Karen J Bourbanis
June 6, 1946 — February 28, 2025
Walhalla, ND

​Karen Bourbanis, 78, of Walhalla, ND, passed away Friday, February 28, 2025 at her home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held for one hour before the time of the service. 
Karen was born on June 6, 1946, to Oscar and Dorothy (Styles) Peterson in Langdon, ND. She attended school in Cavalier and Walhalla and in October of 1966 she married Butch Bourbanis. 
Karen worked various jobs and enjoyed painting, crafts, needlework and family gatherings.
She truly loved the gospel of Jesus, spending time with servants, handmaidens, preachers and friends, and learning more about the Fathers way in truth and love. 
Karen is survived by her husband, Butch; sons, Kevin, Oklahoma; Bradley, Minnesota; Stephen, Washington; Scott, Minnesota; Calvin, North Dakota; Dusty, North Dakota; daughters, Roxanne, North Dakota; Wendy, North Dakota; Kim, North Dakota; Kami, North Dakota; 21 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Lois Lennox, WA, and Clifford (Deb) Peterson, ND and many nieces and nephews. 
She is preceded in death by her parents; grandson, two sisters, two brothers and two sisters-in-law. 

Evarist J. “Evie” Barta, age 70 of Pisek, ND, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks.
Evarist John “Evie” Barta was born nine minutes after his twin brother Ernest on September 29, 1954, making him the youngest of the “Barta Boys.”  He attended grade school though 5th grade at Ops District #33 and later finishing grade school in Park River.  He graduated from the Walsh County Agricultural School in 1972.  He was very proud of being a member of the last class of the WCAS.
Evie farmed with his dad and later with his brother Ernie and nephew Jimmy until he retired in 2012.  He always said farming was the best job anyone could have.
In his later years he struggled with numerous health issues.
He was preceded in death by his parents Evarist and Stanny, and brothers Theodore and Kenneth.  He is survived by his brothers Ronald (Patricia) and Ernie (Julie); his aunt Delores Burianek; and special friend Sandy Harthan.  Evie always had special love for his nieces and nephews and their kids who filled his heart with love and joy.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, March 14, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton, ND.  Visitation will be from 9:00-10:30 on Friday at the church.  Interment will be at the St. Luke’s Catholic Cemetery of Veseleyville, ND in the spring.

Milton E. Olsen, age 78 of Park River, North Dakota, passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.
Milton E. Olsen was born May 5, 1946 in Grafton, North Dakota, the son of the late Bennie and Margaret Ann (Collins) Olsen.  He attended school in Park River and graduated from Walsh County Agriculture School in 1964.  He then attended and graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in 1969.  Milton was united in marriage to Gloria Ciszewski in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1969.  Milton worked as a Funeral Director in Wisconsin and then worked sales in Chicago, IL.  The couple moved to Park River in 2010 and Milton moved to the Park River Good Samaritan Center in 2024.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Park River, ND, the Park River Knights of Columbus and the local car club.  He enjoyed going on cruises and casinos with Gloria, going to the races in Grand Forks and watching TV.
Milton is survived by his wife Gloria Olsen, Park River, ND and several cousins.  He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert and uncle Harvey Olsen.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Park River.  Inurnment will be at the Calvary Cemetery, Park River, in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Park River Good Samaritan Center.

Lawrence “Larry” Fredrick Deutz, age 91, of Grafton, ND, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.
Larry was born on October 15, 1933 in Edgeley, North Dakota, the son of Walter Deutz and Dorothy (Fortin) Anderson.  He graduated from Edgeley High School in 1951 and, with no college education, began his career with Ulteig Engineering and Communications Consultants of Fargo, where he worked for 11 years in five states.  This is when he met a waitress, Erna Jean McNeel, working in her dad’s café near Alpine, Wyoming.  Many months later, they were married in that beautiful rustic, log cabin-style café in 1956.  In 1964, he accepted a position with Polar Communications in Park River, ND, where he worked for 32 years, with the last six years as CEO.
As an avid outdoorsman, Larry hunted and fished all of his life with his friends, relatives, children, and grandchildren.  He will be remembered for his great love and generosity towards his family.  He could conduct business with U.S. Senators and Congressmen in Washington D.C. and the next day laugh and shake dice over coffee with the guys at the cafes in Park River and Grafton.
He served on many boards and committees including Ducks Unlimited, church council, and the North Dakota Telephone Association.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Erna.  Also preceding him in death was his brother Richard (Dick) Arntz, Fargo, ND.  He is survived by his sister, Carol (Robert) Anderson, Fargo, ND and his children:  Darrell (Liane) Deutz, Grafton, ND; Dianne Mehlhoff, Minot, ND; Carla (Al) Dunker, Burlington, ND and Ronnie (Julie) Deutz, Fargo, ND; grandchildren:  Leah (Jim) Umbleby, Shane (Kristen) Dunker, Andrew Mehlhoff, Nick (Kelsey) Deutz, Spencer (Carley) Deutz and Emily (Nick) Stanislowski; great grandchildren: Drew, Adison, Ryder, Quin, Emmett, Theo, Cambelle, McCoy, Carter and Edward.
Funeral services will be Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the Bethel Free Lutheran Church, Grafton, ND.  Visitation will be for one hour prior the service at the church.  Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery of Park River, in the spring.  The service will be livestreamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home Website.

Arlen O. Jackson, age 85, of Hoople, North Dakota, passed awa Thursday, February 20, 2025 at his home near Hoople.
Funeral Services will be Friday, February 28, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at the Bethel Free Lutheran Church of Grafton.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at the Hoople City Cemetery in the Spring.  Military Rites will be provided by the Hoople American Legion Post #240 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.

Lauren William Wild joined his heavenly wife, Mary Lou, on February 20th, 2025.  He was born February 14, 1952 to LaVern Wild and Lillian Snydal Wild and was raised and went to school in Milton, ND.  He met the love of his life, Mary Lou Flanagan, during high school.  Lauren and Mary were united in marriage on August 21st, 1970. They went on to have two children, Erika and Tricia.  
Lauren proudly served in the US Army as Fort Jackson’s first MP K9 Handler with his service dog, Kazan.  After his discharge, they returned to North Dakota, settling in Grafton, where Lauren began his career as a peace officer.  
Lauren spent 14 years with the Grafton Police Department, finishing his tenure as Assistant Chief of Police.  He then served another 28 years as Sheriff of Walsh County and was known to be both professional and fair, dedicating himself to protecting his community with unwavering commitment and exceptional integrity.  His position also gave him the opportunity to participate on multiple committees and was proud of his work on the HIDTA drug task force.    Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and accolades. A natural leader, Lauren was awarded the prestigious Lone Eagle Award, a testament to his dedication to duty and the respect he garnered from peers and residents alike. His work was not just a job; it was a calling driven by his deep-seated desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others. He deeply cherished the strong bonds he developed amongst his law enforcement family across all of North Dakota.  
Lauren will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but for his kind heart and gentle spirit. He was an inspiration, embodying humility and the values of hard work and perseverance. He had a passion for fishing and developed many special friendships over the years. He holds a special place among his lake family at Lake of the Woods where he was known as Pa and nicknamed “Smoke (on the water)”. Countless cherished memories were made, forged in laughter and love. He spent his final days ice fishing on LOW with family and friends.
As a father and grandpa, Lauren poured his heart into every relationship, nurturing and guiding his children and grandchildren with wisdom and affection. He possessed a remarkable ability to weave life lessons into captivating tales, ensuring that each generation carries forward his legacy of kindness and resilience. 
It is a legacy that reminds us of the power of compassion and the importance of connection. His absence will be felt deeply, but his stories and the love he shared will endure in the hearts of family and friends. A cherished father, devoted grandpa, and caring friend, Lauren's spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of all who knew him.
We’d like to extend our sincerest appreciation and thanks to all of the medical staff who have taken such great care of Lauren with special thanks to Dr. Anil Potti, Nurse Riley, the teams at Grafton Family Clinic and the Cancer Center of North Dakota.
Lauren is survived by his daughters: Erika (Tom) Porcelli and sons: Devon Fiedler, Hunter Fiedler and Jackson Porcelli; and Tricia (James) Bodnar and children: Brittney Anderson, Derek Anderson and Katrina Bodnar; siblings: Richard (Mary) Wild, Linda Dunnigan, Alexander Wild; in-laws: Patrick (Suzie) Flanagan, and Vern Flanagan; his beloved Aunt Patsy Foseide along with the many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Mary Lou Flanagan Wild, his parents LaVern Wild, Lillian Wild, in-laws Sonny and Babe Flanagan; in-laws JoAnn Flanagan, Linda Flanagan and Dan Dunnigan.
Memorial services will be Friday, March 7, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton.  Visitation will be from  9:00-10:30 A.M. at the church.  Inurnment will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, North Dakota.  Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.  The service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website.

Carol Ann Rinde Lewis, age 97, of Park River, North Dakota, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.
Carol Ann Rinde was born August 15, 1927 in Grafton, North Dakota, the daughter of the late Oliver Rinde and Anna (Skoje) McIntyre.  She was raised in Hoople until the age of five, and then lived in Park River and Edinburg.  She graduated from Walsh County Agricultural School in 1945, and Providence Hospital School of Nursing in Portland, Oregon as a Registered Nurse in 1948.  After her schooling, she returned to Grand Forks, where she worked for the Grand Forks Clinic.  Carol Ann was united in marriage to Jay Lewis on April 11, 1950 at the Garfield Lutheran Church in rural Edinburg.  The couple made their home in Park River, where they raised their children on the family farm.  Carol Ann worked for the hospitals in Grafton and Park River, at the Park River Clinic, and was the Director of Nurses at the Park River Good Samaritan Center.  After Carol Ann retired, the couple continued to make their home on the family farm.  Jay passed away on July 13, 2008.  Carol Ann moved to the Park River Good Samaritan Center in August 2023.
She was a member of the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Park River, the Fortnightly Club, the Walsh Quilters, the Gourmet Club, CowBelles, and the Riverside Swingers Square Dancing Club.
Carol Ann is survived by her children:  Julianne (Peder) Flaten, Hoople, ND; Randy (Mary Jo) Lewis, Fargo, ND; Nancy (Scott) Latimer, Brighton, MI; her grandchildren:  Bergit (Justin) Sobak, Bjorn (Kali) Flaten, Aaron (Sheena) Lewis, Mason Lewis, Amanda (Taavi) Korpi, Christine Halstensgard, Ellianna Latimer, and Oliver Latimer; 12 great grandchildren; step-sister, Jean Bodmer, Grafton, ND; and sister-in-law, Norma Lewis,  Muscatine, IA.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jay, and daughter Jan Lewis.
​Memorial Services will be held this summer at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Park River.  Inurnment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery.

Melanie L. Mostad
September 19, 1963 — February 17, 2025
Fargo

​Melanie L. Mostad, 61, of Fargo ND, and formerly of Walhalla, ND, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the Pembilier Nursing Center in Walhalla. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Walhalla Senior Citizens Center, Walhalla, ND. 
Melanie was born on September 19, 1963, to Melvin Frank and Ida Hell in Cavalier, ND. She grew up in Walhalla where she graduated from Walhalla High School in 1981.
She worked as a CNA for various local nursing homes and in 2005, she moved to Warroad, MN where she worked at Marvin Windows. In 2018, she moved to Fargo to be closer to her family.
Melanie was an avid Vikings fan and enjoyed playing Bingo. She liked spending time and boating at Mt. Caramel Dam and loved spending time with her family.
Melanie is survived by her children: Brandon Mostad (Shantel Holter), Warroad, MN, James Mostad (Andrea Thompson), Badger, MN and Brittany Mostad, Fargo, ND; grandchildren: Lily and Ava Mostad; Aiden Mostad, Ayden Mostad, Aubree Mostad, and Greyson Mostad; and Liam Mostad. She is also survived by her special furry friend, Lizzi.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and siblings: Gloria Jerome, Danny St. Vincent, Holly Grengs and Steven Frank. 

Jolene A. Nowacki, age 72, of Drayton, ND, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025 at Altru Hospital of Grand Forks. 

Private family services will be held.  Inurnment will be at Grafton City Cemetery. 

An online guestbook is available at www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com

The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is assisting with the arrangements.

​

Odella S. Dalzell
February 12, 1932 — February 16, 2025
Walhalla, ND

​Odella S. Dalzell, 93, of Walhalla, ND, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Pembilier Nursing Center, Walhalla, ND. Funeral Service will be held Monday, February 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Walhalla- Park Center Presbyterian Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held for one hour before the time of the service.
Odella Shirley Bjerke was born February 12, 1932, in rural Adams, the daughter of Carl & Olga (Stromstad) Bjerke. The family moved to Nash and later bought a farm south of Cavalier in 1939 where they farmed. She went to grade school at the Fisher Country school, and high school in Cavalier. 
Odella loved the farm and helped her mother in the garden and her father in the fields driving the tractor and truck. She was active in high school, singing in choir and playing trumpet in the band. After graduation she attended Mayville Teachers’ College for 6 weeks and received a standard teaching certificate. She taught school in Park Center, East of Walhalla, for 1 ½ years until she married Clifford Dalzell in November of 1952, where they farmed together and raised 3 children. 
Odella was a very kind and giving person. She was very active in the Park Center Presbyterian Church, teaching Sunday School and summer Bible School. When that church closed, the family went to the Presbyterian Church in Walhalla. She was Clerk of Session there for over 30 years. She was also on a bowling team for several years. Odella loved spending time with her family. Her grandchildren spent a lot of time with their grandma and they loved playing card games with her. When Odella moved to town she babysat other children for several years, whom she cared for like her own. 
Odella is survived by her 3 children: Kent (Lisa) Dalzell and their children; Jessica (Matt) Marsh , Newburg, ND; Jill (Travis) Hager, Dickinson, ND; Richard Dalzell, Grand Forks, ND and Brett (Kaity) Dalzell, Fargo, ND: Judy Jackson and her children; Christopher (Kim) Jackson, and Scott Jackson, both of Walhalla, ND: Lori Maloney and her children; Megan Lawrence, Fargo, ND and Mandi (Brady) Larson, West Fargo, ND. Great-Grandchildren Emily, Caleb and Maggie Jackson; Ethan, Josie and Bentley Marsh; Hailey and Nicholas Lawrence; Simon and Philip Larson; and Daxton Dalzell. Also, Brother-in-law Wesley Thomas, Sister-in-law Delores McBain and several nieces and nephews. 
Odella was preceded in death by her parents; Sister and Brother-in-law, Clarice & Kenny Dahl; Sister, Audrey Thomas; & Brother, Charles Bjerke.