Allen Bachmeier

Velva

Allen M. Bachmeier, 74, Velva, ND, passed away Monday, July 22, 2024, at SMP Health-St. Aloisius Hospital, Harvey, ND, with his family by his side.

Aloysius “Allen” Mathias Bachmeier was born on April 28, 1950, in Rugby, ND, to Christian and Brigitha (Ziegler) Bachmeier. His early childhood was spent on a farm near Orrin, ND, east of Highway 14 (The Midway Turn). He later moved to Surrey and Minot, ND, and eventually to Post Falls, ID, before settling in Velva, ND, which became his forever home.

Allen graduated from Velva High School in 1970, where he as a natural athlete enjoyed playing football, basketball, and track. He was a friend to many, always willing to stand up for others throughout his life. Allen also had a love for animals, especially dogs. Even the guard dogs at businesses he hauled for across the country, would surprisingly warm up to him.

On July 8, 1972, Allen was united in marriage to Deb Wald at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Velva. They spent 52 years of marriage living east of Velva, where Allen built a unique country home for his family, each board with hammer in hand was a labor of love. Providing for his family brought him much joy. He was one tough, strong man, yet kind, generous, and gentle beyond words.

Allen was employed by the Soo Line Railroad for 10 years, on the Velva section crew, and as foreman for tie gangs and rail gangs. He also worked for Basin Electric Power Plant and the Velva Coal Mine. For the last 25 years of his career, he was an owner-operator of his own trucking business. Allen did not like to drive the same road twice and loved the adventure and freedom of the open road. He retired in 2017.

Allen enjoyed fishing, especially in Alaska, working on his trucks and old cars in his shop, and had the talent to fix almost anything. He was the go-to person for friends, family, and neighbors. He was happiest when he was helping others. He loved playing cards, pool, golfing, and engaging in friendly free-throw contests with his children. He so enjoyed being able to make an occasional pit stop to visit the kids, while out on the road. He liked long walks, collecting rocks, sunshine, fresh air, and visiting with extended family and friends. He had a great sense of humor, loved live music, old westerns, and Clint Eastwood movies. Let’s not forget dancing the country 2-step!

Allen was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Velva, ND.

Allen’s family would like to thank Haaland Estates and Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, and the whole community who kept him safe. The family extends specials thanks to the staff, nurses, and maintenance personnel at Bismarck Maple View Memory Care, for providing a safe and welcoming environment.

They also wish to express gratitude to SMP Health-St. Aloisius Hospital in Harvey, ND, for the exceptionally professional and compassionate care received from every person they encountered. Blessings to you all.

Thank you for all the prayers and support from family and friends. He is survived by: Wife of 52 years, Deb; Children, Leah (Rick) de Hoop, Isaac Bachmeier, Tate Bachmeier; Grandchildren, Sarah, Johannah, and Henry de Hoop; Great grandchild, Henrick Martone; Granddog, Hatch; Siblings, Carl Bachmeier, Melvin Bachmeier; and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins also survive.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Lou and Ladonna, and sisters-in-law Rita Bachmeier and Judy Bachmeier.

Graveside Service: Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Velva, ND. Family and friends are welcome.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the donor’s choice.

Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Velva.

Published by The Minot Daily News, August 10, 2024.