Robina “Tiny” Exner

Robina “Tiny” Exner, 81, Ypsilanti, ND peacefully passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025 surrounded by family members.

Tiny was born on July 20, 1943 in Jamestown, ND, to George and Helen (DeNault-Robertson) Williams. She was the youngest of 10 children and got her name “Tiny” immediately from birth as she weighed only 3 pounds 4 ounces.  She grew up on a farm in Sinclair Township, south of Cleveland, ND, where she enjoyed numerous dances, roller-skating and church and social events in the Williams Hall which was built above her dad’s shop.  She attended school in Sinclair Township, Cleveland and Jamestown.

Growing up, Tiny and her siblings were highly involved in 4-H. In fact, she met the love of her life, Alvin Exner, on the train to a State 4-H Institute. She later married Alvin on June 1, 1963, at St. James Basilica in Jamestown.

The couple made their home on a farm west of Ypsilanti, ND, where they raised their five children.  Tiny loved being involved in the farming alongside her husband working in the fields, especially combining.

Tiny made working hard look easy and was quick to smile, laugh and joke.  In addition to helping with farm work, managing the farm books, and raising five kids, she gardened, sewed, canned, made jelly, and baked. Her family especially enjoyed her pies, kuchen, and when she would make her huge batch of fresh bread loaves, buns, and fried bread dough.  She also loved traveling with the family.  Two trips that were very special to her were to Ireland and to Germany.

The farm always looked beautiful with her lovely flower beds.  She continued to be very passionate about her flowers throughout her retirement years and many admired her dedication and beautiful floral gardens.

Once her kids were in school, she utilized her excellent accounting skills working for several years in the Stutsman County Auditor’s Office as the County Payroll Clerk, at the Ladish Malting Plant and Christopher & Banks.

Tiny had a strong faith in the Lord, beginning as a child and continuing throughout her entire life.  It was a faith apparent in all her activities.  She was a member of St. James Basilica Parish, Homer Homemakers, numerous card clubs, the Red Hats, Hospital Auxiliary, Soil Conservation Auxiliary and the Ypsilanti Fifty Plus Club.

Tiny is survived by her husband of 61 years, Alvin Exner; children, Lori (John) Albrecht of Jamestown, ND, Stephanie (Jeff) Houdek of St. Cloud, MN, Greg Exner of Charlotte, NC, Thomas (Pam) Exner of Valrico, FL, and Marie Exner of Royalton, MN; grandchildren, Alicia (Dane) Bollingberg, Andrew (Rebekah) Albrecht, Austin Albrecht, Kevin Exner, Luke Perowitz and Ethan Perowitz; five great-grandchildren; sister, Kay (Norman) Aldinger; brother, Roger (Jolana) Williams; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Almon (Deloris) Williams, Ernest (Violet) Williams, Wilbert (Marge) Williams, George P. (Lorraine) Williams, James “Tuff” Williams, and a brother in infancy; sisters, Harriet (Elroy) Weixel and Margaret (Reinhold) Weixel; and grandson, Michael Exner.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Eventide, SMP Health-Ave Maria, and Hospice for the compassion and wonderful care they provided Tiny.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Visitation – 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown.

Prayer Service – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday at the Basilica.

Mass of Christian Burial – 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at St. James Basilica, with the Very Reverend C. F. Wilhelm, celebrant.