Christel Urlaub

          Christel Urlaub, 46, West Fargo, passed away in her home under the care of her family and Hospice of the Red River Valley on March 18, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer.

          Christel Frank was born February 17, 1974, in Grandview, WA, the daughter of Thomas and Peggy (Ryan) Frank.  She grew up and attended school there until graduating from high school in 1992.

          While working as a deck hand on a charter boat in Westport, WA, she met her future husband, Brad Urlaub.  They were married in Las Vegas, NV on November 11, 1995, and lived in Seattle until 1998 when they moved to North Dakota.  Their daughter Colleen was born in 2001, followed by a second daughter Ashley in 2003.  Throughout her working career Christel was employed by Microsoft and Border States Electric.

          Christel took so much pride in raising her two daughters.  She loved attending their activities and providing encouragement & love along the way.  Christel was full of life and had the ability to impact the lives of those around her in such a positive way. Her sense of humor, contagious smile and heart of gold will be greatly missed by her family and friends.  Christel enjoyed refinishing furniture, birdwatching, morel hunting, spending time at the ocean and working in her flower garden.  She also enjoyed a trip to Disney World last year through the Inheritance of Hope program which her and her family are very thankful for.

          Christel is survived by her husband, Brad, West Fargo; two daughters, Colleen and Ashley Urlaub, West Fargo; mother and step-father, Peggy and Dick Niebuhr, Grandview, WA; brother, Richard Niebuhr, Sandy, OR; mother and father in-law, Bob and Mae Urlaub, West Fargo; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

          She was preceded in death by her father, Tom Frank; grandparents; half-brother, Daniel Aldrich; aunts and uncles.

          Christel’s family requests memorials be made to Inheritance of Hope or Hospice of the Red River Valley. 

Memorial Service: Monday, August 16, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Lutheran Church of the Cross, West Fargo. 

The church will livestream the service.  https://youtu.be/9MLhspQjygQ

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