Alison J. Vanatta

Alison’s service will be livestreamed and viewable below starting at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2026:

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alison Jo Vanatta, 37, who left us on December 31, 2025, at Essentia Health Hospital. Alison was born on August 3, 1988, to David and Rhonda Vanatta in Grand Forks, ND.

Alison graduated from East Grand Forks High School and went on to have a rewarding career at Sanford, with her most recent position in Urology. She brought so much skill and compassion to her work; she truly loved helping those in need.

But above all, Alison was a devoted mother to her two children, Connor and Bailey. They were the light of her life, and everything she did was for them. Alison was a Minnesota Twins fan, and loved cheering for her team just as much as she enjoyed creating art. She was so talented and could create cartoons that looked as if they came from a book. Alison had a knack for making people laugh and was known for her loving and caring personality. She will be deeply missed, but she continues to shine through the lives of her children and all those who loved her.

Alison is survived by her children, Connor and Bailey; father, David Vanatta; mother, Rhonda Vanatta; brother, Michael (Jill Olson) Vanatta; significant other and best friend, Shayne Burnside; aunt, Rita Bauer; and many cousins.

Alison was preceded in death by grandmother, Ann Bauer; brother, Jonathan; and uncle, Tim Bauer.