Dorothy Burdell Rensvold was born December 18, 1932 in Upland Township, Divide County, North Dakota to Mabel and Joseph Nygaard. She was raised on the family farm and graduated from Divide County High School, Crosby, ND in 1950. Following high school, Dorothy was employed by Oscar and Mae Erickson on their farm north of Wolf Point. It was during this time that she met LeRoy Rensvold. They were married April 5, 1952 and began farming the Rensvold family homestead north of Wolf Point. Their son Bill was born in 1953 followed by Jeanne, John and Josie. The farm was definitely a partnership with Dorothy managing the farm records, driving tractor and hauling grain. She was a tireless worker: growing a huge garden, raising chickens; canning, baking and sewing all while raising four children. As a testament to her tireless work day, here are a few excerpts from her daily diary……
“ October 15, 1969 : Canned 18 pints of tomatoes, 5 pints of jam, baked buns and cupcakes. Had 4-H here in evening, decided to fold 4-H club. December 17, 1976 : Washed sheets and cleaned all of the bedrooms, made 4 batches of candy. In the afternoon sewed on Josie’s jumper, all went in shopping, kids took in game, John and Irene surprised me with birthday party at the Elks”. June 23, 1968: Ironed, mowed lawn and went to church. Watered lawn and loafed in afternoon”.
She was very active in her community. She was a long time member of First Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, was a member of ALCW and Bible Study. She was a 4-H leader for many years sharing her knowledge of cooking, sewing, and gardening. Tuesday afternoon bowling was a favorite pastime. Other organizations she enjoyed included: WIFE, CowBelles, Far Out Homemakers and Bridge Club. Dorothy also worked many years as an election judge for her precinct in Roosevelt County, often counting ballots until late in the evening.
Dorothy was very creative. Her quilts are prized possessions of her children and grandchildren. She loved doing crafts of all types including sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery and tatting. She loved the flowers she nurtured from seeds to blossoms. She was such a gifted baker that some people actually ate her dinner rolls for dessert. She enjoyed preparing traditional Norwegian holiday treats, reluctantly cooked lutefisk for LeRoy and Grandpa Art for Christmas Eve, despite the groans of the rest of the family. She made each birthday special with her elaborate
birthday cakes and even created several wedding cakes.
Dorothy and LeRoy traveled the Western United States and enjoyed the National Parks with their children. They enjoyed visiting distant relatives as well as sightseeing. After retiring, they spent a few winters in Laughlin, Nevada. They moved from the farm to a home in Wolf Point in 2006.
On December 17, 2012, Dorothy lost her husband of 60 years. Ten months later she faced open heart surgery with courage and determination. Just prior to her death she was still making plans to return to her home. In the end, she did go home.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband LeRoy, sister Marion Toppen and brother Milton Nygaard . She is survived by her children and their families, William (Louise) of Wolf Point , Jeanne Dowling (Don) of Spokane WA, John (Ronda) of Minot, ND and Josie Kiser (Mike) of Shalimar, FL. Grandchildren are Elizabeth Rensvold (Billings, MT), Jarred Rensvold (Madison, WI), Brad Dowling (Portland, OR) Katie Dowling (Pullman, WA), Joey and Emma Rensvold (Minot, ND) and Vicki and Nicole Kiser (Shalimar, FL). She is also survived by three of her sisters Esther Erickson, Sylvia (Dean) Fatland and Marilyn Binde, sisters-in-law Norma Nygaard, Irene (John) Toavs and Mary (George) Dodaro and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, April 7 at the First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point. Inurnment will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery.