Mark Alan Suda, age 65 of Caledonia, ND, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at the HIA Heather’s House in Fargo, ND.
Mark was born May 4, 1961 in Grafton, ND, the son of Cyril and the late Mary (McEwen) Suda. He attended school in Grafton, graduating from Grafton High School in 1979. Mark was a proud union pipefitter of the local 300 in Fargo, ND. He was very proud of his work, especially working on the Alerus Center in Grand Forks and Aldevron in Fargo. He was united in marriage to Denise Woinarowicz on April 18, 2022.
Besides his family and work, his other passion was restoring his 1940’s farmhouse.
Mark is survived by his wife Denise, Cummings, ND; children: Natalie Suda, Fargo, ND, Jared Suda, Colorado Springs, CO, and Joseph (Katlyn), Yuma, AZ; grandchildren Rylen Tomas and Marley Jade Suda; father Cyril Suda, Grafton, ND; siblings: Brad (Robin) Suda, Grafton, ND, Wayne (Susan) Suda, Grafton, ND, Susan (Phil) Miklas, Prosser, PA, and Nancy (Thomas) Meader, Minneapolis, MN; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Mary and brother Dennis.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, September 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the St. Luke’s Catholic Church of Veseleyville, ND. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at the St. Luke’s Catholic Cemetery of Veseleyville. Memorial donations are preferred to the HIA Heather’s House or HIA Hospice of Fargo.

Anna Mae Dauksavage was born May 4th, 1934 in Minto, North Dakota, the daughter of the late Evelyn (Dauksavage) Sabourin. She was raised by her grandparents, Joe and Agnes Dauksavage, in Minto, ND where she graduated from high school in 1952.
On October 13, 1953, Anna Mae married Daniel Gerszewski and they made their home in Minto, ND. She became a devoted homemaker and raised five children. Anna Mae worked at various jobs throughout her life, serving as an Avon lady, secretary for the Goodman Furniture Store in Grafton, ND, and retiring as a secretary for Minto Auto Sales in Minto, ND.
Anna Mae had a deep love of travel, exploring the fall foliage and scenic landscapes of Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin, and Missouri alongside Daniel. After his passing, she continued to embrace adventure, joining her church on memorable trips to Italy, Mexico, and Poland. Closer to home, she enjoyed ice fishing with cherished friends and couples. Anna Mae loved to bake, especially during the Christmas season, where a special Christmas Eve dinner brought the whole family together every year.
She was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and its Altar Society, the Minto Catholic Church Choir, the Minto Legion Auxiliary, the Minto Unit 201 Women's Auxiliary, and quilting clubs in the area.
Anna Mae Gerszewski is survived by her children: Gordon Gerszewski (Kristi) of Salt Lake City, UT; Wesley Gerszewski (Marie) of South Padre Island, TX; Debee Puppe (Craig) of Plano, TX; Wayne Gerszewski (Renae) of Park River, ND; and Allen Gerszewski (Traci) of Minto, ND. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kane Gerszewski (Morgan) of Cavalier, ND, and Konner Gerszewski of Minto, ND; and her sisters, Lyndis (John) Lewco of Winnipeg, MB; Susan (Wally) Rodgers of Grand Forks, ND; and Bonnie Lindsey of Fargo, ND.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Daniel Gerszewski; her mother, Evelyn (Dauksavage) Sabourin; her sister, Betty Fillion; and her brother, Marcel Sabourin.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 10:30 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Minto. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to the Lutheran Sunset Home Building Fund or HIA Hospice of Fargo, ND.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Lutheran Sunset Home and HIA Hospice for the wonderful care she received.

​Joseph Richard “Dick” Hamann, a beloved husband, father, uncle, cousin, and community member, was born on February 8, 1926, in the Hamann farmhouse near Langdon, ND. He passed away on August 27, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable
legacy built on hard work, love, resilience, service, and an unmistakable zest for life.
From the very beginning, Dick was not one to shy away from hard work. At just four years old, he began attending country school, walking the mile and a half to school
many days. He graduated from St. Alphonsus School in 1943. Growing up on the family homestead, established in 1883, Dick learned early the importance of responsibility, perseverance, and pitching in wherever he was needed. He helped with farm chores,
tended livestock, worked the fields, and developed the practical skills that would serve
him throughout his life. His dedication to the family farm never wavered. He became a
skilled mechanic, able to tackle nearly any farm related maintenance or repair that came
his way. If something needed fixing, Dick was usually ready to figure it out.
During World War II, Dick remained on the farm to help with the harvest. Always willing
to find a way to work and earn a little extra money, he also set traplines and sold furs.
His adventurous nature, however, kept him from staying in one place for too long.
During the winter months, Dick and his brother-in-law, Bud Brekke, operated a custom
combining business that took them throughout the Midwest.
In 1971, Dick took an even bigger leap and volunteered for the Peace Corps. His
service took him to the Philippines, where an adventure that began as an opportunity to
serve would also lead to one of the most important chapters of his life. There he met
and married his beloved wife, Catalina “Lina” Celeste, in 1974.
After returning to Langdon, Dick continued to serve others. He worked for three years
as a firefighter with the West Coast Fire Service at the Nekoma Missile Base before
returning to the family farm in 1977. His commitment to his community was woven into
his everyday life. He delivered Meals on Wheels for many years, was a lifelong member
of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, and was one of the earliest members of the Langdon
chapter of the Knights of Columbus. Dick believed in showing up, lending a hand, and
doing what needed to be done.
Dick and Lina raised two children, Leah and John. The tragic loss of their son, John, in
2002 profoundly changed Dick and left a lasting place in his heart. Yet, true to his
resilient nature, Dick found a way to turn his grief into something meaningful. He began
writing, preserving memories and sharing the lessons he had gathered throughout his
remarkable life. In 2004, he published his first book, Hauling the Biggest Load, followed
by Grief and Grieving. In 2024, at the age of 98, he published his third book, My True
Stories of Yesteryears, bringing to life stories, experiences, and lessons from a lifetime
well lived.

Retirement did not mean slowing down for Dick. He and Lina enjoyed spending winters
in Weslaco, Texas, where they made lasting friendships and treasured time with family.
Dick had a natural curiosity and an appreciation for life that stayed with him well into his
later years. Even in his late 90s, he remained active and engaged, enjoying reading,
walking, and yoga. He continued to challenge himself, stay healthy, and keep learning,
proof that age was never going to tell Dick what he could or could not do.
Dick is survived by his loving daughter, Leah (Myra) Hamann; his sisters, Joan Brekke
of Edmore, ND, and Inez (Leonard) Rath of Fargo, ND; his nieces: Candice (Larry)
Dietz of Fargo, ND; Patricia (Keith) Kilber of Fargo, ND; Marlene (Rocky) Ridl of West
Fargo, ND; Jayne (Dan) Olsgaard of Bismarck, ND; Paula (Mike) Hanlon of West
Fargo, ND; Linda (Edwin) Erickson of Milnor, ND; Diane (Steve) Fradet of West Fargo,
ND; Kim (Scott) Seamands of West Fargo, ND; Laurie (Dave) Gress of Fargo, ND; Lisa
(Melissa) Hagel of Fargo, ND; and his nephews: Roger (Peg) Lothspeich of Hathaway
of MT; Scott (Pam) Brekke of Edmore, ND; Mark (Cathy) Brekke of Bottineau, ND; Jay
(Anita) Hamann of Ollala, WA; and Dave (Shannon) Hilfer of Bismarck, ND. He is also
survived by close relatives and a host of friends and family who will remember him for
his kindness, wisdom, humor, determination, and unwavering spirit.
He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Lina; his beloved son, John; his sisters,
Valeria and Rosemary and her husband, Harold Lothspeich; his brothers, Billie and Paul
and his wife, Carole Hamann; his brother-in-law, Melford “Bud” Brekke; and his
nephews, Joe and Loren Lothspeich.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Osnabrock Community
Living Center, reflecting Dick’s lifelong commitment to service, compassion, and
community.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at St.
Alphonsus Church in Langdon, ND, with visitation starting at Noon. Burial will be at
Calvary Cemetery, Langdon.
Online condolences are available at www.brooksfuneralhomelangdon.com .

Gayle L. King, age 80 of Adams, ND, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.
Gayle Hove was born October 6, 1945 in Grafton, ND, the daughter of the late Hjalmer and Margaret (Swanson) Hove. She attended school in Park River, graduating from the Walsh County Agricultural School in 1963. She attended UND where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She later earned a Master’s Degree from the University of New Mexico in 1974. She taught high school English in Crystal, Hoople, and Devils Lake, ND; Columbus, OH; Ft. Washington, MD; and finally in Hillsboro, ND. She also served on the staff of the Hon. John Wydler of New York in Washington, DC for several months.
Gayle had a love for English and French history, art and English literature. She was an avid reader of the many works of William Shakespeare.
Gayle is survived by several cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Vang Lutheran Cemetery of Rural Fairdale. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Vang Lutheran Cemetery.

Jeffrey J. Spangelo
Dec 9, 1958 — Aug 26, 2026
Cavalier, ND

​It is with deep sadness and loving remembrance that we announce the passing of Jeffrey John Spangelo, who passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at the age of 67, at HIA Heather’s House in Fargo, ND. A funeral service honoring Jeff's life will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Cavalier Evangelical Free Church in Cavalier, ND. There will be a visitation prior to the service at 12:00 p.m. Military honors will be rendered in recognition of his faithful service to our nation.
Jeff was born on December 9, 1958 in Cavalier, ND to Fredrick “Wayne” Spangelo and Beverly Anne “Unke” Spangelo. Jeff grew up in rural Hensel, ND and attended Hensel and Cavalier Public Schools, and graduated from Cavalier High School in 1977.
A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Jeff honorably served his country for 20 years and 21 days. He joined the Air Force on Sept 7, 1977 as an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist and was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, Lakenheath Air Base in England, Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, and Osan Air Base in the Republic of South Korea. He retired October 1, 1997. His military service was a source of great pride for him.
Following his military service, Jeff worked on his family farm, then as a bartender, at Leever’s Foods in Cavalier, at Marvin Windows & Doors in Grafton, and at Duty Free Americas in Pembina. More than any accomplishment, Jeff cherished his family. Jeff married his bestest-bestest friend, Kristi Michelle Doyle, on April 4, 2014 (4-4-14 at 4pm) at the Cavalier Evangelical Free Church. He truly enjoyed being with the love of his life on many, many awesome adventures. He was at his happiest being on a beach somewhere and going on long, epic jeep drive adventures with Kristi, or kicking back in the backyard enjoying the sunshine. During his spare time, he loved playing riveting and highly competitive games of Yahtzee while listening to Kristi’s random playlists, as well as reading and watching movies with Kristi. If you can tell there is a theme here, he loved doing literally anything at all as long as it was with Kristi.
Jeff is survived by his wife Kristi; sons: Jeremy (Nicole) Spangelo, Shaun (Amanda) Spangelo, and daughter Tiffany (Jeff) Hilger, and bonus daughter Chelsey (Aaron) Richards; and grandchildren: Jarrod, Hunter, Blake, Hailey, Lukas and Zaileygh; step-mother, Patricia Schuh; and father-in-law, Junie Doyle; siblings: Audrey (Larry) Ouhl, Faye Dunnigan, Jim (Mel) Spangelo, Jerry (Leann) Spangelo, Robert (Cathy) Spangelo, and Kevin (Amy) Spangelo, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever treasure the memories they shared with him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Warren, sister, Brenda, and niece, Stephanie.
Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we find comfort in the memories he created and the love he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
"Well done, good and faithful servant."

​Charles Herseth, 80, a lifelong Drayton area farmer, passed away at Lutheran Sunset Home in Grafton on Saturday, August 22, 2026.  
 
Charles Carl Herseth was born December 5, 1945, in Drayton to Carl and Alvina (Staskivige) Herseth. He grew up in Robbin, Minnesota, and was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church.  Charles attended school in Kennedy, Minnesota, and graduated in 1963. After completing his education, he joined the National Guard. Charles was a longtime area farmer until he retired in 2013. He was a member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church. He enjoyed curling and was a member of the Drayton Curling Club for many years.  He has been a resident of Lutheran Sunset Home for the past four years.

Family members include his children, Scott of Drayton, ND, and Leighanne (Steven) Kaczor of Wannaska, MN; grandchildren, Ashley, Justin (Stephanie), Preston, Jordan, Seth and Brayden; great grandchildren, Gavin, Aubrey and Brantley; and a sister, Carol Boyle of Plainview, MN.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Shane.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Drayton. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in St. Edward's Catholic Cemetery, Drayton. Arrangements by Austin Funeral Chapel, Drayton.
​

Brendan “BJ” Joseph Brazil passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, August 14, surrounded by the people he loved. He lived a full and faithful life, spending more than 55 years with his one and only, Ginny.
Born in Waterford, Ireland, in 1937, BJ spent his formative years enjoying the wonderful Irish weather—an experience that apparently prepared him for just about anything life could throw his way. After a brief electrical apprenticeship, he left home to make his way to America. He worked for his Uncle Billy in Boston before choosing between returning to Ireland or joining the military. He chose the Air Force, serving his new country as a firefighter and beginning a long career of public service.
BJ served valiantly in the United States Air Force for 20 years, retiring as a Technical Sergeant. His service took him around the world, including the Vietnam War. While stationed in England, he met his Ginny. Once he was fully under her spell, there was apparently no turning back, and they married in Minto, ND. After retiring from the Air Force, BJ and Ginny returned to Minto, where they raised their family.
BJ continued serving others by operating Minto Fire Equipment Co. throughout the Red River Valley. After retiring from the business, he became the Walsh County Veterans Service Officer. He thoroughly enjoyed helping every veteran he could and took pride in making sure veterans received the benefits and services they had earned. One of his favorite hobbies was mapping the locations of “his veterans” in cemeteries throughout Walsh County and around the world—a lasting way to make sure they were remembered.
BJ and Ginny eventually moved to Fargo to enjoy the southern climate and retirement. Above all else, BJ loved spending time with family and friends. He was also an avid Minnesota Twins fan, faithfully enduring both the good and the bad seasons.
BJ was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Minto and St. Anthony of Padua’s Church in Fargo. Additionally, he was an active member of the American Legion, VFW, 40 & 8, Vietnam Veterans of North Dakota, and the Minto Volunteer Fire Dept.
BJ lived a life defined by service—to his country, community, veterans, and family. He will be remembered for his humor, warmth, determination, unmistakable Irish spirit, and dedication to helping others.
He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia (Ginny) Kerian Brazil; children Laureen (Randy) Mehlert, Sioux Falls, SD, Shannon Brazil, Minto, ND, and Matthew (Carrie Wirth) Brazil, Fargo, ND; grandchildren Kelsey, Ashley, Joseph, Jason, Brendan Michael, Gabriel, and Aiden; brother Donal Brazil, Waterford, Ireland; sister Madeleine Brazil, Bicester, England; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Patricia Herbal, Bismarck, ND, JoAnn Kerian, Grafton, ND, Winnie (Carl), Richland, WA, Dorette Kerian, Bloomington, MN, Helen Kerian, Fargo, ND, and Larry (Patricia) Kerian, Fargo; and many nieces and nephews around the world.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Mary (O’Mahoney) Brazil; sister and brother-in-law Fifi Brazil Leach and Cyril Leach; sister-in-law Clare (Hearn) Brazil; and brothers-in-law Don Herbal, Ted Kerian, and David Vorland.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Minto. Friends may call at the church for one hour prior to the service. Military rites will be provided by the US Air Force and Minto American Legion Post 201. Interment will be at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan, ND. The service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests considering donations to the Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN, North Dakota American Legion, or Hospice of the Red River Valley.
The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.

Gene Allen Sampel, age 67 of Forest River, ND, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at the HIA Heathers House in Fargo, ND.
Gene Sampel was born October 6, 1958, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Grafton, ND, the son of Bonnie (Gerrard) Sampel and the late Gilbert “Gib” Sampel. He grew up near Forest River, ND, where he attended grade school before graduating from Midway High School in 1976. He farmed for several years before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1985. 
As part of his military service, Gene attended the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterey, California, where he completed the Korean language program. During his 22-year Army career, he worked as a military linguist and intelligence analyst, spending a combined 14 years stationed in South Korea, with additional assignments in Maryland and Texas. He was united in marriage to U Yon Kim on December 7, 1991, in Anjeong-ri, South Korea. Gene retired from active military service in 2007 and continued working overseas for several years as a private defense contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan. 
The family later returned to North Dakota, where Gene took a year off before returning to work as a truck driver. He continued driving truck for several years before eventually retiring. 
Gene was a member of the Forest River Community Church and the Forest River American Legion. In recent years, he enjoyed developing an orchard of various fruit trees on his farm near Forest River. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, especially sneaking them chocolate bars when their parents weren’t looking. 
Gene is survived by his wife, U Yon, Forest River, ND; children, William (Addela) Sampel and John (Kaylee) Sampel, both of Grand Forks, ND, and Hanna (Chandler) Barnes, Casselton, ND; grandchildren, August, Oliver, and Thomas; mother, Bonnie Sampel, Grand Forks, ND; sister, Cheri Langei, Grand Forks, ND; as well as his niece and nephew, Lindsey and Josh. He was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert; daughter, Kimberly Sampel; and two sisters, Baby Girl Sampel and Dawn Sampel.
Funeral services will be Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Forest River Community Church. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00–7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Thursday for one hour prior to the service. Military rites will be provided by the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard and the Forest River American Legion. Interment will be at the Forest River Cemetery.

Jack Wallace Thompson, 75 of Park River, ND passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks, ND with his wife Mary at his side. He was born May 24, 1951, and lived a life deeply rooted in family, farming, faith and the community he loved.
Jack grew up on the family farm and attended Mandt rural school for his first three grades. He graduated from the Walsh County Agricultural School in Park River in 1969, where he was active in hockey and football. He went on to attend North Dakota State University in Fargo.
A lifelong farmer, Jack took great pride in the land and in the farming way of life. He was also an avid outdoorsman and sportsman. He enjoyed curling and was proud to be a member of a state championship curling team. Hunting, fishing and trap shooting were among his favorite pastimes and many cherished memories were made outdoors with his family and friends. He also loved traveling with his wife Mary.
Jack had a special love for dogs. His beloved companions over the years included Brandy, Lucy and Louie, who held a special place in his heart.
Jack had a great sense of humor and loved to tease anyone he could. His quick wit, playful stories and friendly nature brought laughter to those around him and made every gathering more memorable.
Faith and community were important parts of Jack’s life. He was a lifelong member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Park River. He also served as a member of the Rural Fire Department Board and the local elevator board, giving his time and service to the community he called home.
Jack married Mary Osland on May 26, 1991. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his mother, Pud; siblings: Mary K. of Park River, Mark (Joni Lorenz), Park River, ND; John (Jane), Park River, Luke of Grand Forks, ND and Jane (Steve) Bjornstad of Walhalla. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his father, Wallace, brother, Fred; and sister-in-law, Shari.
Jack will be remembered for his love of family, farming, the outdoors and his dogs, and his community. He leaves behind a lifetime of friendships, memories and a legacy of hard work and service that will continue through those who knew and loved him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, August 17, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Park River, ND. Visitation will be Sunday from 4-6 PM at the church. A rosary and scripture service will be Sunday at 6:00 PM at the church. Friends may also call at the church on Monday for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at the Calvary Cemetery, Park River, ND.
In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to the Park River Ambulance, the First Care Health Center of Park River or the Humane Society.

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