Shelly Diane (Isaacs) Simburger, 67, of Mandan, ND, formerly of Litchfield, died on Monday, March 4, 2024, after a multi-year war against pancreatic cancer, surrounded by her friends and family.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, at Engage Nazarene Church in Mandan, with Pastor Mike Evans officiating. The family will greet friends and family one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Cremation has taken place and visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 8, at the church with a prayer service and time of sharing at 7 p.m.
Mrs. Simburger was born in Litchfield in February of 1957, to the late Thomas and Shirley Isaacs. She grew up free-spirited, wearing jeans and bare feet, alongside five siblings. She married in 1976 and shortly after birthed her eldest son, Caleb George, in 1980. A few years later in 1982, Elijah Michael followed.
The family moved to Mandan, ND, in the winter of 1982. Like residents of North Dakota throughout all time, she was initially alarmed by the ferocity of North Dakota winters. However, her warmth and sense of adventure quickly found her heavily involved in the church and conquering snow drifts on her snowmobile. She was an avid enjoyer of the outdoors, finding freedom and excitement whether it be in a kayak, a boat, or a snowmobile.
Mrs. Simburger birthed Isaac Shane in 1984, her first son to be born in North Dakota. In 1988, She birthed her fourth son, Josiah Thomas. In 1993 and 1994, she lost two daughters in childbirth, Amanda Lauren and Hannah Rose respectively. Mrs. Simburger birthed her youngest, Benaiah Harold, in 1996.
Mrs. Simburger was the epitome of a homemaker, highly regarded for her abilities in home, kitchen and garden. In 1993, she was named North Dakota’s Fulltime Homemaker of the Year by the Eagle Forum. She also stepped beyond that role when the moment required, starting a cleaning business where she cleaned both homes and offices. Mrs. Simburger exhibited bravery when she went to college as an adult, earning an associate degree in criminal justice from Bismarck State College in 2007.
Mrs. Simburger was a champion for women and children. She achieved her goal of becoming a licensed parenting investigator and aided in the resolution of multiple cases. Her charge was always crystal clear, cut through the drama and determine what is in the best in interest of the child. Working with state and private organizations, she led and created training which raised awareness on the issue of domestic violence. Working with Teen Challenge, Mrs. Simburger provided mentorship to many women.
She was a breast cancer survivor and an advocate for Women’s Way.
Mrs. Simburger was a beloved grandmother to five nieces and nephews and a beloved mother-in-law to all five of her sons’ wives.
A steadfast Jesus Freak since the 1970’s, Mrs. Simburger was confident that she would be stepping forward into the loving arms of her Creator, and unburdening herself from the pain of this world.
She made everything better and she loved life despite all its challenges. Her legacy lives on in her family, friends and recipes, although the world is truly a little less bright without her.
She is survived by her five sons and five daughter-in-laws; sisters Cathy, Deborah, Shawn and Cindy; brother Patrick; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Simburger is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Michael; two daughters and a grandchild.
Condolences may be left online at www.weigelfuneral.com
