Longtime Valley City Resident Pearl Pritchert Dies at 95

Pritchert was a longtime volunteer and post office worker in North Dakota communities.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:56am

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus scene depicting an elderly woman in a rocking chair, surrounded by blurred shapes representing the comforts and memories of a lifetime in a small town.The passing of Pearl Pritchert marks the end of an era for the close-knit community of Valley City, North Dakota, where she lived a life of quiet service and small-town camaraderie.Valley City Today

Pearl Pritchert, a 95-year-old resident of Valley City, North Dakota, passed away on April 9, 2026, at CHI St. Alexis Health Carrington Medical Center after a short stay at Golden Acres Manor. Pritchert was the daughter of Earl and Susan Randall and had a long history in the region, working at cafes and stores, running the post office in Leal, ND, and volunteering at her local church.

Why it matters

Pritchert's life story reflects the experiences of many long-time North Dakota residents who lived through changes in their communities over the decades, working in small-town businesses and services. Her passing marks the end of an era for Valley City and the surrounding region.

The details

Pearl Pritchert was born on March 28, 1931, in Maida, ND and later moved to Valley City where she worked at a café and the Red Owl store. In 1951, she married Noel Pritchert, and their jobs with the Soo Lines Railroad took them to various towns in Minnesota and North Dakota over the years. In 1970, they settled in Leal, ND where Pearl ran the post office for 8 years before moving back to Valley City in 1983, where she worked for Drug Plastic until retiring.

  • Pearl Pritchert was born on March 28, 1931 in Maida, ND.
  • In 1948, Pritchert moved to Valley City where she worked at a café and Red Owl.
  • Pritchert married Noel Pritchert on July 19, 1951.
  • In 1970, the Pritcherts moved to Leal, ND where Pearl ran the post office for 8 years.
  • In 1983, the Pritcherts moved back to Valley City where Pearl worked until retiring.

The players

Pearl Pritchert

A 95-year-old resident of Valley City, North Dakota who had a long career working in small businesses and the post office in various North Dakota towns.

Noel Pritchert

Pearl Pritchert's husband, whose job with the Soo Lines Railroad took the couple to different towns in Minnesota and North Dakota over the years.

Earl and Susan (Cowan) Randall

Pearl Pritchert's parents, who lived in Maida, ND where Pearl was born.

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The takeaway

Pearl Pritchert's life story reflects the experiences of many long-time North Dakota residents who lived through changes in their communities over the decades, working in small-town businesses and services. Her passing marks the end of an era for Valley City and the surrounding region.