Myrna Kircher

Minot

Myrna Kircher, 86, Minot, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 6th at home, surrounded by her loving family, after a hard fought 13-year battle with cancer. Her determination to beat this disease earned her the nickname “Wonder Woman.” She was awarded, by her family, with a Wonder Woman pin, which she proudly wore and requested it be pinned on her burial dress.

Myrna Ruggles was born Oct. 13, 1938 in McCook, Nebraska to Glenn and Velma (Doyle) Ruggles. She was raised on a farm outside of McCook and graduated from Red Willow High School.

On May 25, 1957, Myrna was united in marriage to the love of her life Charles (Joe) Kircher at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Indianola, NE. She first laid eyes on him in line at the water fountain at school. She was a third grader and Joe was a year older. It was love at first sight.

They celebrated 68 years of marriage in May. They started their married life in the McCook area and their 4 children, Deb, Barb, Joe and John, were born there. Joe’s job took the young family to Kansas, Washington, North Dakota and back to Nebraska.

When Joe retired, Myrna and Joe moved back to North Dakota and put down roots. Myrna worked at Dakota Drug in Minot for several years in the 70’s, but her favorite job was being a mother and grandmother. She often wished she could go back in time to when her four children were small for just one more day.

Myrna and Joe enjoyed camping and traveling. In 1995, she and Joe went on her dream trip to Hawaii with their good friends Wayne and Fern.

Myrna was a talented seamstress. She made most of her children’s clothing when they were small. She began making toaster cover dolls and sold them at craft shows. She started selling them on eBay and sold over a 1,000 of them to people all over the United States.

Myrna loved all of God’s creatures and was especially fond of Pomeranian Dogs. She had many beloved Poms over the years. Myrna had a green thumb and grew beautiful vegetable and flower gardens.

She was a bird lover and attracted them to her yard with feeders. She and Joe spent many hours on their deck in their rural home watching the deer and other wildlife that came to their yard for the food and water they provided. She passed down this love of nature and gardening to all of her children.

One of her greatest qualities was kindness. We can all honor her memory by being kind to each other and our animal friends.

Myrna is survived by: her husband of 68 years, Joe, children, Deb (Mike) Klimpel, Joe (Mary) Kircher, John (Jean) Kircher, son-in-law Paul Dockter. Grandchildren Nichole (Clarence) Lundeen, Joe Abrahamson, Kendra Lewis, Chris Klimpel, Angela (Lance) Brabandt, Ashley (Jason) Haugen, Cameron (Nevada) Aberle, Amanda (Andrew) Emmel, Kayla Kircher, Jerad (Miranda) Laudenschlager, Emilie (Michael) Shoemaker, Andrew (Rhiannon) Kircher, Connor Kircher, and 20 great-grandchildren. Brothers, Gayle (Barb) Ruggles, Rick (Tracy) Ruggles, Bill (Lorie) Crocker, Sister-in-law, Carol Bridgman and beloved dog Teddy. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Myrna was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Barb Dockter.

The family would like to thank Dr. Moayed Ibrahim and the compassionate nurses at Trinity Cancer Care. A special thank you to hospice nurse Chelsea Jordan for the care you provided to Myrna and our family.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, July 11, 2025 at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation and Prayer Service: Thursday, July 10th from 5-7 p.m. with a Vigil Prayer service to follow at 7:15 p.m. all in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot

Memorials: In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to Souris Valley Animal Shelter, Our Lady of Grace Food Pantry or Hairball Haven.

Published by The Minot Daily News July 9, 2025.