William Raymond “Bill” Muffenbier, 59, peacefully transitioned into eternal life Thursday, June 13, 2019, at his home in Fargo. Bill was born September 23, 1959, in Rugby, ND, to Dennis and Myrna (Moszer) Muffenbier.

He spent most of his childhood on the family farm near Balta, where he attended his first 10 years of school. Bill completed high school in Rugby, graduating in 1977. A gifted athlete, particularly in the sport of baseball, he earned an athletic scholarship to play baseball at Minot State University.  Bill eventually relocated to Fargo, where he worked primarily in the construction business. After 10 years as a couple, he FINALLY married the love of his life, Brenda Degenstein, October 16, 1999.

Bill was a kind and gentle soul with a great sense of humor. He had a passion for music and his extensive collection was filled with classic rock and country music. Bill also had a fondness for cars, both driving them and working on them. He and Brenda shared an appreciation for taking long drives around the countryside enjoying nature. True to his Muffenbier heritage, he enjoyed nothing more than running a “few quick errands” that took half a day.

Bill was a self-taught carpenter who created stairways and window perches for his cherished indoor cats as well as for the multitude of strays he sheltered in his garage. One of his favorite hobbies was collecting and repairing old stereos and turntables to give away as gifts. He loved doing handyman projects around the house and in the yard, and his toolbox was always with him to do the same for his mom and mom-in-law when he was in Rugby.

Over the final days of his life, Bill enjoyed precious time with his family and loved ones sharing old memories, talking sports and watching his Minnesota Twins. He was surrounded by love. He left his life on Earth for everlasting peace shortly after being moved to his home for hospice care. Before closing his eyes for the last time, Bill smiled. And then he was free.

Bill is survived by his wife and best friend, Brenda Degenstein; his loving parents, Dennis and Myrna Muffenbier; his siblings Kathy Muffenbier, Peggy (Jim) Pulst and Mike (Michelle) Muffenbier; his mother-in-law Maggie Degenstein; brother-in-law Leo (Julie) Degenstein; sister-in-law Delores (Jay) Kleinjan; nieces Ali Muffenbier, Bailey Muffenbier, Amanda Loughman, Alexandrea Degenstein and Rachel Coleman; nephews Grant Muffenbier, Alec Pulst, Jace Pulst, James Degenstein, Leo John Degenstein, Jasper Kleinjan and Jacob Kleinjan; his aunt and Godmother Allie Axtman; uncles Wesley Muffenbier (Godfather), Larry Muffenbier, Rodney Muffenbier; aunt Mary Lou Bahnsen; and his cherished four-legged furry kids Whitey, Larry, Josie and Jackie.

He was preceded in death and then lovingly embraced upon entering eternity by his grandparents Mike and Johanna Muffenbier and Matt and Elizabeth Moszer; his father-in-law Leo Degenstein; his best friend and brother-in-law Gary Degenstein; his uncles Wayne Axtman and Gerald Muffenbier plus many more cherished family members, friends and beloved pets.

Prayer vigil Friday, June 21 at 8 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby. Celebration of life at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 22 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby. Burial at Little Flower Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or monetary gifts to the family, we ask that you consider a small donation in Bill’s name to Hospice of the Red River Valley at https://www.hrrv.org/