Robert "Shorty" Svenningsen, age 92, of Valley City, ND, died Saturday, November 11 ^th at the Sheyenne Care Center in Valley City. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, November 18 ^th at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Valley City. Visitation will be held on Friday November 17 ^th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Lerud Schuldt Mathias Funeral Home Chapel and one hour before the service at the church on Saturday afternoon. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM Friday evening at the funeral home. Interment will be in Woodbine Cemetery, Valley City, ND.

Robert "Shorty" Leonard Svenningsen, the son of Soren and Anna (Morslett) Svenningsen, was born September 17, 1925. After receiving his education, Robert began farming with his father in Ashtabula Township of Barnes County, ND. On July 10, 1945 he was married to Beverly Colville in Valley City. The couple farmed and raised Black Angus cattle on the family farm until moving into Valley City in December, 1996. Robert was the Township Accessor for several years while living on the farm. Robert was known to tease all of his family members and enjoyed playing a good game of pinochle especially with his competitive sisters. Robert had a good sense of humor which made him the favorite of all his family. He loved enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his nieces and nephews. He was very thankful for his nephews that helped putting up hay and during harvest. His greatest joy was taking care of his cattle and was especially fond of new born calves. So much so that a few were taken into the house on very cold winter days when they were newly born. Robert moved to BridgeView Estates after Beverly passed away. In 2012, he lost his eyesight and then became a resident of the Sheyenne Care Center.

Robert is survived by his two daughters, Pam (David) Narum, Casselton, ND and Charmelle (Gerald) Hughes, East Grand Forks, MN; four grandchildren, Melissa (Brian) Johnson, Breckenridge, MN, Lyn (Jennifer) Narum, West Fargo, ND, Peter (Darci) Strinden, Mandan, ND and Matthew (Jacqueline) Strinden, Bismarck, ND; 11 Great Grandchildren, Brock, Erika, Maxwell,Lauren, Chase, Kyra, Kellen, Abby, Jaxon, Ashley and Quinn; one brother, Gordon (Ranae) Svenningsen; one sister in law, Jewell Colville; numerous nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his parent, his wife, two brothers and five sisters.