Donna Jean Elsner, age 80, of Fargo, ND, died Monday, May 9, 2016.

She was born August 20, 1935 to Laura (Amundson) and Emil Erickson in LaMoure, ND. She graduated from Litchville High School in 1953. She worked as a nurse’s aide and telephone operator in Valley City, ND and for Nash Finch in Fargo, ND. Donna married Gerald (Jerry) Elsner from Marion, ND in 1956. They moved to California in 1957 and returned to Fargo in 1960. Donna worked at Dakota Hospital for 25 years, retiring in 1997.

She enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing with Jerry, playing cards, going to the casino, traveling and spending time with family. She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and a volunteer at Bethany Nursing Home.

She is survived by four children: Terri Cahill, Fargo, ND, Randy (Susan) Elsner, Dickinson, ND, Rhonda (David) Dalbey, Brooklyn Park, MN, Jolene (Scott) Brottlund, Fargo, ND; eight grandchildren: Joshua (Jennifer) Brottlund Fargo, ND, Jennifer (Nathan) Wahl, Jamestown, ND, Katie (Cody) Matson, Fargo, ND, Ashley Brown, Mandan, ND, Kellie (Kevin) Kallenbach, Dickinson, ND, Cory (Kayla) Brottlund, Fargo, ND, Alexis Dalbey, Milwaukee, WI, Carter Dalbey, Brooklyn Park, MN; and fourteen great-grandchildren; six siblings: Evon (Dick) Peterson, Moorhead, MN, Shirley Scellick, Twin Falls, ID, Ione Siedschlag, Fargo, ND, Sharon Bauske, Milwaukee, WI, Patty (Gyke) Schiffner, Underwood, ND, Roy (Henrietta) Erickson, Litchville, ND, many sisters and brothers-in-law; and nieces and nephews. Donna was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, parents, and four siblings.

She always loved hosting guests, both expected and unexpected. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.