Richard T. Whelan
November 8, 1938 — April 12, 2025
Crystal

​Richard Thomas Whelan died Saturday, April 12, 2025, under the care of Hospice. A public visitation will be held Thursday, April 17, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier, ND. Private family services will be held at a later date.
Richard was born on the family farm near Crystal, ND, on November 8, 1938, to James Joseph (JJ) Whelan and Marion (Colby) Whelan. He graduated from Crystal High School, attended NDSU, and was united in marriage to Cleone Holum of Mayville, ND
Richard was a lifelong farmer and throughout his lifetime he served on various Farm Bureau boards, Valley School board, North Valley VoTech board, and was a member of the Cavalier Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by his wife, daughters Beth Whelan of San Diego, CA, and Joan (Jason) Huus, grandsons Garrett (Emily) Huus, Logan Huus, Wyatt Huus all of Grand Forks, ND. One great grandson, Hudson Huus.
Preceding him in death were his parents, brother George, sister-in-law Mae Whelan, and in-laws Clemet and Helen Holum.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Crystal City Cemetery, Crystal Quick Response, or Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Donald J. Kasprick, age 79 passed away peacefully, with his family by his side on April 9, 2025 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. 
Donald was born on March 15, 1946 in Grafton to John and Helen (Altendorf) Kasprick.  He graduated from Grafton High School in 1964. He joined the United States Navy from 1964 – 1969.  After his discharge, he worked at Melvin’s Furniture, McDonald Carpet Installation, and Ray’s Carpet and Upholstery, before starting his own business Kasprick Upholstery for 45 years. 
He worked until the very end and took pride in his work.  He worked meticulously to get it “just right” and as close to perfect as he could or it didn’t leave the shop.
Donald was married to Susan Ebertowski on October 3, 1970 at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Drayton. He was an avid lover of the outdoors and nature.  The rivers of North Dakota, the lakes of Minnesota and the beauty, strength, and wonderment of trees.  He made a point to plant trees, shrubs, and bushes at “The Cabin”, his escape from the world.  He enjoyed fishing, his cars, and reading. In his younger days, he enjoyed snowmobiling.  
Donald was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton.  He was instrumental in the construction of the gathering space at the church.  Donald was a member of the American Legion Post 41 of Grafton. 
Donald is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susan; daughter Jacquelyn; son Jonathan; grandchildren: Louis John and Charles Donald Condon, Luke and Drew Monson, Samantha Condon, and Cassie Monson; special nephew Tim Anderson; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jane Anderson. Donald was the last surviving member of his family.  He loved his family and they always came first.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, April 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.  at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.  Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service.  Visitation will be on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 5-7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a tree, bush, or shrub in his memory to be planted at “The Cabin” for his loved ones to honor him for years to come.

Doris M. Staples
May 29, 1938 — March 27, 2025
Cavalier, ND

​Doris M. Staples, 86, of Cavalier, ND, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025, at her home. Funeral service will be held Friday, April 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Trinity Methodist Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held for one hour before the time of the service at the church.
Doris was born May 29, 1938, in Grafton, ND, to Edward and Anne (Muth) Stegman. She grew up in the Neche area. She attended country school until 8th grade and graduated from Cavalier High School. On June 22, 1956, Doris married Harvey Staples at the Christ Lutheran Church in Neche. Together they lived and farmed in the Hamilton area, later moving to Cavalier. She worked at Thoelke’s Retail store in Cavalier and at Wedgewood Manor for many years.
Doris enjoyed painting and sewing. She was an active church member where she taught Sunday school, helped with the ladies' aide, and led Bible studies.
Doris is survived by her husband, Harvey; sons: David (Denise) Staples, Douglas Staples, and Darren Staples; daughter-in-law, Bernie Staples; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and siblings: Arelene, Helen, and Curtis.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Dalton; and brother, Edgar.

Elizabeth J. “Betty” Stark, age 93 of Grafton, ND passed away on April 2, 2025 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.


Elizabeth Jean Ebert was born November 27, 1931 in Grafton, ND the daughter of the late Oscar and Beatrice (LaBerge) Ebert. She grew up on the family farm north of Nash and attended rural grade school. She graduated from Grafton High School in 1949. After graduation she worked for the Grafton National Bank (Wells Fargo) and later at Northwestern National in Minneapolis, MN. She moved to California and worked for Security First National in Santa Monica, CA. She returned to Grafton and married her High School sweetheart, Fred Stark, after his discharge from 4 years in the US Navy. They were married December 26, 1955 at St. John’s Catholic Church of Grafton. They returned to California and lived there until 1958 when they returned to Grafton.


Betty worked for Selective Service and later as secretary for the fundraiser to build the All Faith’s Chapel at the Developmental Center in Grafton. She enjoyed reading, walking, bowling, traveling and marching with the 9th District American Legion Band from Minnesota. 


Betty is survived by her two children: Susan (Bob) Frias, Virginia Beach, VA and Tom (Carolyn) Stark, Minneapolis, MN; six grandchildren: Jamie Donovan, Nichoals Collette, Christine Sosonko, Brandon, Rachel and Elizabeth Stark; four great grandhchildren: Noah, Penny and Lilly Donovan and Blake Sosonko. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Fred in 2009, three sisters: Ann Tandeski, Shirley Fisher and Bonnie Miller and brother Robert Ebert and grandson, Nicholas Collette.


Mass of Christian Burial will be held in May at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton, ND.

​Bridget Grindahl, age 42 of Fargo, ND, formerly of Grafton, ND, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.
Funeral services will be Friday, April 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Grafton Assembly of God Church.  Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the church.  Friends may also call at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Grafton City Cemetery in the spring.

Duane J. Altendorf, age 62 of St. Thomas, ND passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks, ND.


Duane J. Altendorf was born May 30, 1962 in Grafton, ND the son of the late Raymond and Rose (Rolczynski) Altendorf. He grew up and attended school in Drayton, ND. He attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND for diesel tech. Following his education he worked for John Deere in Grafton, ND.  He later moved to St. Thomas, ND and started working for the Fred Born Farms. He later took over the farming operation and farmed until his death. 


He was a member of the St. Thomas Rural Fire Department, St. Thomas Booster Club and served on the St. Thomas Airport Board.


Duane is survived by his sons: Tanner (Amanda) Altendorf and Tyler (Michelle) Altendorf both of Grand Forks, ND; his grandchildren: Emerson and Stella Altendorf; his sisters: Cathy Altendorf of Fargo, ND and Michelle (Dale) Ososki, Grand Forks, ND; his special friend, Cindy Collette, Grafton, ND. Several nieces and nephews also survive along with his two dogs: Wilson and the White Devil.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dennis. 


Funeral services will be Monday April 7, 2025 at 6;00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Visitation will be Monday for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at St. Edward’s Cemetery, Drayton, ND in the spring. 

Jeannen McMillan was a woman of deep faith, strong will, selfless giving, and infinite love for her family.   Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
Jeannen Francis Finley was born August 14th, 1946, to Francis and Marjorie (Hedstrom) Finley.  She grew up on the family farm in rural Inkster N.D. where she learned the value of a hard day’s work and the art of a hearty yet delicious meal at her mother’s side in the kitchen.  She often spent time with her treasured grandparents Andy and Florence Hedstrom where she learned how to play cards, a pastime she’d enjoy for the rest of her life.
After meeting Jon McMillan at a local dance she knew she’d found her match and they married a year later on June 11th 1966.  They spent the next 59 years together mostly on their farm in rural Fordville N.D. raising three boys, Jason, Jarrod, and Nathan.  She imparted on them her core values of hard work, a belief in right and wrong, picking a team and sticking with them even if they lose (like her Vikings), and that the spoon goes next to the knife on the right side of the plate… even if it wasn’t going to be used.
Jeannen’s faith was a cornerstone of her life.  She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church first in Inkster then Fordville where she was the pianist for over 50 years as well as a member of the Ladies Aid and Eastern Star.  She also shared her faith with numerous bible study groups over the years including leading discussions at the Park River Good Samaritan home where she volunteered for many years.
A graduate of the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in social studies she was an extremely intelligent woman.  While raising her boys she put that degree to use as a substitute favored by teachers who knew she could be relied on to keep students in check and even do the odd bit of grading if necessary.  Later in life she was able to fully embrace her love of educating by working at Fordville-Lankin H.S. as a Title program teacher helping students that were struggling with various subjects.  Her caring, determination, and intelligence were on full display when she taught herself Algebra II because “some of her kids needed a little help”.  After transitioning to the position of Social Studies instructor she was able to share her love of politics and current events while teaching them the ins and outs of democracy.  She treasured her students dearly and in return they kept Mrs. Mac young at heart.
Food was also a defining element of Jeannen’s life.  As such, if you found yourself with your feet under her table you could be guaranteed not to walk away hungry and invariably treated to something delicious.  Her love of cooking was legendary and she enjoyed reading cookbooks like most people enjoy a good novel.  Holiday meals at the McMillan house could be counted on to be kingly feasts.  You needed to sneak a bite from your plate while passing a dish lest you not get to eat anything for the first 15 minutes as varied foods made their way around the immaculately set table.
While her passion may have been cooking, Jeannen’s greatest joy came from her grandchildren.  She often said she got as much enjoyment from listening to their laughter as being part of it.  She could frequently be found playing solitaire on her computer while they giggled away watching a movie with Grandpa, the smile on her face evidence she was appreciating the show every bit as much as they were.  The passing on of treasured family traditions such as Christmas cookie baking was also a must, each grandchild would be conscripted into service as soon as they could see over the counter when standing on a stool.  Not only was the care she had for her grandkids imbued in all that she did, it is literally wrapped around them in the forms of the many master-level quilts she created for each of her beloved.  She leaves a legacy of love that will be with them always.
Jeannen is survived by her husband of 59 years Jon, her three sons Jason (Tammy) McMillan, Park River, ND; Jarrod (Becky) McMillan, Fordville, ND; and Nathan McMillan, Grand Forks, ND.  Seven grandchildren Cody (Emily) Boyle, Misty (Jimmy) Praska, Drew McMillan and Maci McMillan; and Jamye McMillan, Emma McMillan and Elyse McMillan, and six great-grandchildren Caprice, Poppy, River, and Sage Praska, and Gigi and William Boyle.  She also leaves her brother William (Kay) Finley, sister Darcie St. Vincent, brother-in-law Albert Salinas, and many nieces, nephews, beloved cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Carol Salinas.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Fordville Lutheran Church.  Friends may gather at the church for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Fordville, ND in the spring.

Don Schuster took his final flight on March 25th, 2025.  He was home at his beloved Schuster farm, where he lived his whole life, with his entire family present.  Don spent much of his lifetime either flying or farming.  In his retirement years, he continued to enjoy both endeavors through his two sons. He was affectionately nicknamed “Bird” or “Grandpa Bird” by his wife, children, and grandchildren (as a nod to his love of aviation).  Don lived a full 85 years and is surely soaring through the skies of Heaven.
Donald L. Schuster was born in Grafton, ND on March 26th, 1939.  He was the youngest of five children born to Edward and Victoria (Misialek) Schuster.  During his youth, he attended school at St. Anthony’s Convent in Warsaw, ND.  In 1957, he graduated from the Park River Agricultural School.  He was united in marriage to Wilene J. Kliniske on October 10th, 1969 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Grafton.  Don was extremely proud of the four children that he and Wilene raised: a lawyer, a pilot, a professor, and a farmer.
At the age of fourteen, Don watched a PA-11 Cub spray a potato field and from that moment on, he knew he wanted to become a pilot.  He began crop spraying for Hod Hutson of Grafton Aero Service in 1964. When Hod retired, Don purchased the business with Daryl Strong and Richard (Dick) Hardy and it became Dakota Aviation, Inc. In 1980, Don formed Don’s Aero Service, Inc.  Together, he and Wilene managed Don’s Aero until 1991.  The airport became a second home for Don and his family. During his aviation career, Don was a Piper and Cessna dealer.  He also earned and maintained many certificates and ratings. These included a Commercial Pilot Certificate with single and multiengine land, rotocraft-helicopter, instrument airplane, and a Flight Instructor Certificate with single, multiengine, and instrument privileges.  He taught his two sons how to fly along with numerous others.
Don also farmed for many years with his youngest son eventually joining him in the farming operation. He always enjoyed spring planting, checking the fields, and fall harvest.  The farm was by far his favorite place to be.
In the earlier years of his life, Don served in the North Dakota National Guard and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol.  He also enjoyed skydiving, snowmobiling, working on airplanes in his shop, and traveling. Many of his travels were with his high school friend, Jim Midgarden. His later years were spent enjoying his family (especially his grandchildren), driving the golf cart around the farmyard with Wy, spending time in his favorite recliner watching Gunsmoke, and sharing stories of the remarkable life that he lived. His family will miss his unique sense of humor and his invaluable knowledge and advice.
Don is survived by his devoted wife of more than 55 years, Wilene; his children: Rebecca (Jim) Nichol, West Fargo, ND, Darin (Stacy Culton) Schuster, New Castle, DE, Courtney (Chris) LaLonde, Fargo, ND, and Donovan (Jenn) Schuster, Grafton, ND; grandchildren: Sophia Nichol, Jack Nichol, and Caroline LaLonde; step-granddaughter Hailey Osowski; sister Louise Meis; sisters-in-law Sandy Normand, Toby McGregor, Jill (Greg) DeGeldere, Heidi (Mike) Fugazzi, and Penny (Rich) Altendorf; brother-in-law Steve (Luni) Kliniske and many nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Stanley; his sisters, Connie and Denice; one sister-in-law; many brothers-in-law; one niece and several nephews.
The Schuster family would like to extend a very special thank you to Teri LaLonde for her compassion and expert medical care during Don’s last days. They would also like to thank the wonderful staff and nurses of Hospice- Red River Valley.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Warsaw, ND on Saturday, April 5th,  2025 at 11:00 a.m.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Military rites will be provided by the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.
The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements. 

Obituary
​Julie Ellen Kennedy, age 64 of Minto, ND, daughter of Wenzl and Mary Kennedy, passed away on the first day of spring, March 20, 2025.
Julie was born on November 25, 1960 and happily lived her life in the Minto area.  She was a graduate of Minto High School and Mayville State College.
Julie loved the farm she was raised on with her 5 siblings and enjoyed everything that farm life offered.  She grew up with a strong work ethic which endured throughout her adult life.  She was fiercely loyal to her family and friends and enjoyed participating and contributing in community activities.
Julie’s true faith in God helped her as she struggled with many health issues in her life.  Those struggles never stopped her from enjoying her life to the fullest.  Her easy smile and quick wit will be fondly remembered.
The loves of her life in addition to family and friends were her niece, her nephews, her great niece and great nephew.  Every moment she spent with them was special.  She enjoyed sports, social events with family and friends, Garfield, Christmas, music, and her pets.
The Kennedy family sincerely thanks the surrounding Minto area for their generosity, support, and love throughout Julie’s life.
Ann and Mike, Kitty, Diane and Dan, Gail and Joe, John and Lynette, Aryn and Chris, Jack, Bennett, Vivia, and Sebi.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Minto.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Inurnment will be at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery of Minto in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to:  Circle of Friends Animal Shelter in Grand Forks, Minto Quick Response, or Valley Ambulance.

Edmund McKay
March 10, 1936 — March 18, 2025
East Grand Forks

​Edmund W. McKay, 89, of East Grand Forks, MN, passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Funeral service will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Walhalla, ND. Visitation at the church for one hour before the time of services.
Edmund W. McKay was born March 10, 1936, at Olga, ND to William and Amanda (Monette) McKay. He grew up in the Milton area. On June 19, 1956, he married Eileen Gallaway at Grafton, ND. He worked at the Oak Ridge Turkey Farm near Union, ND, and later at a sawmill in Pendleton, OR and as a logger in the State of Washington. They moved back to North Dakota where he worked as a custodian at Red River High School in Grand Forks for over 30 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and NASCAR.
He is survived by his wife, Eileen, children: Mollie (Glenn) Leeson, Moorhead, MN, Edward (Nancy) McKay, Thompson, ND, Linda Orona, Grand Forks, ND, Roger McKay, Fargo, ND, Jeremy McKay, East Grand Forks, MN, grandchildren: Tim and Amanda; Luke and Ann Marie; Felix, Jr., Bobbi Jo, and Theresa, and Presston,12 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings: John McKay, Willie (Evelyn) McKay, and Rose Radway.
Preceding him in death were his parents, son, Lyle, and brother, Ralph McKay.