Irene (Bishop) Meiers was born to Valentine and Julianna (Byzewski) Bishop on February 3, 1927, near Warsaw in Walsh County, North Dakota. She passed away on March 28, 2024, after a very sudden decline in her health. Irene was 97 years of age. 
Irene grew up on the family farm and attended county school and St. Anthony Academy in Warsaw. When she was 19 years old, she contracted polio and suffered the effects her entire life. During World War II, she went to Chicago and worked in a munitions plant.
In 1948-49 she attended the State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND. While there she met Wallace I. Meiers, and they were married September 12, 1950. Together they raised 2 daughters, Sherlyn, and Cleone.
After Wally was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, she gave a lifetime of love, care, and devotion to him. They were lifelong members of the DAV and VFW.
She loved crocheting, crafting and was a skilled seamstress. She took pride in her garden and loved to bake and cook. Special times were spent with nieces and grandchildren, gathered in the kitchen to make popcorn balls, or other goodies, while she told them stories of her life. 
Irene is survived by her children, Sherlyn Meiers and Cleone Benson. Grandchildren: Tammy King, Misty Torres, Joseph Leddige, Traci Litchy, Randy Benson, Bryan (Karen) Benson, Kelly Benson, and Jared Benson. Nine great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. 
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Wallace Meiers, and sisters Rose Slominski, Frieda Walski, Helen Slawinski and Marie Bougie, brother John Bishop and granddaughters Julianna Leddige and Shya Benson. 
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church, in Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation: One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Friday. 
Burial: Memorial Park South Cemetery in Grand Forks, ND. 

ServicesMass Of Christian Burial

•   Friday, April 5, 2024
•   11:00 AM

• Holy Family Catholic Church
     1018 18th Avenue South
  Grand Forks, ND 58201
• One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Friday. 
   ​
  

Vern Dondoneau, 85, of Grand Forks, N.D. died peacefully in his home with his family by his side on Thursday, March 28, 2024. 
Vern was born on April 10, 1938, in Red Lake Falls, Minn., to Steve and Elizabeth (Haupt) Dondoneau. He married Joan Wysocki on Nov. 18, 1961, in St. Stanislaus Church in Warsaw, North Dakota, and they were blessed with 62 years of marriage and three children: Julie, Michael, and David.
Vern grew up on a small farm outside of Red Lake Falls. When he wasn’t working on the farm, he loved riding horses. He always rode bareback and loved jumping fences and other obstacles.
Soon after moving to Grand Forks and getting married, he started a 36-year career at the University of North Dakota. As the Grounds Supervisor, he took great pride in his job and his staff. He treated them to Christmas dinner out of his own pocket every year, and when the student workers finished each summer, he bought and served lunches to thank them.
Vern was renowned for his kind heart, generosity, and signature smile. He always carried one-dollar bills with him to give to children he saw at restaurants with their families. He loved seeing faces light up. In addition, he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1260 and the St. Michael's Men's Club.
His passion, however, was golf. The first time he picked up a club, he was 57. During the first summer he played the game, he got his first of three hole-in-ones at Larimore Golf Course. His other two were at Lincoln Golf Course in Grand Forks. He always commented on the many friends and the great people you meet on the golf course.
Despite multiple health issues late in life, Vern maintained his smile and never complained. He loved watching UND hockey and other sports, as well as his casino runs to Thief River Falls and Mahnomen.
He is survived by his wife Joan, son David (Steph Fuchs), son-in-law Chuck Mischel, grandson Casey Mischel (Chelsy), sister Irene Hoks, brothers Don (Maria) and Les (Deb), brother-in-laws Roger Larson (Pat), George (Georgian) Wysocki and sister-in-law Clara (Cy, deceased) Wysocki.
He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Julie, son Michael, and twin sisters Darlene and Dolores, sisters Rosemary Larson and Lucy Reese.
We’d like to give a special thank you to Dr. Casey Ryan, who showed incredible compassion, care and support over his many years as Vern’s primary provider. Thank you also to home hospice nurse Brittney for making him so comfortable and also to longtime friend Paul Clark, who rarely missed weekly visits to sit with Vern and brighten his day. 
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks. Address: 524 North 5th St. N, Grand Forks, ND, 58203.

​Mass of Christian Burial: Will be held Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks, N.D., with one hour of visitation prior to the liturgy in the church on Thursday.  
Visitation:  All friends and family are invited to share stories at the visitation on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. and Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at Norman Funeral Home.  
Burial:  At a later date, in Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND

Maria I. Torres, age 61 of Grafton, ND passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Altru Hospital of Grand Forks. 
Maria Isabel Torres was born September 9, 1962 in Ohio to Manuel and Irma (Bustamante) Torres.  She moved around with her family, living in McAllen, TX, Mexico, and settled in Grafton around 2008.  She enjoyed living in Grafton and chose to raise her beloved daughter, Serenidy, here with her family.  Maria had a soft spot for her furry friends, treating each of them each and every one like the family member they were. She loved being the caretaker to her family.  Maria was employed by Kingsbury Farms and worked potatoes for many years, also working for Hugo’s, Lauzar Farms and Beam.co.  She loved spending time with her family and especially cherished her time with Serenidy.  
Maria is survived by her daughter Serenidy Santellano; her mother: Irma Torres; her siblings: Guadalupe Hernandez, Martha Rodtal, Jose Vidal Torres, Manuel Torres, Juan Torres, and Martin Torres; nieces and nephews: Scotty Rodahl, Steven Rodahl, Ricardo Hernandez, Sofia Hernandez, Liliana Hernandez, Jose Vidal Torres, Jr., Christa Lee Torres, Juan Manuel Torres, Martin Torres, Jesus David Torres and several cousins also survive.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, April 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Inurnment will be in Crystal City, Texas at a later date. 

Ryan W. Wells
December 12, 1997 — March 23, 2024
Langdon, ND

​Ryan W. Wells, 26, of Langdon, ND, passed away Saturday, March 23, 2024, near Langdon. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Emmanuel Evangelical Church in Langdon. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour before the time of service.

Ryan Wayne Wells was born December 12, 1997, in Redlands, CA, to Kellie Steere. He grew up in Yucaipa, CA, and moved to Langdon in 2012. Ryan enjoyed playing football for the Langdon Cardinals and graduated in 2016. For the past seven years he has worked for Chris Mikkelsen in Langdon. Things he enjoyed were snowboarding, tubing, chess, pool, cornhole, and spending time with family, friends, and his dogs.
He is survived by his significant partner, Emily Bratlie of Langdon; parents: Kellie and Thomas Wells of Milton, ND, and Donald Ritchie of Anchorage, AK; sisters Rebekah Wells and Lyndsey (Sid) Smith; other siblings: Aleigha (Dylan) Tolliver, Christian and Cano DeLaCruz; cousins: Shiekay, Tawny, Nick, and Paul; Grandma Lori McCarver and Gpa Pete.  Preceding him in death was his grandmother, Rebecca Steere, and grandfather Wayne Hyles.
He will be missed by all his loved ones and friends.

Cecilia “Patty” Durand, age 84 of Grafton, ND, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024, surrounded by family at her home in Grafton.
Cecilia M. “Patty” Kliniske was born May 1, 1939, in Pembina County, ND, the second daughter of 14 children to the late Joseph and Lillian (Pearson) Kliniske. She graduated from Grafton High School in 1957. Patty received her teaching certification from State Teachers College in Mayville in 1958 and later received her B.S. in Education from Mayville State College in 1976. She taught in all Grafton Public Schools but spent most of her years teaching 1st grade at Chase Elementary School.  
Patty was united in marriage to Melvin Durand on June 27, 1960, in St. Thomas, ND. The couple made their home in Grafton until moving to Oakwood where they built their home in 1970. After Melvin passed away on January 11, 2006, Patty continued to make her home in Oakwood until moving to Grafton in August of 2020.
She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oakwood, ND and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Grafton, ND. She also belonged to the Oakwood Homemakers, Oakwood Altar Society, and was the co-founder of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner for widows and widowers. Patty loved growing up on the farm and traveling with the “Kliniske Aunt Colony.” She loved teaching—it was her passion and calling—and her hundreds of students. She prayed the rosary daily and enjoyed music and singing in the church choir. She was a founding member of the Oakwood Travelers and enjoyed camping and campfires. She decorated her Oakwood home for every holiday season and enjoyed feeding and watching the birds in her backyard. She attended many sporting events, concerts, and theater programs throughout the area. She created and sent greeting cards regularly to friends and family; she loved being the Tooth Fairy to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and sent them birthday cards with lots of specially selected stickers on the envelopes. She saved stamps for veterans, and cut out and mailed many newspaper articles to those she thought would be interested in them. She enjoyed a good cup of coffee, doughnuts, and ice cream. She lived her life for her family. 
Patty is survived by her children: Alan (Christl) Durand, Hoople, ND; Barb (Jeff) Hilde, Moorhead, MN; Carla Durand, St. Cloud, MN; Dale (Devan) Durand, Fort Collins, CO; her grandchildren: Danielle and Brendan Durand, Samantha and Spencer Hilde, Dean Demarais, Jr., Malarie DeLong, Alexandra Gardner, Michaela Demarais, Blair, Noah and Chase Durand and several great grandchildren; siblings:  Elaine Collette, Germaine Collins, Eugene Kliniske, Diane Johnson, Barbara Stromvall, Mary Dietrich, Denise Vollrath, Michael Kliniske, Jacqueline Brusseau, Arthur Kliniske, David Kliniske, Bradley Kliniske, and Kristi Hurst; sister-in-law, Shirley Durand and brother-in-law, Lloyd Durand, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin, parents, Joseph and Lillian Kliniske, and her in-laws, Wilfred and Arbella Durand.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Grafton, ND. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Oakwood, ND.Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Grafton, ND. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Oakwood, ND.

   Ruth Sharp, 74 of Cavalier, ND , passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Wedgewood Manor in Cavalier, ND. A visitaiton will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier, ND. Burial will be held in the Cavalier Cemetery.
  Ruth was born to Stanley and Bonnie (Norgart) Ouhl on October 8, 1949 in Grafton, ND. She was a 1970 graduate of Cavalier High School. After high school, Ruth attended Bismarck Junior College and the Fargo Business College. After her college years, she met Jack Sharp son of Hugh and Edna (Rickbeil) Sharp at the Hamilton Christian Coffee Shop in Hamilton, ND. They were united in marriage on June 11, 1977 at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Cavalier. To this union Ruth was blessed with two children, Stephanie and David.
     Before moving to the Hamilton area, Ruth worked at the Pan Am Building and Pembina County Memorial Hospital. Ruth was a member of the Evangelical Brethren Church in Cavalier. Upon moving to the Sharp family home between Hamilton and Joliette, she became a member of the Joliette United Methodist Church and Joliette Christian Women’s Society.
     Ruth’s strong suits were baking, crocheting, and crafting. She enjoyed many hours of watching TV and producing beautiful blankets, craft items, and baking. Ruth loved to showcase her items at the Pembina County Fair, where she received many ribbons over the years. The rest of her time was spent farming and ranching with her husband. After Jack’s retirement in 1997, the family moved to Cavalier, where Ruth worked at the Cedar Inn in housekeeping. After Jack’s death in December of 2004, Ruth retired and tuned her attention to her grandchildren.
     She is survived by her children: Stephanie (Jeremy) Sigfusson, Concrete, ND and David Sharp, Emerado, ND, grandchildren: Brady and Jacob Monette, Tracy and Torvi Sigfusson, and Micayla Sharp, ex son-in-law, Galen Monette, siblings: Larry (Audrey) Ouhl, Sandra (Jeff) Grise, sister-in-law, Linda Ouhl, and many nieces and nephews and grandnieces nephews.
     Preceding her in death were her parents, Stanley and Bonnie, husband, Jack, and brother, Richard Ouhl.

Betsy E. Lawrence, 96, of Cavalier, ND, passed away Monday, March 18, 2024, at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital, Cavalier, ND. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cavalier Baptist Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church.
Betsy was born June 28, 1927, in Bathgate, ND, to Bruce and Birdie (Bill) Watson. She grew up in the Bathgate area and graduated from Cavalier High School. After high school Betsy worked at the hospital in Cavalier. On June 24, 1962, Betsy married Wayne Lawrence. After their marriage they lived in Bathgate and then moved to Towner, ND. After Wayne’s retirement they moved to Bismarck, and in 2013 Betsy moved into Country Estates in Cavalier.
Some of the things she enjoyed were making cakes, knitting, and crocheting.
She is survived by her sons: Curtis (Mandy) Lawrence, Minot, ND and Daniel (Shari) Lawrence, Cavalier, ND; grandchildren: Sloan Lawrence, Missy Lawrence, Savannah Lawrence, Sheridan Lawrence, Dustin Lawrence, and Vahn Lawrence; seven great-grandchildren; and siblings, Glenn Watson, Muriel Devitt, and Beverly Guimont.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Cecil and Dale Watson; and sister, Frances.

   Norma E. Storey, 71, of Walhalla, ND was called to her heavenly home on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital in Cavalier, ND. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Walhalla Lutheran Church in Walhalla, ND, Visitation at the church for one hour before the time of services.
     Norma Edith Bennett was born February 18, 1953 to Peter and Edith (Hiller) Bennett. She grew up at Vang, ND and graduated from Walhalla High School in 1971. On May 29, 1976, she married Ronald J. Storey in Walhalla, ND. They resided in Walhalla and Norma worked the potato harvest for Eppler Farms and as a CNA for many years at the Borg Memorial Home in Mountain, ND. and the Pembilier Nursing Center in Walhalla. She also worked at Vondal’s Cleaning Service, the Walhalla Inn, as well as a baby sitter for many throughout her years.
     She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and crafts. Norma also enjoyed visiting with people and always had something funny to say. Family was very important to her and she always made sure she had a “treat” for the kids. Her grandchildren brought her most joy in her life.
     Survivors include her husband, Ronald Storey, Walhalla, ND, daughters: Traci (Bobby) Hatcher and their children: Tatum, Hattie and Henry Hatcher, Valliant, OK, Dawn Storey and her son, Boston Storey, Walhalla, ND, Stepchildren: Eddie (Mhaida) Storey, Ternley, NV, Norman (Carrie) Storey, Silverdale, WA, April (Trevor) Bennett, Laughlin, NV, and Sheila (Louis) Bamonte, Metaline Falls, WA. Also survived by seven step grandkids, and three step great grandkids, and her siblings: Emmet Bennett, Manley (Mary Ellen) Bennett, Steven (Vicki) Bennett, Frances Seeley, Evoynel Berg, Imogene (Gerald) Helle, and Gayle Gendron, special nephews, Erin Bennett and Duane (Ayra) Bennett.
     Preceding her in death were her parents, sister, Zelda Lawson, brother, Howard Bennett, and step grandson, Matthew Hogan.

Mark David Denault’s soul passed to God on March 5, 2024.  He was born December 5, 1961 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Grafton, North Dakota to Elphage and Betty Denault. 
Growing up on a farm outside of Pisek, Mark attended Pisek School where he graduated in 1980.  He attended Lake Region Junior College where he received a diploma for carpentry and cabinetmaking in 1985.  Mark returned to Pisek to farm with his parents.  After his parents passing, Mark was unable to farm on his own, so he moved to Mountain, ND to the Borg Memorial Home in 2012. 
In his younger years, Mark enjoyed basketball, his go-cart, scooter, and hunting.  He loved his pet dog, Sam and also had numerous cats.  Baling hay was his favorite part of farming.  While at Borg, Mark enjoyed Bible studies, visiting with staff and residents, holiday events, and birthdays with family.
Mark is survived by his siblings: Yvonne (David) Willems, Roseau, MN, Pat (John) Daubenschmidt of Virginia Beach, VA, Michael Denault, Aberdeen, SD, Elaine (Allen) Swartz, Park River, ND, Eunice (Ed) Pecka, Grand Forks, ND, Lorraine Zikmund, Forest River, ND, Lois (Bill) Thelen, Emmetsburg, IA, Wayne (Carol) Denault, Valley City, ND, Phyllis (Larry) Gunderson, Grafton, ND and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.  He was preceded in death by his parents Elphage and Betty Denault. 
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church of Pisek, ND.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be in the spring at Calvary Catholic Cemetery of Park River. ND.