Mary Ellen Iverson

New Town

Mary Ellen (Traynor) Iverson was born February 8, 1938, to Frank & Verniece (Briggs) Traynor in Van Hook, ND in their home located in Traynor Park. She grew up and attended school in Van Hook before moving to the “New Town” when Van Hook was flooded. She was in the 1st graduating class at New Town High School in 1955.

Mary Ellen attended Minot Business

School and worked at Western Oil (Westland) Home Office in Minot, ND. She shared a house with a few gals. She spoke fondly of her memories with her roommates and had a lot of stories, although I’m sure we didn’t hear all the good stuff.

On July 8, 1959, Mary Ellen married Donald Iverson in New Town, where they planted their family roots. Through this union; they brought into the world three children: Mark, Molly, and Michael.

Mary Ellen worked at the Lakeside State Bank until 1966. In 1972, Donnie and she bought the Main Lanes bowling alley and restaurant. She helped run the family business for 30 years, even keeping it open 2 years after Donnie’s passing. Donnie passed away on March 16, 2000. Mary Ellen and Donnie were married for 40 years.

On December 6, 2024, it was a bright and sunny Arizona morning; Heaven got a little more exciting when Mary Ellen joined her lost loved ones on the other side, while she was in Arizona for the winter. It is with great sadness we share that Mary Ellen (Traynor) Iverson, 86, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024, at an assisted living center in Gilbert AZ, following a recent fall.

Mary Ellen will be deeply missed by her children: Mark (Debbie) Iverson of New Town, ND, Molly (Joe) Wheeling of New Town, ND, and Michael (Cindy) Iverson of Spearfish, SD; grandchildren, Brandy (Jed) Heller, Calvin Iverson, Macy (Edgar) Linares, Emma Wheeling, Bekah Iverson, Miranda Iverson, Mike (Erin) Delahoyde, Chris (Hilary) Delahoyde, April Briggs, Michael Davidson, Lauren (Jamie) Briggs; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Mary Ellen has many cherished best friends & extended family that will miss her greatly too.

“I Can Only Imagine” the great joy that Mary Ellen had being reunited with her husband, Donald (Donnie) Iverson; parents, Frank and Verniece Traynor; sisters, Patsy Traynor and Gloria Helms; brother, Darrell Traynor; and grandson, Ryan Wheeling. Let’s not forget the reunion she is having with all the friends that are already there to greet her, they have a lot of catching up to do!

Mary Ellen’s wishes are for memorials to be sent to Traynor Park in Van Hook, ND, or to the donor’s preference.

Please make checks to:

Mountrail County Park Board – Memorial Fund Van Hook/Traynor Park – C/O Mountrail County Auditor – PO Box 69 – Stanley, ND 58784

Memorial Celebration of Life Service – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 1:00pm at Together At The Landing (Falcon Field – 2613 North Thunderbird Circle – Mesa, AZ 85215)

Celebration of Life and Interment – TBD Summer 2025, New Town, ND (Langhans Funeral Home, Parshall) www.langhansfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 8, 2025.