DONNA RORVIG

DONNA JEAN RORVIG

Donna Jean Rorvig, daughter of Isabel (Allen) and Calvin Carlson, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 19, 2022, at Valley Senior Living on Columbia in Grand Forks.  Donna was born on April 25, 1930, the oldest of her siblings Shirley (Verne) McGinnis, Duane (Sharon), and Doug.  Donna grew up in Sanborn ND until the family moved to Fargo.  Mom learned to work hard as a youth and that “get it done” attitude never left her. Donna married Sherman Rorvig on November 3, 1950, celebrating 72 years of marriage this year.  She and Sherman started their married life moving to and living in California but after about a year they returned to the family farm. Donna took care of the household, making tasty meals and keeping the cookie containers full.  In her younger years, when doing her housework, it was not unusual to hear her singing popular songs of the time such as Doris Day’s Que Sera, Sera.  In her later years, she enjoyed watching the squirrels and birds at the feeders.  Hummingbirds and goldfinches were her favorites, but she was most excited if an occasional Blue Jay or Oriole passed through. Nothing pleased Donna more than watching others, especially children, open presents she neatly wrapped in preparation.  Later in life she worked at Red Willow Resort for several years where she enjoyed interacting with customers and having fun working with her lady co-workers.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings and her husband, Sherman, who passed two days before Donna.  In her final days, she talked of the need to pack her things and was heard saying “I’m going too.”  

Donna is survived by her children Brad (Sue), Dawn, and Nathan (Kim); grandchildren, Tara, Aaron (Sarah), Heather (Bobby Livdahl), Mara (Anthony Sommerfeld), and Katina; and eight great-grandchildren Jeremey, Gabriel, MaKiah. Sebastian, Hunter, Alexander, Harper, and Zoey. 

Mom will be greatly missed and forever loved.

The memorial service for Sherman and Donna will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Binford, Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 2:00 PM with interment at the Binford Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the service.   

The family wishes to thank Valley Senior Living on Columbia in Grand Forks and Hospice of the Red River Valley for the skilled and compassionate care provided Mom and her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Binford Fire Department, Trinity Lutheran Church or charity of choice.