Emogene deGrasse

Emogene Rose (Fortman) deGrasse of Hillsboro, ND passed away on May 12, 2019 at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND with her family at her side. She was 86 years old. Emogene was born to John and Ruth (Pederson) Fortman on May 8, 1933 in Hillsboro. She grew up on the family farm and attended Bloomfield Country School. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. After graduation from high school, she moved to Ohio with her sister, Bernice, where she met and married her husband, Julius. To this union, two sons were born, Rocco and John. After many years in Illinois, she moved back to Hillsboro where she has been residing at Kiwanis Home Project. She enjoyed visiting with her neighbors and listening to her country music and political stations. She loved cooking her Italian meals for her family. Her family was her pride and joy. Emogene is survived by her sons, Rocco (Brenda) of Illinois, and John (Patti) deGrasse, of Arizona; grandchildren, Ian, Nora, Emogene, Elizabeth, Maria, Taylor, Emogene-Alexis, Maggie, and Mia; sister, Bernice Baglien of Ohio; brother, Lynn Fortman of Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Julius; brothers, James, Kenneth, and Russell; and sisters, Lois, Pearl, Marlys, and Florane; and grandson, Thomas. The funeral Mass will be Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Hillsboro, ND at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery. A special heartfelt thank you to all the staff involved in Emogene’s care prior to her passing: ambulance, doctors, and nurses and the Hillsboro Hospital and Sanford Health – ICU. May God giver her peace and rest.

 

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