Albert Dronen

Albert Dronen, 86, Bismarck, passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 after a brief illness from an aggressive cancer. Services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bismarck, with the Rev. Steve Sathre officiating. Services will also be held on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 PM at Zion Lutheran Church, north of Driscoll where Albert was baptized and confirmed. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Driscoll. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Friday at Eastgate Funeral Service. Albert was born on November 10, 1919, at Driscoll, ND, to Nils and Louise Dronen. He was raised on his parent's homestead. After his father's death in 1952, Albert bought the farm. He loved the land and took a lot of pride in his farming and ranching operation. Albert married Thoneta "Toots" Pederson on July 3, 1953, at Zion Lutheran Church. They lived north of Driscoll on the original homestead where they farmed and ranched. Thoneta passed away in April 1992. On July 23, 1993, he married Verna Hanson of Steele and they continued to live on the farm. In 1998, they moved to Bismarck. In July 2004, Albert received a certificate from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture recognizing the original homestead as a North Dakota Centennial Farm. Albert was active in many organizations. He was a member of Steele Chapter OES and Chancellor-Walworth Lodge and served as Worshipful Master of the Lodge a number of times. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite of Bismarck. He served on the Burleigh County Soil Conservation Board for 32 years, a director on BEK Telephone Board for 24 years and past president of the North Dakota Telephone Association. He was a member of Driscoll 30's Club and Driscoll Men's Club. He was an active member of the Sons of Norway Singers and Dancers and a life member of the Sons of Norway Lodge. He served on the Zion Lutheran Church Council and was instrumental in organizing the Zion Cemetery Perpetual Fund. He served on the Clear Lake Township Board for many years and was always active in civic affairs. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bismarck. Albert enjoyed three trips to Norway where he visited the areas where his parents were born, meeting cousins and several aunts and uncles. Albert described Norway as a country where the grass is a lush green, lots and lots of flowers and a beautiful blue sky. Albert was a person who enjoyed life and people. He had many friends and each one was very special to him. Verna had three sons, Lars, John, and Greg, one daughter, Julie, and eight grandchildren. They were Albert's pride and joy. Each son was his "favorite son" and Julie his "favorite daughter". He and Verna attended many of the family activities and gatherings. He also had a special relationship with each of his fourteen nephews and nieces. Albert is survived by his wife, Verna; stepchildren, Lars Carolyn Hanson of Seattle, WA, Dr. John Deborah Anspach Hanson of Billings, MT, Greg Sheri Hanson of Lino Lakes, MN, and Julie Reg Christian of Hazen, ND; eight step-grandchildren, Eric and Christie Anspach-Hanson of Rochester, MN, Joshua Anspach-Hanson of Phoenix, AZ, Matthew, Benjamin and Jasmin Hanson of Lino Lakes, MN, and Zachary, Alison and Carly Christian of Hazen, ND; two sisters, Margaret Erling Botnen of Bismarck and Mary John Malsam of Sterling; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Thoneta; his parents; two brothers, Andrew and George; and one sister, Hannah Kluksdal. Albert is gone but he will never be forgotten.

Albert Dronen

November 10, 1919 - April 11, 2006