Bernadette Dunnigan

Bernadette Dunnigan, 72, wife of departed long-term Bismarck physician, Dr. Ralph J. Dunnigan, died September 15, 2007, at home, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 12:30 PM at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck with Rev. Thomas E. Kramer officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery. Family will greet the public on Monday evening starting at 6:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service where a rosary service will be held at 7:00 PM. Per Bernadette's request, no viewing will be held. Bernadette Rose Marie Choiniere was born on February 23, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, to Florence Chartiere and Joseph Choiniere. After graduating from Saint Phillip's High School in Detroit, Michigan, she completed training as a licensed practical nurse. She was a nurse at Saint John's Hospital in Detroit when she met Ralph J. Dunnigan. They were married in October of 1956 and moved to Bismarck in 1959. They lived in Bismarck and raised six children. When her children were older, she resumed her nursing career at Mandan Villa. She was active in her church, Cathedral School, Saint Mary's High School, Boy Scout functions, and as a volunteer at Saint Vincent's Nursing Home. She is survived by her six children and their families: Dr. Earl Dunnigan of Bismarck and his son, Matthew; Mike and Ann Thorson of Bismarck and their children, Andrea Joseph Gerlach, Nicole and Bryan LaBore, Marisa and Troy Thorson; Kevin and Sharon Dunnigan of Fort Collins, Colorado and their children, Alexa, Kristie, Taylor and Macy; Dr. Ralph T. and Leanne Dunnigan of Bismarck and their children, Brittany, Meghan, Ryan and Erynn Dunnigan; Shawn and Lisa Dunnigan of Fort Collins, Colorado and their children, Jack and Nicholas Dunnigan; and Terrance and Julia Dunnigan of Bismarck; her three sisters, Sr. Mary Choiniere, Rita Brus, and Margaret Harvey Richardson; one brother, Joseph Choiniere, all of Detroit, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Ralph J. Dunnigan; her brother, Bobby Choiniere; and her parents, Joseph and Florence Choiniere, all of Detroit, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the UND School of Medicine: Dunnigan-Buckingham Foundation or the American Cancer Society.

Bernadette Dunnigan

February 23, 1935 - September 14, 2007