James Roland "Jim" Oberfoell, 96, of Bowman, ND, passed away on October 6, 2022, at
Southwest Healthcare Services Long-Term Care. A celebration of life service will be held on
November 5, 2022, at 10 AM at Pioneer Trails Regional Museum.  Services will be livestreamed on Sandra Dingfelders Facebook Page.

Jim was born November 4, 1925, in a sod house near Scranton, ND, to John and Dora (Nichols)
Oberfoell. He was the youngest of seven children and grew up on the family farm in Woodberry
Township. After finishing eighth grade, he worked for a neighboring farmer tending a sheep
wagon in the badlands, living a solitary life with the natural world as his companion. He
developed a deep appreciation for butterflies that became a lifelong passion.
He was drafted into the Army in February of 1946, serving in Manilla, Philippines, as a
mechanic and road grade operator. Following an honorable discharge in 1947, he purchased a
farm north of Bowman and worked winters off the farm to make the payments, including time in
a SD mine and on an AZ cattle ranch. He married Louise Mueller on August 13, 1957. Together
they raised their three children on the family farm: Sandra, Becky, and Tim.
Jim made a living on wheat, sheep, and cattle, but his real joy was finishing the farm work and
going camping. He always had a pickup camper and a butterfly net, and many family outings
were spent in the badlands by Amidon, the Cave Hills, and the Slim Buttes exploring nature and
picnicking. Jim accumulated an extensive butterfly collection that was later donated to NDSU.
Professors and students alike visited the farm to gain from Jim's vast knowledge of butterflies.
As a grandfather, Jim went back to school and earned his GED in March 1987. He embraced
technology and used a computer into his 90s. Jim served on the township board, rural school
board, and was a member of the American Legion, Badlands Conservation Alliance, and a
lepidopterist society.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. Jim is survived by his children: Sandra
Dingfelder of Bowman, ND; Becky (Don) Oakland, Tucson, AZ; and Tim Oberfoell, Bowman,
ND; grandchildren, Lee (Amber) Dingfelder, Fair Oaks, CA; Kristi (Eric) Shanenko, Valley
City, ND; Jonathan (Kat) Oakland, Tucson, AZ; Heather Oakland, Tucson, AZ; and great-
grandchildren.