Donald Vigen

Donald L. Vigen passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, at Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, North Dakota.

Donald was born September 16,1938, to Ansgard and Gladys (Johnson) Vigen. He grew up on the family farm in rural Hatton, ND with younger sisters Carole and Linda. He was baptized and confirmed at Little Forks Lutheran Church. He attended Enger Township #1 School. From an early age, his love of farming grew while working the land alongside his father.

On June 9,1956, Donald married Rosalind F. Skarperud in Hatton, ND. They welcomed three children to their family, Kim Roxanne, Lonny James, and Sharan Lea. In 1964, the family moved to rural West Fargo to begin farming. In 1975, they built a new home on the farm south of Mapleton. He resided there until 1994 when he moved to West Fargo. Donald officially retired from farming in 1997.

Though retired, driving out to check the crops was a favorite pastime of his. He enjoyed spending his winters in Arizona, listening to country music, and tending to his well-manicured lawn. He always had fun riding his motorcycle with family and friends--especially his son, grandsons, and son-in-law.

Donald is survived by his children, Kim (Barry) Kersting, Chandler, AZ; Lonny (Kathy) Vigen, Mapleton, ND; and Sharan (Tom) Hoag, Mapleton, ND. Eight grandchildren: Brian (Anna) Kersting, Queen Creek, AZ; Robert (Brooke) Kersting, Chandler, AZ; Sara (Ryan) Johnson, Hatton, ND; Shelby (Tyler) Morrow, West Fargo, ND; Bradley Vigen, Mapleton, ND; Jessica (Daniel) Berg, Mapleton, ND; Chelsie (Brendan) Ydstie, Mapleton, ND; Lucas Hoag, Mapleton, ND. Thirteen great-grandchildren: Braden Kersting, Harper Kersting, Aiden, Aksel, and Archer Johnson, Emersyn and Elsie Morrow, Hank and Rudy Vigen, Shaylea and Aubree Berg, and Owen and Shiloh Ydstie.

Donald also leaves behind two sisters, Carole (Darrell) Bjerke, Beulah, ND, and Linda (Tom) O’Halloran, Lakewood Ranch, FL; many nieces and nephews; and former wife, Rosalind (Gene) Nelson, Moorhead, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ansgard and Gladys Vigen.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Sanford Hospice House, Fargo, ND for the excellent care he received.

Public Visitation: Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

Private Family Service: Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 1:00 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

Interment: Thursday, August 28, 2025 following the service at Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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