Brenda Marie Useldinger

Brenda M. Useldinger, 57 of Grand Forks, North Dakota died Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, North Dakota. 

Brenda was born on February 4, 1967, the daughter of Duaine and Hope (Snobeck) Espeseth in Fosston, Minnesota. She was raised on the family farm in rural Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Brenda loved the farm and the animals. Especially her horses, and her countless number of cats and dogs. She was active in 4-H, the saddle club, and volleyball in her younger years. After graduating from Thief River Falls High School in 1985, she attended Northland Community College in Thief River Falls in 1987, receiving her LPN. Brenda attended Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2006 and received her bachelor's in nursing. Brenda would receive her master’s degree in nursing from UND shortly thereafter. In 2012, she became an Assistant Professor of Nursing at UND and continued there until her passing. 

Brenda enjoyed time relaxing and watching the calm waves of Star Lake in Minnesota and reading until she fell asleep. We often found a book on her when she was sleeping; she would often read multiple books a night. She also enjoyed board games such as Sorry, Monopoly, and The Game of Life as well as card games such as Norwegian Whist and Rummy. She was extremely competitive when it came down to card games! She loved to watch movies and television shows, often gasping at the quality of the shows. She wanted to share her enjoyment especially with her sons. 

Brenda was rooted in her life due to family and friends. She is survived by her sons, Jacob Useldinger and Joseph Useldinger-Hoefs; parents, Duaine and Hope Espeseth; sister, Illa Hegg; nephew, Griffin Hegg; nieces, Taylor Hegg and Ann (Hegg) Dupoux.  

Brenda was preceded in death by her grandma, Myrtle Olson; uncle, Jerome Snobeck; and former partner, Micheal Hoefs.

Rest in peace, Brenda. Your kindred heart will continue to motivate all. Your teachings and understanding shined a light on the lives you touched. A beacon of love and kindness. Brenda lived through other people and instilled a sense of empathy in others. A quote from one of her favorite authors James Patterson that signifies Brenda. “Kindness. Respect. Compassion. Empathy. You never know how these simple, small acts can help someone turn their life around.”  We will miss you but will never forget you.