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June 1, 1935-Oct. 17, 2026
Rugby
Mildred Marguerite Rothgarn, 91, of Rugby and Willow City, North Dakota, passed away October 17, 2026, at Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, North Dakota.
Mildred was born June 1, 1935, the only child of A.T. (Ted) and Luella Kjelbertson Rothgarn. She attended Willow Creek School #1 and was a 1953 graduate of Willow City High School. Mildred was a woman of remarkable talent, determination, and independence who believed there was little she could not accomplish if she put her mind to it. She approached challenges with confidence and pursued a remarkable variety of interests and accomplishments throughout her life.
Educated in accounting and business, with a Bachelor's Degree from the University of North Dakota and a Master's Degree from Michigan State University, Mildred enjoyed a diverse professional career that included teaching at high schools, colleges and universities. She taught high school home economics classes in Willow City and Minnewaukan. Mildred taught at the University of South Dakota, Central Washington State College, Idaho State University, Murray State University, NDSU Extension Service, and Louisiana State University. She pursued a doctorate degree at Ohio State University and University of Rhode Island.
Following her return to the area in the 1970s, she owned and operated Pin Pointers, a successful retail store in Bottineau, North Dakota. An accomplished seamstress, designer, and hostess, she possessed a distinctive sense of style and extraordinary attention to detail. Whether preparing an elegant meal, decorating a beautiful table, or organizing a community gathering, Mildred took pride in doing things exceptionally well.
Mildred’s professional accomplishments and community leadership reflected her initiative, abilities, and willingness to accept new challenges. She was the first woman to serve as president of the Bottineau Chamber of Commerce and the first woman to chair the Heart of America Medical Center Board in Rugby. She served as editor of the Willow City Centurian. Her contributions and achievements earned her recognition as a Minot Area YWCA Woman of Distinction. She was honored with the Redwing Award from the Willow City High School Alumni Association in 2022, recognizing her accomplishments and contributions to her community. Her community involvement included Republican Women, Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 47, Pioneer Daughters of Towner, McHenry and Pierce County Historical Societies, Sons of Norway Odin Lodge, Prairie Village and Museum and McHenry County Museum Boards, homemakers groups, and Willow City Senior Citizens. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta and Delta Kappa Gamma sororities.
Mildred’s Presbyterian faith and her relationship with the church were central to her life. A devoted member and long-time elder of First Presbyterian Church in Willow City, she was actively involved in the life of the congregation and was especially devoted to Presbyterian Women. When the Willow City church closed in 2007, Mildred was determined that the fellowship and longstanding relationships among its women would continue. Through her leadership and dedication, Presbyterian Women continued to meet regularly for nearly 20 years following the church’s closure, maintaining a meaningful connection to their shared faith, friendships, and church traditions. Mildred remained deeply committed to this fellowship throughout her life and was also a member of Towner Presbyterian Church.
One of the more meaningful examples of Mildred’s willingness to make a difference in another person’s life was her decision to welcome Ly Hun, a young Cambodian refugee, into her home and become his legal guardian. For two years, she provided him with a home, encouragement, and opportunities to further his education and develop his talents. Her relationship with Ly reflected her belief in the potential of others and her willingness to act upon her convictions in ways that could have a lasting impact.
Mildred took great pride in her family’s farming heritage and the pioneering spirit of her grandparents, Hans and Sarah Rothgarn, who were among the area’s earliest homesteaders. In their honor, she named her home Hansarah, a reflection of her deep appreciation for her family’s history and roots in the Willow City community. She shared a close and enduring relationship with Ed and Mary Ann Fecho, their children, and now their grandchildren, who continue to operate the Rothgarn family farm. Through the generations, the Fecho family remained an important part of Mildred’s life, sharing in the traditions and responsibilities of the farm and helping preserve a legacy that meant so much to her.
Mildred was a woman of strong convictions, considerable abilities, and unmistakable independence. She set high expectations for herself and those around her, believing that anything worth doing was worth doing well. Her determination, creativity, and commitment to excellence were evident in nearly everything she undertook. Those who knew her appreciated her distinctive personality, wide-ranging talents, and unwavering belief in the importance of giving one’s best effort. She designed and built two homes on Leisure Lane in Rugby.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, A.T. (Ted) and Luella Kjelbertson Rothgarn.
She leaves behind a cousin, Dean Rothgarn of Camarillo, California, and a cherished and diverse circle of close friends spanning generations, each sharing a special connection with Mildred through her many talents, interests, and experiences.
A funeral service will be held at Emmanuel United Church in Rugby on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 2:00 P.M.
Mildred will be laid to rest alongside her parents at Persilla Watts Cemetery in Rugby.
Mildred once shared her philosophy of life: "With a positive attitude, I think you can do just about anything." Those words capture the determination and confidence with which she lived, leaving a legacy of accomplishment, individuality, and a life lived very much on her own terms.
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Published by The Minot Daily News, October 31, 2026.