Sebastian Mitzel, 82, of Harvey, N.D. died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at St. Aloisius Nursing Home in Harvey.
Sebastian Mitzel was born to Michael and Johanna (Schwar-tzenberger) Mitzel in Napoleon on Sept. 23, 1927. He graduated from Napoleon High School in 1947 and during the summer worked for his father at the elevator. He was hired by the Soo Line Railroad when steam engines were still in use. His first assignment was at the depot in Ashley. In 1948, he began working as a baggage and warehouse clerk in Bismarck. He became a brakeman in 1948 and in 1951 was promoted to conductor. Sebastian took great pride in working for the Soo Line Railroad. Although he worked many 16-hour days, seven days a week, and slept in bunk houses, cabooses and hotels without indoor plumbing, he enjoyed his work. The work was hard with less than favorable conditions but he felt fortunate to have a job with good pay and benefits.
Sebastian married Marlys Hanzal on June 17, 1950, in Parshall, N.D. They were blessed with five children and lived in Bismarck until moving to Harvey in 1961. Sebastian retired from the railroad in 1988 with 42 years of service. Sebastian and Marlys enjoyed attending their children's and grandchildren's sporting and music events, spending time on the Harvey Golf Course, entertaining their family and friends, and volunteering at the church and nursing home. When he retired, Sebastian made a Soo Line train out of 30-gallon barrels and participated in many parades throughout North Dakota, including his hometown, Napoleon. Today, children enjoy riding the train at Papa's Pumpkin Patch in Bismarck. A source of personal pride was when he was chosen as Napoleon's Alumnus of the year in 1998.
Sebastian's family includes: his wife of 59 years, Marlys, of Harvey; sons, Ron (Nan), Mercer Island, Wash., Gary (Donelda), Minot, Blair (Kathy), Bismarck, Steve (Elaine), Menahga. Minn.; daughter, Sheila (Tom) Peterson of Stephen, Minn.; sisters, Monica Lubbers, Jamestown, Tillie (George) Becker, Bismarck, Margaret Jangula, Worrington, Pa., Johanna Sanders, Pleasanton, Calif.; brother, Jerry (Marilou) Mitzel, Scottsdale, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Marie Mitzel, Coalinga, Calif.; grandchildren, Matthew, Travis, Brendon, Tyler, Nichole, Michael, Ryan, Kristopher, Andrew, Paul; and many nieces and nephews.
Sebastian was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard and Mike A.; sisters, Victoria and Mary; brother-in-law, Byron Lubbers; and sister-in-law, Mardene Mitzel.
Funeral service: Friday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Harvey.
Burial: Church cemetery.
Visitation and family service: Visitation will on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 2 to 7 p.m. with a family service Thursday at 7 p.m., both at Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey.