Marilyn "Jacki" Halldorson

Marilyn “Jacki” Halldorson, 80, of Mountain, ND, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND. Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Mountain Community Center, Mountain, ND. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 2, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Mountain Community Center. 

 

Marilyn was born January 24, 1943, at Park River, ND, to Anton and Mabel (Svir) Budish. Marilyn, known as Jacki, shared only a few weeks ago how her nickname originated. Her childhood best friend and neighbor growing up was named Jack. They were always together, so they were referred to as Jack and Jacki. 

 

She met William Halldorson at the movie theater. When he saw her for the first time, he said "I'm going to marry her!" They were married on September 24, 1958. They loved to travel and had been on several cruises and toured the United States, Mexico, Iceland, and Canada. Through their 64 years together they had three boys and three girls. Her love for her children was shown through her compassion, care, and her unceasing efforts to give them the best possible life. 

 

Jacki was a hairdresser for several years and loved meeting and talking with her customers. Jacki served her community by working at Borg, where she was an activity director, beautician, and cook. She led a fundraiser to purchase a van for Borg residents. She was a volunteer with the Mountain Quick Response, President of the LCW, a foster parent, and worked with Thrivent where she coordinated several fundraisers. She was always willing to step in and help wherever she could. She also played an important role in registering Vikur Lutheran Church in the National Registry of Historical Buildings. 

 

Jacki was assertive and inquisitive. She never settled for "good enough"; everything had to be perfect. She cared deeply about everyone she met, and she would often ask about their lives so she could pray for them and send them gifts. She touched so many lives, and she always knew when someone needed help. She would give money to strangers, give hugs to those who looked sad, and offer comforting words to those who were down. She was full of positivity and inspiration, and she shared it with everyone she met, whether it was a cashier, a clerk, or a friend. She just knew how to make someone smile. 

 

Jacki is survived by her husband, William; children: Shelly Dubourt, Wendy Thronsedt, Tamy “TJ” (Ron) Cardino, Billy Halldorson; grandchildren: Shaun (Bonnie) Reimer, Bryce Reimer, Tyler Reimer (Jessica Bohn), Alex (Haley) Dubourt, Melissa Vatnsdal (John Wentzlaff), Toni Thronsedt (Stephen Sanford), Cody Thronsedt (Brooke Eagan), Will Halldorson, Marcus Halldorson; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Mark Wayne and Anton William; and sister, Darlene.