Donna Suckut, Longtime Fargo Resident, Dies at 92

Donna May Suckut was known for her gardening, cooking, and fostering 99 newborns over 22 years.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:00am

An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting a cozy domestic scene, conceptually representing the life and legacy of Donna Suckut.The passing of longtime Fargo resident Donna Suckut marks the end of an era for a community that cherished her dedication to family, gardening, and fostering children.Elgin Today

Donna May Suckut, a longtime resident of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on January 3, 2026, at the age of 92. She was born in Carrington, North Dakota in 1933 and met her husband Vernon at her high school prom in 1950. The couple moved to Elgin, Illinois before returning to Fargo in 1953. Donna was known for her beautiful flower gardens, holiday cooking, and her role as a foster parent to 99 newborns over 22 years with the Village Family Services.

Why it matters

Donna's life story reflects the changing demographics and community values of the Fargo area over the past century. As a longtime resident and active community member, her passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a local figure who dedicated decades to supporting vulnerable children through the foster care system.

The details

In addition to her gardening, cooking, and fostering work, Donna enjoyed bowling, taking care of her four grandchildren, raising canaries, trips to the lake, and was an avid reader. She is survived by her two children, Sherri Finke and Kevin Suckut of Fargo, and Shannon Booher of Maple Grove, Minnesota, as well as her four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

  • Donna Suckut was born on October 5, 1933 in Carrington, North Dakota.
  • Donna met her husband Vernon Suckut on May 19, 1950 at her high school prom.
  • Donna and Vernon were married on October 5, 1950 in Jamestown, North Dakota.
  • Donna and Vernon moved to Elgin, Illinois in 1953 before returning to Fargo.
  • Donna passed away on January 3, 2026 at the age of 92.

The players

Donna May Suckut

A longtime resident of Fargo, North Dakota who passed away at the age of 92. She was known for her beautiful flower gardens, holiday cooking, and her role as a foster parent to 99 newborns over 22 years.

Vernon Suckut

Donna's husband, whom she met at her high school prom in 1950. The couple moved to Elgin, Illinois before returning to Fargo in 1953.

Sherri Finke

Donna's daughter, who lives in Fargo, North Dakota.

Kevin Suckut

Donna's son, who lives in Fargo, North Dakota.

Shannon Booher

Donna's daughter, who lives in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Donna Suckut's life exemplified the values of community, family, and service that have long defined the Fargo area. Her dedication to fostering children and her involvement in local traditions like holiday cooking and gardening made her a beloved figure, and her passing marks the end of an era for this North Dakota community.