Nora Ronningen

nora ronningen
Nora Evelyn Ronningen, 99, of Fargo, ND passed away on Monday, March 20, 2017 at River Pointe Senior Living Center in Moorhead, just five days after her husband of 71 years, Nordeen. She was born March 19, 1918 near Glenfield, ND to Lewis and Anna (Trostad) Simenson. She grew up on a farm, attending a country school nearby. She graduated from Glenfield High School in 1936 and then attended Mayville State University from 1936 until 1937. There was a shortage of teachers so she taught in a rural school near Woodworth, ND for one year, returning to Mayville University from 1938-1939 to receive her Standard Diploma. Nora taught schools in Nome, Finley and Fargo until 1945. On April 29, 1945 Nora was united in marriage to Nordeen Ronningen when he returned from the armed forces. The couple made their home in Fargo. She worked for Federal Crop Insurance for eighteen months. Later, Nora attended Moorhead State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She taught school at Harwood and West Fargo until retiring in 1976. Nora and Nordeen spent the winters in Mesa, AZ and summers in Fargo and Little McDonald Lake, near Perham, MN. They were members of Peace Lutheran Church and associate members at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham. She was a member of circles at both places, and enjoyed playing bridge and golf. Nora was also a member of the Elks Lodge, Sons of Norway, and North Dakota Teachers Retirement. In 1999, they sold their home on Little McDonald Lake. They moved back to Fargo, spending winters in Mesa at their home in Sunland Village. While in Arizona, they were associate members of Victory Lutheran Church. In October of 2010, Nordeen had a surgery mishap, and had to have a second surgery which left him handicapped. They moved to Edgewood Vista, an independent living facility. Nora is survived by her children, Dr. Barbara Ann (Roger) Ronningen Torgerson, Fargo, ND; and Rev. Steven Nordeen (Mary) Ronningen, Rochester, MN; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brothers Olaf, Ted, Lenonard and Sever Simenson; and sisters, Mabel Christ, Cora Shelstad, Helen Rickford and Margaret Seim.

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  1. What a solid life filled with love and joy. A remarkable grandmother and person. I love you so much grandma. Thank you for all your gifts to me and the countless others you passed in life.

  2. What a marvelous couple.. I stayed in their basement apartment when attending NDSU.
    I have many pleasant memories of how kind they were,

  3. Grandma is one amazing woman! She thought me to be strong and classy. I have so many fond memories growing up with such wonderful grandparents. Swimming at the lake cabin, eating grandmas amazing food, laughing during a game of rummy. Grandma will be very much missed but her legacy lives on in many forever! Love you!

  4. Mrs. Ronningen was my first and second grade teacher at the Harwood School. I have such fond memories of those years and her kindness.


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