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June 3, 1932-Sept. 8, 2026
Fargo
Catherine Alice Stapleton Buettner, 94, of Fargo, ND, formerly of Minot, ND, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2026, peacefully at her daughter's home, surrounded by all of her loving children, her granddaughter, and her great-granddaughter.
From her early education in a one-room rural school to her many years as an elementary schoolteacher, from raising a large family to enjoying a comfortable retirement enriched by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Catherine’s life embodied the qualities she valued most: hard work and high standards, devotion to family and church, and the warmth, caring, and hospitality she both freely gave and happily received through many lifelong friendships.
One of eight children, Catherine was born June 3, 1932, to Joseph Stapleton and Alice (Pettit) Stapleton on a farm in Towner County, North Dakota. She attended school in the Sarles, ND area, and graduated as class president from Clyde High School in 1951.
In school she discovered a love of books that continued her entire life, turning to audio books after her vision worsened. As a young child Catherine could often be found sitting in a tree reading. She "read her books" until her final week of life.
After graduating high school, she attended Minot State University on a state funded scholarship earning a teacher's certificate, later returning when her children were young to earn a bachelor's degree in education. During those early years and throughout her teaching career she formed numerous friendships, some lasting her entire life.
Catherine married Lyle M. Buettner on April 23,1955, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hansboro, ND. Lyle first saw Catherine walking down the street in Minot and asked her out. Catherine and Lyle loved to dance, and danced beautifully, moving with grace across the floor. Their children loved to watch them dance. For several years they participated in Minot's Square-Dancing group. They were married for nearly 50 years, until Lyle's death on April 23, 2003. They lived in several towns initially, traveling for Lyle's construction employer, and then settling in Minot. They eventually purchased the Norge Village Laundromat located on Broadway in Minot, and then expanded this business into Buettner Rentals, Inc. In 2014, Catherine moved to Fargo, ND to be closer to family.
Having been a schoolteacher, Catherine was deeply committed to the education of her children and grandchildren. She encouraged all of them to attend college and beyond. She also was the bookkeeper for Buettner Rentals. After Lyle retired, Catherine continued to foster young minds by opening a childcare center in their home, including caring for her grandchildren.
Catherine was devoted to the Catholic Church and participated in numerous church activities, including Legion of Mary, and Catholic Daughters of America. Catherine was actively involved in the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness serving as a board member and a parent support group leader. While her son, Steven, was a boy scout, she also was a troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America.
Catherine was always ready for an adventure, traveling to nearly all 50 states, enjoying many cruises and exploring countries around the world. She enjoyed traveling to frequently visit her extended family members. Her true "Happy Place" was sitting on the deck overlooking Lee Lake, soaking up the sunshine, playing Skip-bo, visiting friends and relatives, and taking boat rides.
Our family would like to extend special blessings to Colleen and Charlie Wurzbacher and Florrie Samson who provided ongoing support to Catherine during her last year of life; to the residents of One Oak Place in Fargo; and to the wonderful staff at Sanford Hospice in Fargo.
Catherine is survived by her children, Denise Buettner Christensen, Mary Alice Buettner, Steven Buettner, Kelly (Joseph) Buettner-Schmidt, Cathleen (Earl) Buettner-Haugen; grandchildren, Michael Zimmer, Devin Christensen, Megan Schmidt Crist (John), Marlee Schmidt Olson (Kody), Josie Schmidt, Ian Haugen (Adrian) and Emma Haugen; great-grandchildren, Amelie Olson, Freya Haugen, Wrenley Haugen, and Josephine Crist; sisters, Leah Martin, Geraldine (Ronald) Olson; sisters-in-laws, Ursula Shaw and Crystal Buettner-Jones.
Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle; siblings, Marjorie (Thomas) Murphy, James (Selina) Stapleton, Vincent Stapleton, Mary Ellen (Earl) Zabel, Betty Jo (Henry) Wilhelmi; in-laws, Raymond (Wilma) Buettner, Marie (Neal) Gronning, Bernard (Ramona) Buettner, Richard (Monica) Buettner, Lawrence (Helen) Buettner, Leo (Anita) Buettner, Eileen (Edward) Knuckey, Donald (Karen) Buettner, Mark Buettner, Elizabeth Lois (Donald) Bower, and Boyd Shaw.
Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.
Visitation: Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Monday at 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, 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.thompson larson.com.
Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompson larson.com).
Published by the Minot Daily News, September 12, 2026.