Bessie Kulish Obituary (1933 - 2018)

Bessie (Bess) Kulish, 84, Mandan, ND, passed away Saturday, June 30, 2018 at Sanford Health, Bismarck,ND. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-7pm, Thursday, July 12, at DaWise-Perry Funeral Home, 4614 Memorial Highway, Mandan, ND. Cremation has taken place. Bessie was born October 29, 1933 at Killdeer, ND, to Fred and Florence Beck. She was raised and educated in Killdeer, and in 1951 married George Kulish. The two started their married life on a farm west of the original town site of Fayette, ND. Four children were born while farming at this location. Casey, Meriel, George Jr. and Darla. Times were tough as the crops didn't produce much income, yet Bessie and George were able to sustain the family. After living on the farm in Fayette for five years, they made a move to Bismarck. It was at this location where two children were born, Sherry and Kent. Bessie worked as a cook and at a day care, and later at a local factory. Eventually she and George started Kulish Construction, a home building company. Their company built many homes in the Bismarck-Mandan area until their retirement. Bessie also worked as an independent Herbalife distributor for over 20 years. She was known by many as being a cheerful and active person. She was a member of the Mandan YMCA, a new facility in their area. Bessie loved to garden and plant flowers, she tended to them all season long. Her yard was her sanctuary. Another favorite activity was logging miles on her three-wheel bicycle, looping the neighborhood and visiting as she passed by. A sad day came in March 2015 when her youngest son, Kent, passed away due to cancer. Bessie's caring extended to her family, caring for her husband, and anyone who needed her help. Bessie is survived by her husband of 67 years, George, Mandan, ND, sons Casey (Ronnell), Wilton, Meriel, George, Jr., both of Bismarck, daughters Darla, Bismarck, and Sherry (Dale Schwindt) of Mandan. Bessie was blessed with four granddaughters, and one great grandchild. She is preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and son.