Donna Mae Vilandre

Donna M. Vilandre, 71 of Devils Lake, formerly of Crary, ND passed away on Saturday afternoon, January 14, 2006 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Funeral Services for Donna will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Evangelical Free Church, Devils Lake. Rev. Bruce Dick will officiate and burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with the family present from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation on Wednesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Serving as Casket Bearers for Donna will be her Grandsons: Tyler Morin, Jessie Vilandre Hauser, Darren Leben, Kelly Leben, Levi Vilandre, Jason Joshua, Chad Joshua, Louie Olivas Jr. and Dustin Laverdure. Music will be provided by Joshua Gunderson, Soloist, Special Delivery, Vocalists and Michelle Herman, Pianist. Donna Mae Romdalvik was born on September 11, 1934, rural Garske, ND the daughter of Harold and Ragna (Hersel) Romdalvik. She attended school at Devils Lake, Creel Township and also Fort Totten. Donna began working as a Nurses Aide at the General Hospital in Devils Lake and this would be the beginning of over 30 years as a health care provider. Donna was united in marriage to Richard Vilandre on September 14, 1953 at Crary. They lived for a time in Havre, Montana and later returned to Crary. Richard died on January 28, 1966. On July 10, 1967, Donna married John E. “Jack” Vilandre at Devils Lake. They established their home in Devils Lake. Jack died on June 11, 1984. Donna devoted her life to caring for her eleven children and continuing in health care working at the Lutheran Home (now Heartland Care Center), the Good Samaritan Center and Odd Fellows, retiring in 2004 due to health problems. Donna was a former member of the Eagles Club and VFW Auxiliary. Donna left a legacy of love and caring concern for everyone. She loved to bake and the coffee pot was always on at Donna’s and everyone was welcome to stop by, visit and share a cup or two. She enjoyed gardening and especially the many beautiful flowers she raised. She had a love of music and passed this on to her children. She enjoyed attending the many concerts in the Lake Region area and beyond and with her love of music was a love to dance. Her words of encouragement and love and her beautiful smile will be so missed by all who knew her. Donna is survived by her loving children: Derwin Vilandre Ben Vilandre and his wife, Pat of Devils Lake Deb Leben, Penn, ND Gale Vilandre, also Devils Lake Shirley Olivas and her husband, Louie, Round Rock, Texas Gordy Vilandre and his wife, Mary, Crary, ND Shelly Laverdure and her husband, Todd, Minnewaukan, ND Rob Vilandre, Fargo, ND Mary Morin Jim Vilandre both of Devils Lake Brian Vilandre also of Fargo Seventeen Grandchildren Five Great Grandchildren Sister: Ruth Swanson and her husband, Leo, Devils Lake Brothers: Ronald Romdalvik, Wyandanch, New York Russell Romdalvik and his wife, Audrey, Spring Hills, Florida Leland Romdalvik and his wife, Orlene, Bradenton, Florida Many Nieces and Nephews also survive. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Ragna Romdalvik; husbands, Richard Vilandre and Jack Vilandre; brothers, Jim, Harold, Gary and Marvin Romdalvik; sisters, Lorna and Lois Romdalvik. Friends may sign the on-line register book at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com