Nordeen Ronningen
Nordeen O. Ronningen, 100, of Fargo, ND passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at River Pointe Senior Living Center in Moorhead, just five days before his wife of 71 years, Nora. He was born on November 26, 1916 near Binford, ND to Oscar and Hilda (Meyer) Ronningen. He grew up and attended school there. Later, he attended the Wahpeton School of Science, graduating in 1940.
Nord worked in Chicago for Standard X-Ray Company from 1940 until 1941 when he was drafted into the military, where he served in the Army until 1945 in the South Pacific.
Nord was united in marriage to Nora Simenson on April 29, 1945 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead. He was honorably discharged in June the same year.
The couple made their home in Fargo and he worked for Reger Electric, then the Veterans Administration in Fargo until retiring on December 31, 1974. Nord then worked part-time at the pharmacy at North Dakota State University.
They spent winters in Mesa, AZ and summers in Fargo and at Little McDonald Lake near Perham, MN. In August of 1999, they sold their lake home. Nord and Nora rejoined Peace Lutheran Church and became associate members at Victory Lutheran Church in Mesa.
In 2010 they moved to an independent living home at Edgewood Vista.
Nord is survived by his children, Dr. Barbara Ann (Roger) Ronningen Torgerson, Fargo, ND; and Rev. Steven Nordeen (Mary) Ronningen, Rochester, MN; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Ernie; and sisters, Gladys Olson and Verna Sandvik.
My dad, Ozzie Rekken, was a good friend of Nordeen’s and thought so highly of him. I’m not certain if they knew each other from army days during WW II, but I do know they worked at the Veteran’s Hospital at the same time.. Our families had some dinners together when we were all kids. You are so fortunate to have had parents with you for many years. My dad died in 1972 at age 54 and mom, Dorothy, last year at age 90. No matter their ages, they are our parents and it’s so difficult to not have them with us. There will be tears but knowing you will be together again one day in Glory will give you comfort. It’s beautiful that Nord and Nora lived long lives together! God be with each of you in this time of sorrow.
What an amazing man, grandpa, and so much to so many. I am so lucky to have been shaped partially by this wonderful man. His kindness and solid strength is something I will hold with me forever. I love you so much grandpa.