Vern Dondoneau

Vern Dondoneau, 85, of Grand Forks, N.D. died peacefully in his home with his family by his side on Thursday, March 28, 2024. 
Vern was born on April 10, 1938, in Red Lake Falls, Minn., to Steve and Elizabeth (Haupt) Dondoneau. He married Joan Wysocki on Nov. 18, 1961, in St. Stanislaus Church in Warsaw, North Dakota, and they were blessed with 62 years of marriage and three children: Julie, Michael, and David.
Vern grew up on a small farm outside of Red Lake Falls. When he wasn’t working on the farm, he loved riding horses. He always rode bareback and loved jumping fences and other obstacles.
Soon after moving to Grand Forks and getting married, he started a 36-year career at the University of North Dakota. As the Grounds Supervisor, he took great pride in his job and his staff. He treated them to Christmas dinner out of his own pocket every year, and when the student workers finished each summer, he bought and served lunches to thank them.
Vern was renowned for his kind heart, generosity, and signature smile. He always carried one-dollar bills with him to give to children he saw at restaurants with their families. He loved seeing faces light up. In addition, he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1260 and the St. Michael's Men's Club.
His passion, however, was golf. The first time he picked up a club, he was 57. During the first summer he played the game, he got his first of three hole-in-ones at Larimore Golf Course. His other two were at Lincoln Golf Course in Grand Forks. He always commented on the many friends and the great people you meet on the golf course.
Despite multiple health issues late in life, Vern maintained his smile and never complained. He loved watching UND hockey and other sports, as well as his casino runs to Thief River Falls and Mahnomen.
He is survived by his wife Joan, son David (Steph Fuchs), son-in-law Chuck Mischel, grandson Casey Mischel (Chelsy), sister Irene Hoks, brothers Don (Maria) and Les (Deb), brother-in-laws Roger Larson (Pat), George (Georgian) Wysocki and sister-in-law Clara (Cy, deceased) Wysocki.
He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Julie, son Michael, and twin sisters Darlene and Dolores, sisters Rosemary Larson and Lucy Reese.
We’d like to give a special thank you to Dr. Casey Ryan, who showed incredible compassion, care and support over his many years as Vern’s primary provider. Thank you also to home hospice nurse Brittney for making him so comfortable and also to longtime friend Paul Clark, who rarely missed weekly visits to sit with Vern and brighten his day. 
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks. Address: 524 North 5th St. N, Grand Forks, ND, 58203.

​Mass of Christian Burial: Will be held Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks, N.D., with one hour of visitation prior to the liturgy in the church on Thursday.  
Visitation:  All friends and family are invited to share stories at the visitation on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. and Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at Norman Funeral Home.  
Burial:  At a later date, in Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND

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