Obituaries
Gloria N. (Hansen) Doll, 92, passed away on September 13, 2026, at her home in New Salem, North Dakota.
Gloria was born on September 25, 1933, at her aunt Goldie Schreiber’s home in New Salem, North Dakota, the youngest of two children born to Norman and Nettie (Olson) Hansen.
She grew up on the Hansen homestead southwest of Almont and attended country school through the 8th grade. She graduated from Almont High School in 1952 and attended college in Bismarck. Gloria then taught for one year at the country school southwest of Almont.
On May 6, 1954, Gloria married Martin Doll Jr. of Almont at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Over the next 13 years, Martin’s construction work took their family across the country. They lived in various states, including South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, before settling in Livingston, Montana in 1967.
Gloria was an active member of Girl Scouts of America, serving as a troop leader and camp counselor for over 20 years. After her children were all in school, she worked in retail.
Upon Martin’s retirement in 1993, they returned home to Almont, North Dakota, where Gloria was an active member of the United Lutheran Church of Almont, American Legion Auxiliary, WELCA, Women’s Life, and the Historical Society. With her remarkable knowledge of Almont, its people, and past, Gloria became affectionately known as the town historian. She had a wonderful memory for local history and enjoyed sharing the stories and memories that helped preserve Almont’s heritage. She also helped with the church lutefisk and lefse supper and the Almont Labor Day Celebration for many years.
Gloria enjoyed many hobbies, including embroidery, jigsaw puzzles, ceramics, and word puzzles. Her true passion, however, was reading. She and her good friend, Donna Johnson, saved books from the Almont School when it was closing and started the library in Almont, something for which she was so proud.
Above all, Gloria treasured her family, including her four children, Gray Doll of Almont, North Dakota; Melanie Piluso of Livingston, Montana; Gail (Gale) Arnold of Big Timber, Montana; and Marilyn (Mark) Jacobson of Almont, North Dakota; five grandchildren, Allison Piluso (James Lundin) of Denver, Colorado; Justin (Megan) Arnold of Townsend, Montana; Michael (Kama) Arnold of Columbus, Montana; Andrea (Brendan) Harrington of Livingston, Montana; and Anthony Piluso of Missoula, Montana; 12 great-grandchildren, twins Trevin and Tristan, twins Reese and Raylan, and Justin Jr. Arnold; Maggie and Quinn Arnold; Finn, Dylan, and Rowan Harrington; and BreKynn and Klaeson Piluso; niece, Mary Jane Thorson; two sisters-in-law, Geraldine Dittus and Kathleen Wehri; and numerous nieces and nephews on her husband’s side.
Gloria was preceded in death by Martin, her husband of 51 years, in 2005; her parents; sister, Nathalie; brother-in-law, Harvey; nephew, Douglas Thorson; and her parents-in-law, Martin and Katherine Doll.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10 am on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Almont United Lutheran Church in Almont, North Dakota, with Pastor Bill Dodd presiding. Interment will take place in the Almont Cemetery. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.