Watch Vi's Graveside Service

Viola (Vi) (Hanson) Charboneau transitioned in life on November 12, 2023 at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, North Dakoda.  Vi was surrounded by loving family the last several days before moving on.   Vi was born in Wolf Point, Montana to Charles and Viola Hanson on March 8, 1936.  Vi and her family moved to Twin Valley where she went to school and met the love of her life Kenneth (Ken) Charboneau.  They married on June 21, 1953.

After marrying Ken, Vi moved to the Charboneau family farm where she helped Ken care for his aging parents.  Vi and Ken had five children; Frank, Theresa (Kemper), Charles, Mark and Tom.   Vi went to work at Mahnomen Hospital as a nurse's aid.  The passion she had for her work led her to get her LPN (licensed practicing nurse) certification and RN (Registered Nurse) degree.  While pursuing her LPN and RN Vi worked on Ambulance Services as an EMT (emergency medical technician).   Vi assisted on numerous calls that helped local residents.   She was offered a position as a Home Health Care Nurse for Indian Health Services in White Earth, which she gladly accepted.   Vi worked as a Home Health Care Nurse for over 25 years.   She held a deep affection for those she served and they had a great appreciation for everything she did for them.   After retiring she wanted to continue to serve the community.  She worked at the Mahnomen Food Shelf several days of the week, enjoying the company of friends whom she worked with.  Vi also was a volunteer at the Mahnomen Museum.  For her dedicated volunteerism, she received the "Golden Deeds Award" from  GFWC Library Club, Unity – In – Diversity in 2019.   Vi worked up to the last week before transitioning.

Vi was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Viola Hanson, siblings Carl, Blaine and Margaret, her husband Ken, and her son Mark.  She is survived by sister Mary, sons; Frank (Hildy), Charles (Valerie) and Tom and daughter Theresa (Robert Kemper).   Vi has 9 grandchildren; Jessica, Cory, Natalie, Nicole, Kelly, Mindy, Lonnie, Aaron and Lindsay with 22 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren.

A celebration of life was held at St Michaels cemetery  with family and close friends.  Vi's wish was to have donations made to the Mahnomen Food Shelf or the Mahnomen Museum in her name in lieu of flowers.