Georgiann Desilets

Velva

Georgiann “Dixie” Desilets, 86, Velva, passed away on Friday, September 14, 2023 in a Velva nursing home.

Dixie was born on August 1, 1937 in Dickinson, ND to Frank and Agnes (Kubas) Novotny. She was raised and educated in Dickinson.

Dixie was briefly married and from that marriage came two daughters, Diane and Debi, before ending in divorce. Dixie worked at a variety of different jobs throughout the years to provide for her family.

Dixie moved her family to Jamestown, ND, where she would eventually meet Gene Desilets. The couple were married in 1968. The young family moved to Velva shortly thereafter and have resided there ever since. Dixie and Gene would spend 48 wonderful years together until his death in 2016.

Dixie and Gene loved camping and fishing, which would always end up in a big fish fry. She was also very meticulous about the way she kept her home and yard. Dixie also enjoyed canning, bowling, crossword puzzles and listening to the Statler Brothers and polka music. She would also watch crime shows and westerns.

Dixie was a member of the Hjerdahl Lutheran Church until it ceased operations and the Velva American Legion Post #39.

Dixie is survived by her daughters, Diane (Greg) Braaten, Voltaire, ND, and Debi Wobbema, Minot; grandchildren, Chris (Annette) Braaten, Danny Braaten, and Jesse Baker; great-grandchildren, Taryn and Jairus Braaten; brother, Charles (Marge) Novotny, Bismarck; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Andy and Louis; sister, Margaret; and an infant daughter, Delgene Desilets.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home in Minot. The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com. Burial will follow at Rosehill Memorial Park in Minot. Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News on Sept. 18, 2023.