Donald Roger Dronen
June 6, 1943 ~ August 17, 2025
Born in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Donald’s service will be livestreamed and viewable below on Thursday, August 28, at 1:00 PM.
Donald Roger Dronen, 82 passed away peacefully on August 17th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at home under the care of Hospice.
Don was born on June 6, 1943, in Fargo, ND, to Lillian and Zenophile Grandbois. After the loss of his father in combat during World War II, Don was adopted by Myron Dronen. He graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1961 and went on to serve in the United States Navy. Don was a proud veteran who bravely served during the Vietnam War patrolling and protecting the Tonkin Gulf aboard the USS Orleck. For his service, he was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal of Honor.
After returning home, Don married Judith Hoerr in 1965, and together they had two children, Lisa and Todd. In 1976, Don married Catherine Schutt, beginning a devoted and loving marriage that lasted nearly 50 years. They welcomed their daughter Jessa, completing their family. Don and Cathy built their first home in Horace, ND, before settling in Fargo. Their home was a place filled with faith, family, and love. Over the years, they traveled throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Europe, and later enjoyed retirement wintering in Lake Havasu, AZ.
Don’s career as a Mason with Eicholtz Masonry in Fargo spanned 34 years. His work ethic, precision, and artistry left a lasting legacy along the Red River Valley and beyond. Don took great pride in his craft, which was evident in every brick he laid. In retirement, he continued serving his community by driving the Fargo Senior Van for nine years, caring deeply for all his seniors.
Don was one of the good ones. He loved a homemade meal, a cold beer, and most of all, his family. Known for his big heart and contagious laugh, Don was a jokester and teaser who often laughed harder at his own jokes than anyone else. Mornings were his favorite time, singing to his kids to wake them, and never without a cup of hot coffee. He continued these traditions with his grandchildren and never missed a moment to sing, support, and laugh with them.
Donald is survived by his wife, Catherine; children, Lisa Bue, Todd (Kelli) Dronen, and Jessa Dronen; five grandchildren, Parker, Maxwell, and Olivia Dronen, Anders and Elsa Bue. He is also survived by his sister, Karen (Al) Fabricius, sister in-law, Peggy Dronen, brother in-law Doug (Sue) Schutt, and many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Zenophile Grandbois, Myron and Lillian Dronen; In-laws Myron and Joan Schutt; brothers Richard and Bruce Dronen, and nephew Samuel Schutt.
Funeral: Thursday, August 28th, 2025, at 1:00 PM., at Hope Lutheran South Campus, Fargo, ND. Visitation: Thursday, August 28th, 2025, at 11:30 A.M., at Hope Lutheran South Campus, Fargo, ND. Interment: Riverside Cemetary, Fargo ND.
Services
Visitation - Thursday: August 28, 2025 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Hope Lutheran Church Fargo, South Campus
3636 25th St S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-6629
https://www.fargohope.org/
Memorial Service - Thursday: August 28, 2025 1:00 pm
Hope Lutheran Church Fargo, South Campus
3636 25th St S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-6629
https://www.fargohope.org/
My deepest condolences to the family. We lost contact the last few years; bur shared many adventures in the 60’s and 70’s. He was a great friend and damn good brother-in-law. I am sure going to miss that bricklayer.