Mercedes Nishek

Mercedes Del Rio Nishek, 81, of Ellendale, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, surrounded by three generations of her loving family.

Born February 22, 1945, in Cebu, Philippines, Mercedes was the daughter of Antolin and Godafreda Del Rio, and the youngest of eleven children. Affectionately called ‘Bebe’ by her siblings, she carried that spirit of warmth, quick wit, and joy throughout her life. She attended St. Alphonsus Catholic High School before earning an associate degree in secretarial science and a commerce degree from Colegio de San Jose.

Mercedes began her professional career as a secretary and office supervisor at Mactan Air Base in the Philippines, where her diligence and radiant personality made her well known and well loved. It was there that she met her husband, Donald Nishek.

Mercedes and Don married January 7, 1968, in Lapu-Lapu City before beginning their life together in Ellendale, North Dakota. Together, they built not only a home, but a life’s work. Side by side, they established and grew Nishek Farms—a legacy rooted in perseverance, faith, and family. In the early years, Mercedes also worked at the Ellendale Hospital and Ellendale Public Library, and later worked for Satrom Travel Agency while helping manage Nishek Farms.

Mercedes had a gift for bringing people together, most often around her table. She was known for her exceptional cooking—from her unmatched lumpia and mango sticky rice to her family’s favorite crème puff dessert and pigs in a blanket. Over the years, she joyfully fed not only her family but also countless friends and farmhands who were always welcomed with a full plate and a warm smile.

Mercedes found joy in gardening, homemaking, and hosting gatherings filled with laughter, food, and connection. As an active member of the homemakers club, Mercedes shared her talents and built lifelong friendships.

Mercedes is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Donald Nishek; her children, Iris (Nishek) Erickson and Brad (Kari) Nishek; her grandchildren, Tyson (Sarah) Erickson, Zachary Erickson, Chase Nishek, and Alyssa (Thomas) Nishek; and her great-granddaughter, Gemma Marcouiller-Nishek. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews in the Philippines.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her ten older siblings.

Mercedes will be remembered for her warm heart, vibrant spirit, and the life she helped build—one rooted in family, hard work, and generosity. Though she will be deeply missed, her love, traditions, and light will continue to live on in all who knew her.

The memorial service is 10:30am Monday, March 30, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale, ND with Pastor Paul Preus officiating. Visitation begins 2pm Sunday, March 29, with a prayer services following at 5:00pm all at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Visitation continues one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Burial is at Ellendale City Cemetery at a later date. The service for Mercedes will be live-streamed at hovenfuneralchapel.com on her obituary page. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel.

To watch the service live: keep moving down this page and watch for a black box. At time of the service, click the red area to start the live stream. Please note the service is also recorded and saved here for viewing at a later time.