LaVerne McDonald

LaVerne McDonald (Martin), 102, left this life on June 8, 2024 to finally be reunited with her loving husband, Bob. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM, Thursday, June 13 at St. Anne's Church, 1321 Braman Ave, Bismarck.

A rosary will be at 4:30 PM, Wednesday, June 12 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Visitation will continue until 7:00 PM.  

Burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Bismarck. 

Mom was born on June 6, 1922 in Linton, North Dakota to Paul and Magdalena (Meier) Martin. She was one of eight children. She graduated from Linton Public School and Capitol Commercial College. She worked eight years for Bell Telephone. Mom retired from the North Dakota State Highway Department in 1984, where she was employed for 22 years.

She was united in marriage to Robert J. McDonald on April 19, 1947. They were fortunate to celebrate their 51st anniversary together before our Dad died on May 18, 1988. Mom and Dad had many fun years together. They were avid St. Mary's Central High School football and basketball fans. They traveled to many of the out of town games throughout the years. They took several bus tours to the East and West Coast and to Canada. After our father passed away, Mom and Aunt Mavis went overseas to visit the countries of England, France and Belgium where our Dad was stationed during the war.

Mom was a member of the YMCA for 25 years, getting up at 4:30 in the morning, three days a week to swim. She always preferred a book over TV, except during the football season as she was a passionate fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Bison.

She is survived by her sons, Bill, Sheridan, WY, Pat, Mandan, and Terry (Neta), Lincoln;  daughters, Debbie (Gary) Strong, Casper WY, and MaryBeth (Richard) Robinson, Bismarck; seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren  one sister, Jean Orthmeyer, Hazelton;  and numerous nieces and nephews, especially Donald, David, Richard, Laurie and Judy Orthmeyer, Donna, Diane and Gwen Adams, Calvin, Robbie, Bruce and Kathy Martin, Jeannie Siegel and Jack Sparks. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. McDonald; mother, Magdalena and father, Paul; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Norman and Clara McDonald; brothers, Robert, Fred, Paul Michael, Jim, Joe; and her sister Dorothy. 

Mom was a fiercely independent woman with a deep sense of faith. She was quiet, but with a good sense of humor. She lived by her values, never being one to sit for very long.  She was interested in everything and enjoyed conversing about politics, sports, history, and current events. She faced her death with courage and faith in the Lord. She had a special connection with her great-grandson, Jack, and looked forward to all of the cards, visits, and personal videos he sent to her over the years. 

In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to go to the Abused Adult Resource Center, 218 W Broadway Ave, Bismarck, or a charity of their choice.