Margaret Risner

Margaret Lorine Risner, 78, of West Fargo, ND, died Monday, December 12, 2016, in Sanford Palliative Care, Fargo, ND, following a brief illness.

Margaret Lorine Sander was born February 6, 1938, the oldest of three children to Alex and Mabel (Julesberg) Sander, in Minot, ND. She lived with her family in the Tagus and Minot area before moving to Polk County, MN, and later to Grand Forks, ND, where she graduated from Central High School in 1956.

Following high school, Margaret's adventurous spirit took her to Seattle, WA, where she met the love of her life, Lee W. Risner, a member of the U.S. Navy. They were married in February of 1958. While Lee was in the Navy, the family relocated often, living on and around numerous Naval bases including Norfolk, VA, Honolulu, HI, Charleston, SC, Dunoon, Scotland, and Mare Island/Vallejo, CA, before settling in Orange, CA. While living in Orange, Margaret worked as a secretary for Trinity Lutheran Church.

At the age of 39, Margaret suffered a brain aneurysm. Even with her limited abilities, Margaret's strong will, curiosity, feistiness, quick wit and love for the Lord helped her overcome many obstacles, allowing her to enjoy life to the fullest. Some of her joys included reading, chatting with those all around her, playing cards (especially Solitaire), singing, going on walks, and sitting in the garden. Her greatest happiness came from visiting and laughing with her children. Margaret's beautiful smile and loving spirit shone like a beacon on all that were around her.

Margaret will be dearly missed by her children, Elaine Risner and Heidi Rolon of West Fargo, Alexandra (Tom) Lawrence, of New Braunfels, TX; brother, James Sander, of Fargo; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law; nieces and nephews; and multiple cousins and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lee; and her son, Kelly, on December 7, 2016.

A visitation for Margaret will be one hour prior to her Funeral Service.

Her Funeral Service will be Monday, December 19, 2016, at 11 AM, in First Lutheran Church Chapel, Fargo.

Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery, Climax, MN.

(Korsmo Funeral Service, Moorhead, MN)