Donnetta Marie Hoistad
October 5, 1934 ~ January 1, 2022
Donnetta passed away on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at Eventide Lutheran Home in Moorhead, MN, surrounded by her loving family, and under the care of Sanford Hospice, following a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Donnetta Marie Gulsvig was born on October 5, 1934 to Silas & Nora Jeanette (Trygstad) Gulsvig in Kidder SD. She attended schools in Kidder, Forman, California, Park Rapids & Havana. She was married to Virgil R. Hoistad Sr. on December 21, 1952 in Kidder, SD officiated by Rev. Stuart Gulsvig. In the beginning years of their marriage they resided in Anoka & Coon Rapids, MN with three children, moving back to the Hoistad farmstead adding four more children to their family.
She was a member of the Nordland Lutheran Church, serving a term on the church council. Some of her favorite hobbies included drawing, painting, cake decorating, photography and bird watching. Her love of music presented her the opportunity, at the age of 16, to participate in a local talent contest, which she won. The award was to sing a different song every day, for a week on a local Fargo morning show. The award also consisted of her recording a record, singing “Because of You.”
Working part time as a nurses aid at the Forman nursing home brought her much joy, as she shared the Lord’s gift of music, care and compassion to all the residents there. Ultimately, her life revolved around caring for her family, teaching them how to live life with optimism. Even through hard times her smile and singing could be seen and heard. There was never a doubt of her unending love and commitment for her children, which she exhibited time and time again. Every morning her children were awakened with her rendition of the “Good Morning” song, cherished by them, which is now being passed along to her grandchildren.
Donnetta is survived by her loving husband, Virgil Sr., their seven children, Dorreen (Alan) Olstad, Virgil Jr. (Cynthia) Hoistad, Denise (Bill) Huckell, Karen (Jason) Medhaug, Kristine (Mike) Harris, Janelle (Curt) Hansen & Joel (Sandy) Hoistad., 13 grandchildren Curtis (Michele) Olstad, Patrick (Mandy) Olstad, Jeffrey (Callen) Hoistad, Sarah (Steven) Mongeon, Holly (Austin) Taylor, Jared (Natasha) Huckell, Ryan Medhaug, Mason (fiancé Darrien) Harris, Keelan Harris, Derek (Nicole) Hansen, Adam Hansen, Braxten Hoistad, ArieOnna Hoistad, 14 great grandchildren, sisters Verona Martin, Lorretta Enderson as well as five sister-in-laws, one brother-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Donnetta was preceded in death by her parents, sister Verdell Gulbranson, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at the Eventide Lutheran Home in Moorhead, MN as well as the Sanford Hospice team.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sanford Hospice Fargo, ND or the Nordland Lutheran Church, Rutland, ND.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE: 2 PM Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo – with a gathering one hour prior – everyone is welcome to attend this service – for those unable, it will be live streamed on the funeral home website
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo. To sign the online guest book, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
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So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. You are all in our thoughts during this difficult time.
To Janelle, her dad ,siblings and families. My sincere sympathy to you all.
My deepest sympathies to you all
Thinking of you all as you celebrate the precious gift Donnetta was to everyone she knew. Sending our most heartfelt sympathy to each and every one of you.
Your mom was an amazing lady. Hold the memories close to your heart. Prayers for peace and comfort during this time.
Love and hugs to all the family during this time. She was a wonderful lady.
Our Most Sincere Sympathy to Dorreen and Alan, Virgil and Cynthia and families; and all the rest of Donnetta’s family!!
Sharon and I want to express our sincerest sympathy on the loss of your mother, Janelle and family.
May God bless her memory.
Dinette brought a ray of sunshine to the room. My mom, Nancy John’son , and her visited a lot at the Trollwood apartments and she enjoyed her company so much… now they’re catching up again. I know the journey of grief is hard but we grieve with hope until we meet again.
I always wondered why the Hoistad girls were so vivacious, outgoing, warm and friendly until I met their mother. You all inherited it from her, and you’ll see her in them. My deepest condolences.
To Donnetta’s Family
Your Mom was a special person. Meeting her and spending time with her, I could tell she was an amazing lady.
She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.Please accept my condolences for the loss this amazing person.
A special Woman, Life and Family…
Faith, Hope & Love to all…
So sorry I could not be there to say a final goodbye. Prayers being sent to you all.
Virgil and family,
We extend our sympathy to you. Donnetta was a special person. Relish the many memories.
Dena and Jeff Colemer
I’m so sorry to hear of Donnetta’s passing. She was a sweet sweet lady! l know you’ll all miss her so much. I babysat many years ago for some of the Hoistad kids- Joel was just a toddler then. I watched the beautiful service you had for her today. I especially enjoyed the music that was played following the service—LOVED hearing her yodel! I know each and every one of you holds a special memory of her. She will always be in your hearts-hold her close. May she rest in peace. Hugs to you all.
Virgil, I’m so sorry, it’s never easy to lose those we love. Sending prayers for peace and comfort.
What a beautiful service. Donnetta is very proud of each and everyone of you. Bless her soul.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Hoistad family. May you know the comfort and love of the Lord’s arms embracing your mom.
So sorry for your lost. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
my sinceres condolences for all he Family, I will miss her a lot. RIP. Araceli Atchison from the Fairmont Assisting Living. Moorhead
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Donnetta was always Mom to everyone and I loved her dearly. My deepest sympathy to your family and thinking of you in your time of sadness. Janelle B.
So sorry to know Donetta is not here anymore. But she knew she would be with our Lord and Im sure she
was ready. I’m looking at the video with the music and tears down my face. She was an anget to Mom and Dad (Tollef and Ethel Lee) They were able to stay in their home in Rutland for much longer because of
her. She meant the world to them. She was like another daughter. She always brought smiles and positivity to their home. We were so grateful. This video brings back so many good memories of a life so full of love and caring for others.
We are all so fortunate to have had her for a mentor, a husband, a Mom, a sister, a friend. She will be missed. Bless her memory.