept her very busy throughout her life. She will be remembered for her keen sense of humor and the many beautiful flowers that grew so abundantly in her well-kept yard. Her "green thumb" was appreciated by everyone passing by her home.


Martha was a life-long member of the New Leipzig Baptist Church. Her church family was a constant source of joy and inspiration. She prayed daily for her family and the staff at the Care Center and Dakota Hill that so graciously cared for her and August the last several years.


Martha passed from this life on February 25, 2008 at the age of 94.


Left with many special memories are her husband, August, one daughter, Glenda (Lloyd) Klein, Elgin, daughter-in-law, Irene Mattis, Bismarck, step son Tim (Deb) Magstadt and step grandson Zachary, Elgin. She also leaves five grandchildren, LaDean Mattis, Kelly Mattis, Shaylene (Eric) Howard, Julie (Kevin) Kautzmann, Karyn (Robert) Finneseth, nine great grandchildren, Casey and Karlee Kautzmann, Tristin, Dylan, Jaydin, Cole Howard, Alex, Ben and Anna Finneseth and a host of nieces and nephews.


Martha was preceded in death by her parents, her 1st husband, William, her son, Milton, a stillborn son, Dennis, 3 grandchildren, Debra, Lonnie and Jackie Mattis, 4 brothers, Gottlieb, Alvin, Ted, Jack Reichert, and 1 sister Helen Brockel.