Melissa Mischel-Leingang, 38, and Caden Leingang, 7 months, Sioux Falls, SD died April 14, 2006, in their home. Services were held at First Lutheran Church, Mandan, with the Rev. Charles Axness officiating. Burial was at Mandan Union Cemetery.

 

Melissa “Missey” Mischel was born June 10, 1967, in Mandan, the daughter of Chuck and Janice (Peterson) Mischel. She graduated from Mandan High School in 1985. She moved shortly after graduation to Sioux Falls. She was employed at Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Dakota at the time of her death.

 

Melissa married Marty Halouska in 1992. They shared a beautiful daughter, Desirae, who was born October 25, 1992. Melissa enjoyed any time she got to spend with Desirae, especially trips back to Bismarck and Mandan for holidays and family get-togethers. Melissa later married Brian Leingang and she was blessed with the birth of their son, Caden Leingang, September 21, 2005.

 

Although only seven months old, Caden was starting to stand and his two front teeth were beginning to come in. He was the joy of Melissa’s life and was a very happy baby.

 

In her spare time, Melissa enjoyed watching NASCAR and cheering on her favorite drivers, Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Johnson. Ever since she was a child, she shared with her brothers the love of their favorite NFL team, the Denver Broncos. She adored her two cats, Beeves and Butthead. She will be remembered by many of us for her great big smile and kind heart.

 

Melissa and Caden are survived by Melissa’s daughter and Caden’s half sister, Desirae Halouska, Worthing, SD.; her father Chuck (Betty) Mischel, Spearfish, SD.; brothers, Chuck (Julie Dondoneau) Mischel and Mike (Karie) Mischel, both of Bismarck; step-sisters, Danelle (JD) Mutchler and Deb (TJ) Steele of Newell, SD., and Denise Rieniets, Mandan; mother-in-law, Bernice Leingang, Mesa, AZ.; sisters-in-law, Lanette (George) Schnellbach, Mesa, AZ.; and Brenda (Mike) Gefroh, Scottsdale, AZ.; 13 nieces and nephews.

 

They were preceded in death by Melissa’s mother, Janice Mischel; and her grandparents.

 

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Abused Adult Resource Center, P.O. Box 5003, Bismarck, ND 58502.