Funeral services for Brenda Achtenberg, age 47, of Carrington, ND formerly of New Leipzig, ND will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Leipzig, ND. Pastor John Amundson will officiate with burial in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery north of New Leipzig, ND.

Brenda Kay Achtenberg was born to Christ and Erma (Kufeldt) Achtenberg on July 2, 1964 in Elgin, ND. Brenda was very active in the New Leipzig school system where she loved playing basketball, being in the band, cheerleading, and running for the track team. Brenda was a very smart woman and graduated at the top of her class in 1982. After graduating she went to Dickenson State College and got her secretarial degree.

Brenda was diagnosed with Bipolar not long after graduating college. The disorder really took a toll on her life and the ones she loved as she dealt with "highs" and "lows." Brenda was a very caring person, and when she felt good she was a hard worker who loved to joke around and tried to help out everyone she loved in any way possible. She enjoyed playing games with the elderly and took pride in her four puppies Daisey, Lucey, Scooby, and Micah.

During her short time here, Brenda gave birth to three wonderful children, Jed Poulsen (27), adopted by Craig & Sandy Poulsen, and Chelsea (21) & Ryne (19) Meier.

Brenda Achtenberg died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at home after a long battle with bipolar illness. Brenda will be missed dearly by her parents, children, family and many friends.

She is survived by her children Chelsea Meier(fiancee Jesse Jordan),Turtle Lake, ND; Ryne Meier, Bismarck, ND and Jed Poulsen of Arizona; parents Christ and Erma Achtenberg, New Leipzig, ND; sister, Carol Winkler, Elgin, ND; brother Alroy (Joyce) Achtenberg, Fort Rice, ND; special friend Larry Duda, Carrington, ND; nephew, Jesse Achtenberg; neices Sonya (Travis) Johnson, Wanda Block, Karla Block(fiancee Tanner Kahl), and Becky Winkler; great-nephews Dante, Dominic, and Dylan, great-nieces Olivia and D'Lainee;five uncles, seven aunts and numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents, five uncles, four aunts, and three cousins.

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. ~Author Unknown

Visitation will be held on Wednesday afternoon, September 28, 2011 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Elgin. A family service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home.