Dodge, ND – Winfred Duttenhefer, a lifelong resident of Dodge, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Sanford Health in Bismarck, ND. He was 83 years aged. Duttenhefer’s life was deeply rooted in the agricultural traditions of western North Dakota, a legacy he carried throughout his career and personal life, and will be remembered for his dedication to family and community.
Born on January 3, 1943, to Jacob and Eva (Streifel) Duttenhefer, Winfred embraced a rural upbringing, attending farm school before graduating from Dodge High School in 1961. His connection to the land remained a constant throughout his life, even after a career shift. He married his high school sweetheart, Karen Keller, in 1963, and together they built a life and raised their family in Dodge.
After holding various positions, Duttenhefer found a long-term career with North American Coal, beginning in September 1973 and retiring in February 2007. Despite his professional life taking him away from the farm, he continued to lend a hand to his brother and nephew whenever possible, embodying the sentiment that “you can take the boy out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the boy.”
Services celebrating Winfred’s life will be held at 10:00 AM Mountain Time / 11:00 AM Central Time on Wednesday at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Halliday, ND, with Father Joseph Evinger officiating. Following the service, burial will take place at St. Martin Catholic Cemetery, rural Dodge, ND. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
A Life Centered on Family and Community
Winfred and Karen Duttenhefer created a home in Dodge where they raised their four daughters. He embraced the challenges – and joys – of being outnumbered, cherishing the many gatherings for holidays, birthday parties, picnics, and camping trips. Family members recall his playful spirit, particularly his tendency to create his own rules during games, adding a touch of lightheartedness to every occasion.
Beyond his family, Winfred was an active member of the Dodge community, enjoying a wide range of hobbies and activities. He was passionate about snowmobiling, fishing, golfing, and playing softball. He also enjoyed hunting and playing cards. A beloved tradition was his “Sugar Shack” ice house, which he opened to deer hunters as a warming station and place to share a meal.
Remembering Winfred’s Legacy
Winfred Duttenhefer is survived by his wife, Karen; three daughters and sons-in-law, Laura and Dan Delger of Bismarck, Stephanie and Todd Bitterman of Hazen, and Carmen and Rick Dschaak of Mandan; seven grandchildren, Alyssa (Tommy) Anderson of Bismarck, Logan Dschaak of Bismarck, Jacob (Kaitlin) Bitterman of Mandan, Nikole Bitterman of Bismarck, Josh Bitterman of Grand Forks, Hayle (Zach) Hauser of Bismarck, and Erin (Mikey) Morris of Beulah; and numerous great-grandchildren, including one on the way. He is also survived by his brother, Tony (Marilyn) Duttenhefner, and his sisters and brothers-in-law, Sarah and Larry Frei, Lemor and Vida Keller, and Marva Keller.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle; his parents, Jacob and Eva Duttenhefer; his in-laws, Rufus and Lorraine Keller; and his brothers, Michael, Steve, and Ralph Duttenhefer, as well as his sister, Janice, and brother-in-law, Duane Keller.
Arrangements are being handled by Barbot Funeral Home of Beulah and Hazen, ND.
As the community mourns the loss of Winfred Duttenhefer, his legacy of hard work, family devotion, and community involvement will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who knew him. The coming days will focus on supporting the Duttenhefer family as they navigate this difficult time.
Please share your memories and condolences with the family.
