Sheldon O. Roningen

Sheldon Orville Roningen, 91 passed away peacefully, with friends by his side, on December 10, 2024, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Sheldon was born on the family farm on October 28, 1933, in Fisher, MN to parents Sam & Sophie (Kvamme) Roningen. Sheldon never married. He lived in the Fisher, MN area before moving to Good Samaritan Society Heritage Grove in East Grand Forks where he lived independently for 3 years until the time of his passing. He would often comment, "this place is hog heaven''.

Sheldon graduated from Fisher High School in 1951. He attended the NW School of Agriculture from 1951-1952 in Crookston, MN. Sheldon was drafted into the United States Army in 1953 and honorably discharged in 1955. He was stationed at the Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska serving as a Communication Specialist.

Sheldon was the Fisher township assessor for 26 years, a firearms safety instructor for 6 years, and a lifelong member of Fisher Lutheran Church. He served on the church council, alter committee, was sexton and an assistant sexton.

Sheldon was a long-time supporter and contributor to the Polk County Historical Society. He was also a proud contributor to the East Grand Forks Campbell Library, donating well over 2,000 books, most of them military. He had a great interest in the Civil War era and donated a Cannon replica to the library which is displayed in a case that is a centerpiece for the library's Military section. The Campbell Library honored his donations with a plaque that states how his generous donations have helped the present and future of our community. His mission was to donate books so history would not be forgotten. Sheldon's goal was that someone would mimic his donating and take over where he left off.

Sheldon's hobbies and past time activities included a ferocious love of reading, his daily walks to and from his mailbox, where he looked forward to the many letters he received from family and friends. Sheldon was a very important part of the Berg family his entire life. He spent many holidays and special events with them and was considered a part of their family. He spent many Sunday mornings at the Berg farm enjoying coffee, visiting and getting those loving hugs from Alexis, who was always his favorite.

Left to mourn Sheldon's passing are his nephews; John, Steve, David and Tom & nieces; Kristen, Julie, Lori and Lisa; many relatives and the Berg family.

Sheldon was preceded in death by his parents; Sam & Sophie (Kvamme), sisters; Ione (Jim) Lillegaard; Lorraine (Jack) Nelson; Shirley (Earl) Lundquist.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Fisher Lutheran Church or the EGF Campbell Literacy Fund at the Community Foundation of GF, EGF & Region.