Former Resident Observes 100th Birthday In Bismarck

Bismarck Tribune, Bismarck, North Dakota

Pauline Singer celebrated her 100th birthday at the Baptist Home in Bismarck Friday, August 30. Singer is a former Turtle Lake and Washburn resident.

As part of the birthday celebration, a program was presented with Pamela Latvin, director of activities, as emcee giving opening remarks. Also a part of the program was Pat Grueneich, a granddaughter who read the poem, "What is a Grandmother?" "Gott Ist Die Liebe", a German song, was sung by Rev. Meth and Arnold Franke with Leona Schiller singing a solo in both German and English. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Singer and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Singer sang a quartet. Walter Singer played "The Little Brown Church In The Vale" on the accordion.

Mayor Eugene Leary gave greetings and congratulations from the city of Bismarck. Chaplain Orville Meth presented a sermonette. Meth was a pastor at the Turtle Lake Baptist Church before going to Bismarck.

Leo Pfiefle, Pauline's son, read the history of his mother.

Pauline Lang was born September 1, 1885 in Friedenstal, a village near Odessa, South Russia near the Black Sea. She is the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Lang. She attended school there, and in 1907 came to the United States with an older sister and brother-in-law, the late Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig Klein. Later that year she came to North Dakota.

Pauline married Jacob Pfiefle in 1908 and they made their home in Washburn. Pfiefle was also from Friedenstal and had come to Washburn a year earlier. They had two children, a daughter who died in infancy and a son, Leo, who lives in Washburn. The Pfiefles operated a dairy in Washburn, and for more than 30 years delivered milk to most families in town morning and evening.

Pauline was a member of the Washburn Baptist Church and a charter member of the Ladies Mission Society. She is now the only living charter member.

Jacob died in 1945 after a long illness of cancer. Pauline lived in Washburn until 1948 when she married a former Washburn resident, Andrew Albrecht, and they moved to Startup, WA. Mr. Albrecht died in 1954.

Pauline lived in Startup until 1958 when she married Adolph Singer of Turtle Lake. They made their home in Turtle Lake until 1971 when they moved to the Baptist Home in Bismarck.

Mr. Singer died in 1974, after having a stroke a few years earlier, from which he never fully recovered.

Pauline is still active and able to get around on her own. She sometimes uses her walker or a wheelchair. She has crocheted many afghans and has covered hundreds of hangers through the years.

After giving the history of his mother, Leo thanked her stepchildren, the family of Adolph Singer and the personnel of the Baptist Home for their kindnesses.

Paul Pfiefle, on behalf of Pauline's grandchildren and great-grandchildren presented her with a plaque. She also received many bouquets, cards and gifts.

Reprinted with permission of the Bismarck Tribune.