Susan Vivatson

Susan Lucille Vivatson, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and dedicated nurse, passed away at home on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the age of 77. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, defined by a nurturing spirit that she shared with her family, her patients, and her community. Funeral service will be held Monday, May 4, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Lutheran Church of Cavalier or Faith in Action of Cavalier, ND, a cause close to her heart.

Born in Rolette, ND, on February 19, 1949, to Wendall and Lucille (Kensinger) Holmly, Susan was the second of five children. She grew up attending grade school in Easby and graduated from Mohall High School in 1967. Following a calling to care for others, she earned her nursing degree from St. Andrew’s School of Nursing in Bottineau, marking the start of a long and distinguished career.

In 1969, Susan met the love of her life, Kayo Vivatson, at August the Deuce in Mountain, ND. They were married on December 20, 1971, in Breckenridge, MN, beginning a 54-year journey of shared adventure. Their early years took them to Fort Kobbe, Panama Canal Zone, where Kayo served in the U.S. Army. It was there they welcomed their first daughter, Jackie, in September of 1973. Life took an unexpected turn in November 1974; following the sudden passing of Kayo’s father, they relocated to Hensel, ND and settled on the family farm. As they traded Army fatigues for farm life, their family continued to grow with the birth of their daughter, Angie, in January of 1976, and their son, Robert, on May 3, 1981.

Susan’s nursing career was as varied as it was impactful. She cared for patients at Dakota Hospital in Fargo then served on the cardiac ward at Gorges Hospital in Panama City. Upon settling in the Cavalier area, she became a pillar of the local healthcare community, working at Pembina County Hospital and serving as a WIC and Public Health nurse. Later in her career, she found great fulfillment visiting patients as a Home Health nurse.

Her faith was the compass of her life. A dedicated member of United Lutheran Church, Susan combined her medical expertise with her spiritual devotion by serving as a Parish Nurse. Her passion for this calling led her to earn an advanced degree in Parish Nursing from Luther Seminary in 2013, a role she cherished for over a decade. Susan was also a constant force for good in Pembina County; she was a Hospice volunteer, a member of the Borg Memorial Home Board of Directors, and instrumental in establishing Faith in Action. Through the Stephen Ministry and her writings for the Cavalier Chronicle, she sought to highlight the light and positivity in her community. She was also a longtime member of the Eastern Star.

Susan’s happiest moments were those spent with her family. Her seven grandchildren were her greatest joy. She will be remembered for her kind nature, her gift for service, and the quiet strength she offered to everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wendall Holmly; mother and stepfather, Lucille Holmly Gould and Marlo Gould, mother and father-in-law, Buddy and Avis Vivatson; brother-in-law, Gary Zick; and several aunts, uncles, and extended family members.

She will be forever remembered and deeply missed by her family, including: husband, Kayo Vivatson; children: Jackie (Ted) Trzynka, Maple Grove, MN; Angie Vivatson, Maple Grove, MN; Robert (Kelli) Vivatson, Cavalier, ND; grandchildren: Nicholas Trzynka (Eden Smith) and Matthew Trzynka, Maple Grove, MN; Grant Vivatson, Maple Grove, MN; and Lucy, Max, Vivian and Jett Vivatson, all of Cavalier, ND; sisters: Robby Zick, Grand Forks, ND and Wendy Boyer, Bismarck, ND; brothers: Fred (Christine) Holmly, St. Paul, MN and Jim (Sharlene) Holmly, Lidgerwood, ND; uncles: Shelby (Marcheta) Holmly, Minot, ND and Benny Cox, Cavalier, ND; brothers and sisters-in-law: Loree (Gerry) Korb, Rick (Deb) Vivatson, Reed (Lisa) Vivatson, Keith (Patty) Anderson, and Dale Anderson; and several loving nieces, nephews, cousins and a wide circle of friends whose lives were greatly enriched by Susan’s presence. She will be held close in all their hearts forever.