Ethel M. McDougall

Ethel Mildred McDougall, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away on May 14, 2024, at the age of 94, after a long and full life. She most recently resided in Fargo, ND.

She was born on December 17, 1929, in Fort Yates, ND to Clarence Lloyd and Margaret Luger along with her three beloved brothers. She attended District 127 Becker Country school, later graduating from Lake Park High School in 1948. She was a member of the National Honor Society her junior year and favored her English and music classes. 

She married her soul mate, Stanley Holt McDougall, on January 22, 1949. Together they moved to Lake Park and adopted their first son Ronald (Mac) and gave birth to Dale just a short while later. They moved to Wheatland, ND where Steven and Bradley were born.

Ethel worked at JCPenneys after high school. Later in life when her children were all in school, she worked as a bookkeeper for the Wheatland elevator where Stanley served as the manager so he could be at home more with their sons. Ethel and Stanley were actively involved in their communities and remained active in Hitterdal, MN where they moved to follow her dream of returning to MN and retiring in a small town. She volunteered her time at the Senior Center and offered her assistance at the Hitterdal elementary school. Ethel was a faithful member of her parishes and found solace in service music and lived her life in alignment with her religious beliefs.

Ethel had a passion for a variety of hobbies which included crosswords and puzzles, playing cards and crafts of any kind: quilting, crocheting, ceramics, cross-stitch, embroidery, and knitting. She enjoyed spending time crafting with her “grands” and “great grands”, in addition to baking with them and asking her little helpers to help decorate for the holidays. She taught them how to play card games, notably Hand and Foot, and enjoyed playing board games. Her most memorable hobby was collecting Department 56’s Dickens Heritage Village lighted houses which she excitedly put out every Christmas, continuing to grow the collection over the years. She had a green thumb and adored flowers, plants, and all things gardening. Ethel also loved baking for her family and friends. Her most noteworthy baked goods were homemade buns, caramel rolls, holiday treats, and the mints she made for each of her family’s special occasions. Her favorite food was Knoephla or gnocchi soups, although she loved soup of any kind.

Ethel's most cherished role in life was being a mother to her four boys, a grandmother to her twelve “grands”, a great grandmother to her twenty-two “great grands” and a Godmother to 14 Godchildren. Following the loss of her husband in 1996, she poured her heart into each new addition to her family. Most photos of her in her later years include a baby in her arms. Ethel adored babysitting her beloved little ones and took great joy in watching them grow. She carefully chose her own nickname when she became a great grandmother and was known as “Nana” for her last 16 years of life. 

Ethel created and maintained a special bond with each addition to her family and always knew how to make them feel loved and appreciated. She harnessed each of their strengths to her benefit and allowed them each to play a unique role in her life, such as asking her mechanic grandson to fix the wheels on her walker in her final years. 

Ethel was well traveled and enjoyed traveling to share life events with her family and friends. Her favorite trip was to Norway, and she fulfilled her dream of visiting the country with Stanley to explore her Norwegian heritage. Those who knew her well would often hear her exclaim the phrase “Uff da!” 

Ethel shared all of life's big moments, both good and bad, alongside her best friend Dorothy. She most recently resided at Bethany Retirement Living near downtown Fargo, ND and formed many friendships with her new neighbors. 

Ethel will be deeply missed by her loved ones, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was always there to support her loved ones and offer her guidance and wisdom, most notably teaching all of her family how to be a great mother and parent. Her genuine love, kind spirit, and generous heart will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched.

She joins her husband, Stanley, their best friends, Chuck and Dorothy Cederberg, and her son, Dale, in heaven.

She is survived by her sons, “Mac” (Judy) McDougall, Steve (Jackie) McDougall, and Brad (Kate) McDougall, her daughter-in-law, Linda McDougall, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren:

Maranda (Tony) Tasa + Maya, Harper; 
Nicole (Frank) Udovich + Violet, Frank, Penelope;
Michelle (Weston) Baril + Lauren Elsie, Jackson Mac, Maxwell Raymond;
Tara (Justin) Flack + April, Aaron;
Tyler (Alli) McDougall + Lucy, Betty;
Chase McDougall + Oulsan, Hazel; 
Melanie McDougall;
Abby Ethel Kildahl + Hadley Ethel, Jade Elise;
Maureen (Tyler) Berryman;
Chris (Christine) Fenske + Maddie (Carter) Riphagen, Nick, Nathan;
Brad (Jessica) Fenske + Ripley;
Suzanne Bryant + Caiden, McKenzie.

The visitation will be held at Hope Lutheran - South Campus in Fargo, ND on Tuesday, May 21st at 10:00am with the funeral service following at 11:00am. Ethel's family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all those who have offered support and condolences during this difficult time. Please stay for lunch following the service and share your favorite memories of Ethel.

Rest in peace, Mom - Grandma - Honeybun - Nana