Charlotte Halvorson Dobrovolny, 96, died Friday, March 27, 2020, at Trinity Nursing Home in Minot, ND.

Charlotte was born on July 8, 1923, in Chippewa county, Minnesota to Martin and Asta (Christenson) Nelson. She attended grade school in Ross and later graduated as salutatorian from Palermo High School in 1941.

She married Eldor Halvorson in 1942 and they had three children: Allan, Sandra, and David. She was a talented seamstress, sewing for herself and her daughter. Nothing made her two sons happier than chowing down her famous fried chicken and pumpkin pie. A highlight for her during this time was the gathering of the neighbor ladies to celebrate the birthdays of each one.

Charlotte was devoted to her church. She taught Sunday School and Bible School and was very active for years in the Ladies Aid, as well as Bible Study. Because she was an expressive reader, she often opened the monthly Luther League program with a reading/devotions. She was advisor for the youth gatherings/programs and sang in the church choir.

She was a loving, accepting woman who appreciated diversity. Charlotte and Eldor opened their home to become foster parents of two young Native American boys, Jared and Jeffrey Starr, who lived with them for eight years.

Eldor died in 1983, after which Charlotte bought a home in Stanley and worked at Bethel Nursing Home. Her spirituality continued to grow as she became a member of Our Savior’s Free Lutheran Church. Quilting for missions became her passion.

In 1991, she married Joe Dobrovolny and moved to his home in Ross. They enjoyed several years of Saturday night dancing in Minot. They later moved to Elmcroft Assisted Living in Minot, which is where they lived until she moved to Trinity Nursing Home.

Her surviving family members include her husband, Joe, and his five children; her daughter, Sandra Enget, Bismarck, and her son, David (Vickie) Halvorson. Her son, Allan Halvorson, died in 2010. She is also survived by four grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and three great, great grandchildren.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Eddie (Buddy) Nelson, Avis Knudson, and Clarice Halvorson; and her granddaughter, Brenda Halvorson.