Roberta Lana
March 25, 1917 ~ January 25, 2013
Roberta (Gregg) Lana, 95, of Fargo, died January 25, 2013 in Fargo, North Dakota. She was born March 25, 1917 to Frank and Mary Gregg of Minneapolis, Minn. In her fourth grade the parents moved to Fargo, North Dakota where Roberta attended school at St. Anthony’s, Agassiz and Fargo Central, graduating in 1935.
She attended what was then the AC for one year and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. The following year she transferred to the University of Minnesota where she obtained a degree in English and Journalism. The family moved to St. Paul the next year. She taught for two years at Plummer and Canby, Minn. On July 11, 1942 she married Edward P. Lana of Duluth and St. Paul. They lived at Ames, Iowa for 9 years. In 1956 they returned to Fargo. They remained married until his death in 2000.
Mrs. Lana was active in the Rosewood Nursing Home auxiliary from its first year as the Fargo Nursing Home. She remained active in the Emergency Food Pantry, joining it in its first year of 1972 and compiled a history of the pantry. Her main interest there was in handling publicity. Roberta belonged to the Catholic Daughters and the NDSU Women’s club. In April of 2003 she was given the Nana Nagle award by the sisters of the Presentation. A longtime member of St. Mary’s until 1995, the couple then joined Holy Spirit church. She lived at Riverview and was an active bridge player and avid reader.
She is survived by a daughter, Catherine Payne of Shakopee, Minn; a son, John (Martha) Germantown, Tenn; a son, Peter (Pamela) Lana, Chico, California. She was blessed by seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister.
Memorials preferred to Presentation Housing or the Emergency Food Pantry.
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Davenport, ND
58021 ND
To family of Roberta Lana,
Sympathy and Love to you during this difficult time. God Bless your family.
I remember Roberta as a very kind lady.
Thinking of you and Keep you in Prayer,
Linda & Kenn Haugen
Fargo ND
So sorry for your loss. I am an old neighbor from 1st street N. Mr.and Mrs. Lana were such nice neighbors to have. Very good parents too. Remember when either Pete or Jerry Haar mowed a baseball diamond (down to the dirt) into our back yard? We had our lawn mowed for us for the rest of the summer by these boys. Much to the delight of my brothers Vance and Mick. We have fond memories of your family.
Rogers MN
Historically for me Roberta and Ed were
‘the salt of the earth’. My chance
meetings with Roberta over the last
decade were nothing less then inspiring.
And she always seemed eternally young.
Fargo North Dakota
Roberta participated in our Riverview Place Book Club from its inception. She was always a very active participant. We will miss her insights and comments on our books.
I, personally, will also miss Roberta’s friendly greetings each time we met anywhere at Riverview.
Fort Valley, GADear Kay, John and Pete and Family: Ike and I express our sincere sympathy on the loss of your mother and our dear friend. Mrs. Lana was our mentor, friend and surrogate mother when we attended graduate school at ND
SU in the late 60s. She taught me, Dorothy, to be frugal, to have class, and to organize. I called on her when our first born had colic. She knew that I loved cats, and she helped me find our first simese. We were both English majors and shared jokes about our illegible handwriting but we loved the written world of books. I loved her and she loved me.
Your father was equally as important to us and supported me, Ike, as I matriculated through the Ph.D. program at ND
SU. As a matter of fact, I would not have been as successful as I was if it were not for the counsel of Dr. Lana. Therefore, we want to thank you guys for sharing your parents with us. They were wonderful people.
We hope that all of you will continue to share the legacy and memories that they left behind.
We love you all,
Isaac and Dorothy Crumbly
Fergus Falls, MN
Pete, Our sincere sympathy in the passing of your mom. May all the great memories (there are a lot) support you through this time. Denny and Sue
San Diego CAEd and “Roe” were among my favorite people when I served as a priest at St. Mary’s Cathedral and spent time with them and their families. May God give them both the rest and reward of their labors they both deserve.
Sevierville TNHolding all of Roberta’s family and friends in our hearts and prayers. Remembering all of the good times and what a wonderful aunt she was to me and what a wonderful sister-in-law to mom. There will be great celebration in heaven Eddie & Ro and Bob and Alice are together once more. Wish I could be with you. Lana
Fargo ndOur thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the death of your mother, Roberta and celebrate her life. We remember her as a most gracious and caring person who was dedicated to social justice concerns. Sr. Maureen and Sr. Jane Walker
Fenwick Ontario CanadaI was looking and notice the last name and then realized it was Peter’s Mom. I am so sorry Pam and Peter for your loss. Your Mom was an active vibrant lady it appears. She lived a good life. Please accept my condolences.
Roberta and my mom, Mavis Whiting, were the best of friends for many, many years. Mom cherished their relationship and I know they spoke often. Mom would love to attend her service but her own poor health does not allow for it. I remember Ro as a kind and gentle lady. She went out of her way to attend my mom’s recent birthday party which meant the world to her.
Our family is sorry for your loss. It’s never easy no matter when it happens.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’ sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
Thou annointest my head with oil My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.
Thinking of all of you.