Dolores Kerber
October 25, 1919 ~ December 25, 2016
Dolores Corrine Kerber, 97, died Sunday, December 25, peacefully in her home surrounded by family.
Dolores was born October 25, 1919, in Spiritwood, ND, where she grew up; attending school in Eckelson, ND. She moved to California and studied nursing. Upon returning to North Dakota, she married Norman Kerber and had seven children. They lived in Karnak, where they ranched, raised horses, and farmed. In 1959, the family moved to Fargo and opened Ponyland, a riding stable. After Norman’s death in 1962, Dolores continued as owner and operator of Ponyland, while raising her six children--ranging in age from three months to eighteen years old. Dolores had a love of animals, especially horses, and mentoring the youth that came to Ponyland. She was known for her loving and generous spirit, her sense of humor, and love of dancing. She took care of her family and always put them first.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Norman; son, Rodney; and daughter, Barbara Ann.
She is survived by her children: Roger, Ronald, Beverly, Debra Otto, and Darcy (Jay) Melvey; seven grandchildren: John, Kristine, Dustin, Kayla, Chase, Shane, and Courtney; and two great-grandchildren: Audrey and Bohdi.
Funeral: Saturday, January 7, at 2 PM at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, 123 South 10th St., Fargo, ND.
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To the whole Family I am so sorry for your loss. I grew up having a second mom and extra sisters and brothers!
You all were a big part of my life! So many good times. Love you all!
My deepest sympathy to Delores’s family. She was a unique and special lady. My daughter Anne’s love of horses start with Delores’s Ponyland. Happy that she could spend a weekend at our Leaf Lake cottage years ago. May she Rest In Peace. Donna
Prayers for the entire family. I spendt many hours at the ranch bailing hay and at pony land collecting grass breaking and riding horses, there were many good memories that were filled with the Kerber family. I am so sorry for your loss, Dolores was a strong woman who in her lifetime embraced many into her home. Dolores will be missed by many. God bless.
Rhonda J Hinsperger and family.
Dolores was a second mother to many of us and I spent many days hanging around Ponyland, leading ponies at Trollwood Park on the weekends I have MANY good memories of time spent with Dolores and the animals out at Ponyland. My deepest sympathies to Debi, Darci, Kristie and the rest of the Kerber family. I loved your mom/grandma, and she will definitely be missed by many.
God has taken another Angel to be in heaven. My regards to the whole Kerber Family !
Ronnie,I am very sorry for the loss of your mother,I remember meeting her a couple of times,she was very pleasant,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Much Love Tina Greiman
My deepest sympathy to Beverly and her family. I know Beverly thought the world of her mother and would of done anything for her. Beverly you and your brother have huge hearts to take care of her until the end of her life. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Kerber family. May Dolores rest in Peace.
Remembering your spirit and strength, sense of humor and zest for life. Our sympathies to your family. You will be missed.
Charlene and Hartmut Nendza
Debbie and Darcy,
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I never had the privilege of meeting your mother but it sounds like she was a wonderful woman! My thoughts are with you at this time.
Sincerely,
Don Dumais
Where do I begin, Thanks to Delores for being like a second mother to me. She taught me how to two step in her kitchen/dining room, how to pluck chickens, and how to run a pony wheel at Trollwood Park. I have many memories of the Monte Carlo as well as all of the rodeos we went to across North Dakota and Montana. She was such a wonderful woman and will be missed by so many. Sincere condolence to all of her family and friends.
Rest in Peace Delores.
Love,
Kathy Gessler
WHAT A WOMAN
Roger, Ron, and family, I was saddened to read of your mother’s passing. She was a “cool” mom and seemed to never be surprised by what we did as teenagers. I remember many “bonfires” in the pasture; she took it all in stride. Great memories of riding and then taking my own kids riding there. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of transition.
I’m very sorry for your loss of such a loved one.
My thoughts are with the Kerber family as you celebrate Delores and her amazing life. Ponyland was my second home for many years and I have so many fond memories of spending time their. I learned to ride horses, how to dance the jitterbug and two step and how to drive – “the big green machine” in the pasture. I met my most special lifelong friend Kristy, who I cherish to this day. I remember playing many board games with Delores at the large dining room table, working on the property and being included in many family activities. Delores had so much energy, such a strong work ethic and made sure that the animals, family and people like me were always taken care of with her kind/generous heart. Love and prayers to all of you.
To the Kerber kids
So many years have passed since I was a kid from town hanging out at Ponyland. When Mrs. Kerber got the news of Norman’s death she told me she wanted him to sell the farm after Rodney was killed in a farm accident. The burden of 5 remaining kids plus one on the way must of been over whelming. Back then I was too young to realize what Mrs. Kerber was going through. The past certainly proves how strong Mrs. Kerber was. Hanging out and working on the trail rides the kids from town never saw the pressure Mrs. Kerber was under. She even helped form a riding club called “Rendezvous Riders”. Beverly was 7 and part of the club. The house was not finished and the water was hauled in. So, water was not wasted. Because of the water situation Mrs. Kerber did laundry in town. There was so much wash it took all night. By day break Mrs. Kerber made it home with the clean laundry. So many memories. Thank you Mrs. Kerber, Barbara Ann, Roger, Ronnie, Beverly, Debbie and Darcy for letting me spend the summer of 62, 63 and 64 with you. You all are very much a reason my childhood was the best ever. May God give you peace during this sad time. Sincerely Bubby (Roberta (Bruns) Gray Shell Knob, MO
Where ever A Beautiful Soul Has Been There is a Trail of Beautiful Memories.
Rest in Peace
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I’ll always remember her as somewhat of a fire cracker!
Debbie and family,
So very sorry for your loss. I spent so much time at Ponyland as a young girl, your Mom would put me to work. Grooming, saddling and feeding horses was the best part of my summer. When my father came to pick me up one day your Mom told him, “You need to buy that little girl a horse”, and the next summer he did. Your Mom was instrumental in my life long love of horses that continues to this day with my two Appaloosa’s. I have wonderful memories of your very kind mother and she made a major impact on the life an awkward preteen girl who just wanted to be with horses. I will always remember her.
Holy smoke, she was the only one who ever called me a ‘son of a seahuckle.’ Rest in Peace Delores.
Dear Kerber family,
I happened across this today and was happy to hear she lived such a long full life. I was one of the many kids who ended up at Ponyland due to my love of horses. Patty Weir and I met there and became friends. I worked for your mom doing whatever chores I could to be able to ride horses. She was kind to so many of us. I eventually bought my own appaloosa and became a horse gal enjoying every minute of my time in the horse world. I sold my horse and went off to college but aiways will have my memories of the fun we all had at ponyland and the strong work ethic she helped us learn….as well as the love of horses forever! Best to you all. Elizabeth Erhardt Regimbal