Gloria Emma Swanson Enger Temple, age 93, of Larimore, ND, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at the Good Samaritan Society-Larimore.
Gloria was born on May 28, 1931 the daughter of Carl and Nellie (Thorsell) Swanson at the Mrs. Moody’s Maternity Hospital in Larimore. Gloria grew up on the family farm 7 miles west of Larimore and attended Moraine Township 76 School. She was baptized and confirmed at Elm Grove Lutheran Church.
In 1950, she married Donald Enger. To that union they had four daughters. The family became members of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Larimore. In 1973, Gloria married Harlan Temple. They were married until his death in 1991 of Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Gloria did many jobs in her lifetime. She worked at Elk Valley Potatoes, was a custodian of Our Savior’s for 7 years, she taught accordion lessons, was a seamstress, taught Sunday School, directed youth choir and also played piano for the choir. She also belonged to the church circle, and subbed for different church organists in the community. Gloria was an avid musician playing harmonica, organ, piano, and accordion. Harlan and Gloria were both in the band called the “Rhythmaires”. She also had a beautiful singing voice. Gloria crocheted, making 14 “Lord’s Prayer” wall hangings; one for Our Savior’s Church, one to the Larimore Good Samaritan, and the rest were for her 4 daughters and granddaughters. She loved gardening and tending to her beautiful flowers. For years she canned many quarts and pints of vegetables, sauces and jellies. She was known for her delicious homemade cake doughnuts, which several people bought from her. She embroidered beautiful white dish towels, which she sold many sets of. She embroidered the last 2 sets just 4 months ago for her granddaughter, Tina. Gloria was a quilter, making many quilt tops for the ladies at Our Savior’s for world relief.
Gloria was a very loving and wonderful mother, always there for us at any time of day or night. We will miss our many trips to Grand Forks, spending the day together shopping and eating lunch at one of our favorite restaurants.
Gloria will be remembered and deeply missed by her family; daughters Dawnell (Delton) Reinhardt of Pic City ND; Teresa (Brian) Welder, Larimore, Brenda Reistad, Larimore and Jennie (Bryan) Pappenfuss of St. Thomas, ND. Grandchildren: Megan, Jaimie, Tina, Tracy, Tony, Jessica, Tiffany, Nathan, Bradley, Michael, Abby; 15 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Stepchildren: Dwight (Joan) Temple, Rick (Cathy) Temple, Jan Hansen and 9 step-grandchildren. She will also be missed by her good friends Dorcas, Linda and Mary.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her baby brother, 3 brothers and their wives Elmer and Vivian, Lyle and Zona, Carnell and Evelyn, and several nieces and nephews, and some very good friends.
FUNERAL SERVICES: 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 17 in the Bakke Funeral Home Chapel of Larimore.
VISITATION: One hour prior to the service.
INTERMENT: Bellevue Cemetery, Larimore BAKKE FUNERAL HOME, LARIMORE, ND Online guestbook: bakkefuneralhomes.com