Doris Rodenburg

Doris (Droog) Rodenburg 88, of Bismarck passed away February 12th, 2024.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Monday, Feb. 19, at the Eastgate Funeral Service location, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck.

Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. 

Doris was born August 9th, 1935 in Hull, ND, to Peter and Lena (Hollaar) Droog on the family farm. The doctor had to come 20 miles to the farm to deliver this special bundle of joy. The doctor said “Darn Dutch women always go into labor at night or on weekends”.

Doris Ann was the youngest of the 4 sisters- Helen Dykema, Jeanette Van Beek, Esther Van Boven.

She attended a country school and went on to graduate from high school in Strasburg. While in high school she met the boy who would turn out to be the love of her life. Doris and Melvin were classmates in high school. He joined the military and after graduation they began their life long adventure. After their wedding on September 12th, 1953 the couple moved to Virginia where Mel had been stationed. Next they moved to Jamestown, ND then relocated to Fargo for Mel to attend college. They started their family in 1954 and it grew as the years went by. They had 3 more children with the last coming in 1962 when they finally got a boy. Mel got his first teaching job in LaMoure, where the family called home for many years.  The family moved to Beulah in early 1960’s, the next move was in the early 80’s to Sterling to farm. They moved to Bismarck in the 90’s where they lived for many years until they moved to Elm Crest Manor in New Salem in November of 2022

Doris enjoyed many things in her wonderful life, first and foremost being a stay at home mom to her family. Her interests varied widely. Doris was active in her church, she enjoyed playing cards with her friends, she loved sharing her beautiful voice in her singing group Granny & The Mommas, she was also a member of the home makers club. She also loved to cook and bake and it showed when she got to entertain in her home, which she loved to do whenever she got the chance. There was always an awesome meal to be had as well as cake, cookies, brownies, and other super tasty dessert treats. 

Doris and Mel were married for 70 years! 70 years is a feat that is very rare in this world. This is difficult to accomplish without love, dedication, and faith. They set an example that if the whole world would follow, the whole world would be a much better place.

Doris was proceeded in her death by both of her parents as well as her two oldest sisters.

She is survived by her husband Mel, 4 children DeEtta (Jerome) Ziegler, Carla (Dale) Wilson, Barbara Voegele, Alan (Fran) Rodenburg, 10 grand children Nathan (Jessica) Ziegler, Ammie (Scott) Reule, Jenna Morast-Reiser, Jayme (Nathan) Wolf, Jerrica Morast, Sarah (Jon) Kolberg, Tina Voegele, Andrew (Sarah) Rodenburg, Annah (Clark) Preszler, Alexa (Matt) Frank, 15 great grand kids.

The family would like to express our gratitude to the staff at Elm Crest Manor. The way the staff took care of Doris and continues to take care of Mel is nothing short of heartwarmingly spectacular. So many of the staff treat them as if they are their own family. Thank you for being there when we cannot. Thank you for treating them with dignity, respect, and most of all love.

Doris you have gained your heavenly wings, although it makes us sad, we all know that you are now free from your Earthly body and being wrapped in the Lord’s loving arms. We hope you can feel the love we all feel for you and know that each and every day you will be missed and loved. Until we meet again Doris we hope we do you proud as you watch over us.