Honestly, there’s something about a local newspaper obituary that a Facebook post just can't replicate. When you’re looking for bismarck tribune obituaries today, you aren't just looking for names and dates. You're looking for the final word on a neighbor, a teacher, or maybe a distant relative who lived out their years in the shadow of the North Dakota State Capitol.
It's about community.
Today, January 15, 2026, the list of those we’ve lost reminds us how tight-knit Bismarck and Mandan really are. If you’ve spent any time in Burleigh or Morton County, you know that the "Trib" is the record of record. It has been since 1873.
Who We Are Remembering Right Now
Life in the 701 moves at its own pace, but grief doesn’t wait. Checking the bismarck tribune obituaries today reveals several prominent local figures and beloved family members who have recently passed.
For instance, the community is currently reflecting on the life of Lester "Corky" Albaugh, who passed away at 94. A celebration for him is slated for Monday, January 19, at Ladbury Funeral Service. Then there's Elmer Bauer, a 93-year-old fixture from Mandan and New Salem, whose memorial service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church on January 20th.
You also have:
- Marlin Fried, 86, formerly of Moffit, who passed at the Good Samaritan Society.
- Delmar R. Hagerott, 92, from Center, with services at St. Paul Lutheran Church.
- Richard "Dick" Harsche, whose family is planning services for the spring.
- Monroe Beck, 87, whose visitation is scheduled at Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Elgin.
It’s a lot to take in.
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One thing that’s changed over the years is how we access these stories. You don't have to wait for the paper to hit your driveway at 6:00 AM anymore. Most people are hopping onto Legacy or the Tribune’s digital portal to find what they need.
Finding What You Need (Fast)
If you're searching for someone specific, don't just scroll endlessly. It’s frustrating. Basically, the best way to handle a search is to use the "Advanced" features on the Tribune's site or Legacy.
Type the last name first. Simple, right? But if it’s a common name like Smith or Miller, add a keyword like "Mandan" or "St. Alexius." It narrows the field significantly. Also, keep in mind that many older residents are listed by their initials or "Mrs. [Husband's Name]" in historical archives, though today’s listings are much more personalized.
The Cost of Saying Goodbye
People often ask me why obituaries cost so much. I get it. When you’re already dealing with funeral home expenses, a three-hundred-dollar newspaper fee feels like a gut punch.
In 2026, a basic listing in the Bismarck Tribune usually starts around $95. But here’s the kicker: that’s often just for the bare bones. If you want to include a photo—and let’s be real, everyone wants to see that smile one last time—the price goes up.
Some families opt for a "Death Notice" instead. It’s shorter. Usually under 50 words. It costs about $35 and just gives the "who, when, and where." It doesn't tell the story of their prize-winning roses or their 40 years at the refinery, but it gets the service information out there.
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Why People Still Pay for the Print Edition
You might think print is dead. It's not. Not in North Dakota.
There is a tactile comfort in clipping an obituary out of the Sunday paper. I know people who keep a kitchen drawer full of these clippings. It’s a physical manifestation of a life lived. Plus, a digital-only notice can sometimes feel... temporary. A print obit in the Bismarck Tribune feels official. It feels permanent.
Misconceptions About Local Obits
One thing people get wrong is thinking that the newspaper writes the obituary.
Nope.
The family or the funeral home provides the text. The newspaper just formats it. This is why you’ll sometimes see typos in names or dates. If you find an error in a listing from today, you need to contact the Tribune’s obituary desk or the funeral home immediately. They can usually update the digital version in about an hour, but the print version is obviously set in stone once those presses run.
Another common myth: you have to be a subscriber to read them.
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While some parts of the Tribune are behind a paywall, the obituaries are generally accessible through their partnership with Legacy.com. They want this information to be public. It’s a service to the community.
How to Submit a Notice Yourself
If you've found yourself in the position of having to write one of these, take a breath. It’s a heavy task.
- Contact the Funeral Home first. Most homes like Parkway, Weigel, or Eastgate handle the submission for you. They have the templates and the direct lines to the Tribune’s staff.
- Verify the dates. Check them three times. Then check them again.
- Include a photo. Even if it’s an old one, it helps people connect with the memory.
- Mention the "In Lieu of Flowers" preference. If the person had a favorite charity like the Central Dakota Humane Society, make sure that’s in there.
Honestly, the best obituaries are the ones that sound like the person. If they were a cranky old farmer who loved John Deere and hated taxes, say it. People love that. It makes the "Bismarck Tribune obituaries today" feel less like a list of losses and more like a gallery of lives.
What to do next
If you are looking for a specific service time for today or tomorrow, your most reliable bet is to check the Bismarck Tribune's online obituary section or the website of the specific funeral home in charge of the arrangements. Digital records are updated 24/7, whereas the print edition is daily. If you're researching family history, the North Dakota State Archives at the Heritage Center also keeps microfilm records of the Tribune dating back over a century, which is a goldmine for genealogy.
Take a moment to read through. Even if you didn't know the person, there's a lot of wisdom in those short paragraphs.