A memorial service for Colleen Mongoven, formerly of East Grand Forks, MN, will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Warroad Senior Living Center in Warroad, MN, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment and a Mass at Sacred Heart Church in East Grand Forks will be held this spring.
Colleen Mae (Canniff) Mongoven passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Warroad Senior Living Center in Warroad, MN, on February 19, 2025, at the age of 94.
Colleen was born on September 2, 1930, in Grand Forks, ND, to Arthur and Laura Canniff, the second of four children. She attended St. Michael’s School and graduated from Grand Forks Central High School.
After graduation, Colleen worked as a switchboard operator for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. When friends, William and Maxine Rassmussen, introduced her to their friend, James Stephen Mongoven, Colleen and Jim quickly became a couple. They were married on May 12, 1949, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks.
Together with their six children, the Mongoven family enjoyed camping, fishing, and traveling. Colleen and Jim were active members of Sacred Heart Church in East Grand Forks and the East Grand Forks community. Colleen was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #157.
Colleen started in admitting at St. Michael’s Hospital in Grand Forks when their youngest child went to school. She moved to the brand new United Hospital and there became a medical records professional. She retired from Altru Hospital after many changes and countless friendships made.
After Jim passed in 2015, Colleen moved to Warroad Senior Living Center, first to an independent living apartment, then to assisted living, and finally to a skilled care unit. Colleen was a favorite of many with her quick wit and wry humor.
Colleen is survived by her children Stephen (Barb) Mongoven of Great Falls, MT, Karen (Art) Larson of Daytona Beach, FL, Thomas Mongoven of Missoula, MT, Elaine (Chris Melander) Mongoven of Grand Forks, ND, and Mary (Gerald) Phillipe of Warroad, MN; sister Patt Bass of Lewiston, MT; sister-in-law Betty Ann Mongoven of East Grand Forks, MN; and many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Colleen was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Jim; daughter Nancy Friebohle; sister Dorothy (Chester) Paulson; brother William Arthur (Rosie) Caniff; and brothers-in-law William (Mary) Mongoven and John Henry (Emily) Mongoven.
Last modified: 02/25/2025
