Donna Graffis

donna graffis
Our precious Mother, Donna R. Graffis passed away Monday, March 20 at Sanford Hospital after a long and courageously fought battle with a lung disease. We surrounded her in life and also through her passing. She knew she was loved beyond measure. Donna R. Graffis was born February 12, 1943 in Fargo, ND to Myrtle Dokken and Melvin Restad. Mom grew up in Twin Valley, but spent nearly all of her younger years in the Fargo/Moorhead area. In 1962, Mom united in marriage with our Dad, Larry Graffis. They made their home in Rapid City, South Dakota and ultimately moved back to the Moorhead area, where they raised their two daughters: Pam Graffis-Priem and Angie Graffis-Duggan. At the age of 18, Mom was employed by Northwestern Bell until her retirement in 1988. After that time, Mom became a business owner and together with our Dad, owned and operated Larry's RV Sales, LLC for over 28 years. Mom loved the sales and service industry and took great pride in all she accomplished and earned through the years. Mom had a work ethic like no other, a passion for working for people, and a drive to help others live out their dreams. Mom was a selfless person, putting everyone and everything before herself, even up to her last day. Mom loved playing cards, working on puzzles, spending time at the lake, watching movies and spending time with her family and friends. She also loved strawberry swirl ice cream and The Wheel of Fortune. She lightened the mood with her magical sense of humor. She loved her family like no other and saw the good in us all. Our hearts are so heavy, and we will be forever lost without her. She was the matriarch of our family. Left behind to carry on her legacy are husband, Larry Graffis, Moorhead MN, 2 daughters both of Moorhead - Pam (Marv) Graffis-Priem, Angie Graffis-Duggan, 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and countless other family members, friends and colleagues. Gone before her are both of her parents and one Brother, Roger. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at the Sanford Critical Care Unit, who took outstanding care of our Mom. A celebration of her life will be Friday, March 24 at 1pm at Dilworth Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 11-1 before the church service. Arrangements are being handled by Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo, ND. Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead.

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  1. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Donna. She was a very special friend to us in many ways. She will be missed by so many. Sending prayers of peace to all. Janell & Brian Walz

  2. Dear Pam, Larry and family,
    My sincere condolences to you on the loss of Donna. I know what a very special lady Donna was to you. My prayers will continue for you.

  3. Donna was a very special lady and was respected by many who sought her advice when looking for a camper that would fit their needs. Her ‘shoes’ will be hard to fill. Our deepest sympathy & prayers to her family.

  4. Larry and girls, we are so sadden to hear of Donnas death, we all know she is in a better place no more pain. She was like a part of our family over the years and a good friend, she will be missed by all. Our Blessings to you and all the family. Arlan LIL

  5. Just to let you know that others care and share your sorrow. Donna was a wonderful person.

  6. Pam, we’re so shocked and sorry to hear about your wonderful mother. She will be missed both by her family and those of us whom had the privilege of buying from her and visiting with the rest of you at Larry’s RV. When you have time after these hard times, please email us. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.

  7. I worked with Donna in Fargo at NW Bell 1965-1968. My sincere sympathy to her family at this sad time.

  8. My deepest sympathy and prayers to your family. May Gods love and arms hold you all through this difficult time.

  9. Larry and family, I worked with Donna at NWB and always enjoyed our talks there. I was always happy to see here after our time there. It was fun to see her after our life at NWB and visit she was a wonderful lady she will truly be missed.
    May you all feel the loving arms of Jesus holding you as your family goes through the loss of Donna she will be truly missed by many.

  10. We grieve those we have lost because we loved them so. At this time, I know it’s hard, but she is with our Lord now, she is home. Thinking of you all.

  11. We dealt with Donna on several occasions. She was a very good business person. I was also very impressed with how she handled all phone calls while dealing with customers. It seemed like she was doing a job she liked and was certainly able to handle that job. Sorry to read of her passing.

  12. We are so sorry for your loss. We will remember Donna fondly. We just lost our son also, so will not be able to attend but thinking of you and also your dad, Larry.

  13. We were so saddened to hear about the passing of Donna. She was a wonderful lady that always tried to make everyone happy. I know that she worked endless hours on the phone and working with customers at Larry’s RV. She was a very kind and caring person and will be missed by many.

  14. We, too, want to pass along our condolences to Donna’s family during this time. To say that she was a special lady doesn’t quite do it. Donna was a “one of a kind”. She will be remembered fondly by those of us who received the gift of knowing her.

    To Pam, Angie and Larry, know that your relationships with this wonderful lady will endure until you meet her again.

  15. MY SINCERE SYMPATHY TO DONNA’S FAMILY. THE FIRST TIME I SHOPPED FOR A CAMPER ON HER LOT I FELT SHE. WAS A FRIEND I COULD DEAL WITH AND TRUST. I BOUGHT MY FIRST CAMPER FROM HER AND SHE NEVER FORGOT MY FACE OR NAME. SOME PEOPLE YOU CONNECT WITH IN LIFE MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION AND DONNA WAS THAT PERSON IN MY LIFE.

  16. Our family had the pleasure of working with Donna at Larry’s RV over the past 12 years. We had purchased two of our campers from her. Customer service was her specialty! She asked questions about the family needs and wants and always met our expectations! A special lady!

  17. My sincere condolences to Larry, Pam and Angie on the death of your wife and Mother. I was so sad to hear that Donna had died. I also started at NWB in the Fargo Directory Assistance office as a teenager back in 1969. A while later I was told I would be trained at the Toll board and that Donna Graffis would be my supervisor. I was scared stiff as I had heard how strict she was. Well, I only made it through that training because of her attention to detail and her confidence in me. A couple years later I was promoted to supervisor and then to Group Chief Operator where I had the privilege of working as a peer with her. I only worked in Fargo for five years, but I have to tell you girls that Donna and all the NWB ladies shaped me and my future. I learned a work ethic from Donna that steered me through the course of the rest of my life. Thank you Donna for helping me grow up and mature way back in the days of the old telephone operators. You touched so many lives! Thank you. And may you rest in peace. ~Eva Hilber Kelly

  18. Very sorry to hear of your loss. I was Donna’s Wildwood Travel Trailer salesman from 2001 until She sold out in 2013 or 14? She really was one of those “bigger than life” kind of people, and an inspiration to everyone who got to know her. She had a passionate drive to successfully run Larry’s RV. I’m convinced that She thought having that business, would provide something significant down the road for her family, and the circle of people she watched over at Larry’s RV. I’m proud to say that we were friends.
    With Sympathy, Bill Flora

  19. Dave and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one and i will always remember Donna for her smile and cheerfulness. I will always remember Donna and Larry taking time to stop to visit relatives far and near when they could. Donna always seemed so strong and on top of things. Donna will be missed by many. We are saddened that we could not be their to celebrate her life with all of the family.

  20. So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to Larry, Pam, Angie and family.

  21. Life is so empty without you Mom. Thank you for giving me such an incredible life. Until we meet again Little D.

    Love your daughter, Pam


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