Donna Murdoff

Donna Joy Murdoff, 79, passed peacefully on June 18, 2026, in Fargo, North Dakota.

Donna was born on November 1, 1946, in Killdeer, North Dakota, to Lillian Hendrickson-Rogne and Charles Rogne.

Donna graduated from Killdeer High School in 1964 and went on to earn her degree from Dickinson State Teachers College in 1968. Education was a lifelong passion for her. One that would shape her journey through life.

Donna began her career in the Western part of North Dakota, but her love of language and culture carried her far beyond there. She had an affinity for learning, traveling and culture. As a young woman, she traveled through Europe as a chaperone with her Spanish class. She furthered her studies at the University of the Americas in Monterrey, Mexico, and during her teaching years explored places including the Yucatán, Mexico City, and Norway. After her travels, she returned to teaching language part-time in the Campbell, Minnesota School System, where she continued to do what she loved—encouraging others to discover the pleasure of learning.

Donna was also an accomplished pianist who excelled in both playing and teaching piano. She found no greater joy than an enthusiastic sing-a-long. Often you’d find her tapping her foot or snapping her fingers to the music on the radio. She frequently volunteered to play at the St. Francis Nursing Home and St Catherine's Assisted Living in Breckenridge and Wahpeton to bring delightful music to the residents that lived there.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Donna loved her Savior and served in many ways, including: Pianist, Relief Society President and Counselor, Primary President and Counselor, Visiting Teacher, and Director of Family History Center for her church congregation in Wahpeton. After joining the Church, she served a mission in Sweden. She was often the first to offer a kind word, a listening ear, a heartfelt prayer, or practical help. Her compassion and genuine concern for others touched countless lives. And those lives were blessed because Donna took the time to care.

Donna treasured her family. She found joy in the everyday moments spent with those she loved. She gave her family steady love, constant encouragement, and unwavering support. She taught through her actions what it meant to live with kindness, integrity, faith, and gratitude.

Donna is survived by her husband, Elroy; her sons, Paul (Emily) and Sam (Danielle); her grandchildren, Greg, Lillian, Spencer, Hillary, Clara, and Elliot; and her siblings, Kent Rogne (Carol) and Kaye Wolf (Elroy). She also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, fellow church members, former students, and others whose lives were enriched by her friendship and example.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wahpeton, the Relief Society, and especially Donna Mickelson, whose friendship, love, and devoted support were a great blessing to Donna and her family.

Donna's legacy is one of faith, compassion, service, and love. The measure of her life cannot be found in accomplishments alone, but in the countless people she lifted, comforted, encouraged, and cared for. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and will be remembered for her warm smile, her love of music, her devotion to family and faith, and the quiet kindness that defined her life.