Ruth P. Halgrimson

Ruth Patricia Halgrimson, age 81, Fargo, ND died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 7, 2013, at Sanford Palliative Care in Fargo.

Ruth was born on March 15, 1931 in Fargo, ND, the daughter of Henry and Florence Johnson Peterson. She attended Park Elementary School in Moorhead, MN and graduated from Moorhead High School in 1948. In 1949 she married Frank L. DeBrito in Dilworth, MN and she became the loving mother of three children: Thomas Debbie DeBrito of Fergus Falls, MN; James partner Steven Robson DeBrito of Fargo, ND; and Karen Stephen Wonderlich of Fargo, ND. She was remarried to Harold “Hal” Halgrimson in Moorhead 1978 and embraced their life together until his death in 1984.

She served as a Project Coordinator for the Fargo Vocational Rehabilitation Center and as a Medical Records Librarian for Southeast Mental Health prior to her retirement in 1993. Her coworkers described her as “a great person, fun-loving, honest, hardworking, and always herself.” She was a longtime member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Moorhead and she actively participated on church committees. Ruth was acknowledged by several nonprofit organizations for her charitable donations to the Fargo-Moorhead Community.

“Ruthie” enjoyed quality time with family and friends at her lake cottage, where she especially treasured the panoramic view from the deck overlooking the lake. “We have the best view of anyone on the entire lake!” was a comment that she would repeatedly remind us of during a single day. Anyone who knew or met Ruthie could not escape their time together without hearing a joke or two from her colorful repertoire; her sense of humor and her laughter were contagious.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Howard Lois Peterson, sister Dorothy Raymond Bray, brother Larry “Drone” Peterson, and her husband Harold. She is survived by her three children; stepson David Mary Peterson of Eden Prairie, MN; five grandchildren, Scott Jill DeBrito and Jessica Andrew Swedberg, both of Fergus Falls, MN, Sara Toby Biebl of Fargo, ND, Anna Luke Tierney of Bloomington, MN, and Joe Wonderlich of Grand Forks, ND. She is affectionately known as “G.G.” to her seven great grandchildren: Michael & Rachael DeBrito, Ethan, Brooke, and Grace Swedberg, Emma Tierney, and Mary Biebl. Her sisters Marge Krabbenhoft of Moorhead, MN and Kathy Bandaret of Denver, CO; her brother Greg Peterson of Moorhead, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive Ruth.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 -7:00 p.m., followed by a prayer service on Thursday, February 14, at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead.

The funeral service for Ruth P. Halgrimson will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, February 15 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Moorhead

Memorials can be given to Hospice of the Red River Valley.