Ione Constance Ringdahl, 97, of McVille, ND, passed away January 30, 2021 at Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo, ND.
Ione was born on August 30, 1923 at Kloten, N.D. Her parents were Charles and Ida (Naas) Peterson. They lived on a farm the first 6 years of her life and later moved to McVille where she attended school. She graduated in 1940 as valedictorian of her class. After attending Dakota Business College in Fargo, she accepted a teller position at the bank in Chokio, MN. Later she moved to Minnewaukan, ND where she was secretary to the banker and did shorthand at that time. In 1943, she received a call from Mr. Lund of the McVille State Bank offering Ione the job of assistant cashier which she held for over 5 years.
Ione married Juiel Martinson on June 26, 1947 and they moved to a farm near Pekin, ND before settling on the farm south of McVille where they lived for 30 years until moving into McVille in 1976. Ione always enjoyed being on the farm and helped with the many chores involved with being a farmer’s wife. She had a deep love of the land and felt great contentment and happiness spending time in the country and on the farm.
They raised four children: Jerome (deceased), Diane, Dawn and Jane. Ione began employment at the local hospital in 1962. In 1964, she started as the office manager at the nursing home, a position she held for 38 years. Juiel passed away in 1983. After being a widow for 6 years, she married Albert Ringdahl, who passed away in 2002.
Ione was an active member of McVille Lutheran Church where she served on the board in several capacities, taught Sunday School for several years and participated in Ladies Aid, quilting projects, and Bible Study. She was secretary of the Young Hearts Senior Citizens Club and the Nelson County Council on Aging. Besides assisting with duties of the American Legion Auxiliary, she volunteered at the nursing home, was a hospice volunteer, and helped deliver meals on wheels. She enjoyed helping people wherever needed, getting mail and groceries for friends and neighbors, plus caring for her own mother for 12 years. She lived her life with a sense of purpose, always wanting to be useful.
Ione loved people and treasured her friendships. She enjoyed hosting friends and neighbors, who knew the coffee was always on and a fun game of Rummikub would likely be played. Besides personal visits, and phone calls, Ione stayed connected to many friends and relatives through her love of letter writing. Her letters were beautifully written, filled with rich stories and vivid details. Ione had a zest and energy for life, with numerous interests and hobbies. Sewing was one of those hobbies, which included making table runners and her yoyo creations. She enjoyed painting the farm buildings and tending to the flowers and garden. During summer, she mowed the grass and then would be off to visit or play bingo. In winter, it was to travel to Nevada to spend time with family. Her most remarkable trip was traveling to Norway and Sweden, especially exploring the Naas ancestry, visiting Martinson relatives who had visited her in McVille several times, and meeting the Peterson relatives for the first time.
Indeed, McVille was her hometown. Ione was happiest to be living in the great state of North Dakota and she thanked God for living in this world with so many joys. Ione became a resident of the Pioneer House Assisted Living in Fargo, ND in November 2019. While there she enjoyed frequent visits from family and friends and developed many friendships with the residents and staff.
Ione is survived by three daughters, Diane (Ray) Seidlinger, Dawn (Robert) Onstad, Jane (Bryan) Strommen; grandchildren, Julie Seidlinger (Hsiung) and Dana Seidlinger, Tabitha (Terry) Murphy, Britney (Aaron) Yaggie, Brock Strommen, Lacy Onstad, Logan (Shana) Onstad; great grandchildren, Julien, Bjorn & Johan Hsiung, Haylee and Brody Onstad, and Lyla and Collins Yaggie; sister, Edith Ophaug and brother, Idrane (Esther) Nesheim, several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Ione was preceded in death by son Jerome, Juiel Martinson, Albert Ringdahl, parents Charles Peterson and Ida Nesheim, and sisters-in-law Mildred, Beulah, and Ruth Martinson.
Blessed be her memory.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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