​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.

​Robert J. “Bob” LaHaise, age 81 of Grafton, ND, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at
the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, March 21, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the St. John the
Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be for one hour prior the service at the
church. Interment will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in the spring.

 Jean E. Charbonneau
April 3, 1929 — March 17, 2025
Formerly of Pembina

​Jean E. Charbonneau, 95 of Pembina, ND, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025, at Eventide Senior Living in Fargo, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church in Pembina, ND with a rosary held at 10:00 a.m.
Jean was born to Joseph and Diomah (Yunker) Wildon April 3, 1929 in Osnabrock, ND, where she grew up and attended school. She studied nursing at St. Michael’s Hospital in Grand Forks, ND and went to work at the hospital in Langdon, ND. There she met the love of her life, Larry Charbonneau. They married on December 27, 1952, in Osnabrock, ND. Larry worked as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent and later transferred to U.S. Immigration. They lived in multiple places around the United States until 1966 they settled in Pembina, ND where Jean and Larry raised their family. Jean enjoyed teaching Girl Scouts and First Communion classes and spending time raising her family. After Larry’s retirement in 1986, Larry and Jean enjoyed traveling around the United States.
Having family around her brought her joy! Sunday afternoon at their home was just the best, company was always welcome. She loved gathering around a table whether it was a good meal, card game or maybe a good game of Scrabble.
Jean is survived by children, Arma (Darrell) Haseleu of Fargo, ND, Lauren Charbonneau of Georgetown, TX, Craig Charbonneau of Grand Forks, ND, Keith Charbonneau of Mapleton, ND, Mary (Dave)Soergel of West Fargo, ND, Cecilia Lysne of Crookston, MN, Donna (Pat) Burton of Pembina, ND, and many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Charbonneau, son Kevin Charbonneau, son-in-law Bruce Lysne, daughter-in-law Debbie Charbonneau, her parents and her siblings.

Wendell C. Martinson, age 95 of rural Hoople, ND passed away on March 15, 2025 at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital in Cavalier, ND, with his loved ones by his side. ​
Wendell Cyril Martinson was born on August 16, 1929 in Grafton, ND to the late Olaf and Ida (Fagerholt) Martinson.  He was raised on the family farm in Hoople.  He graduated from Hoople High School and attended one year at NDSU.  Wendell was called to serve in the United States Marine Corp in October 1951.  He served his country until October 1956, when he returned home to Hoople.  He began working for Hoople Farmers Grain as their bookkeeper and assistant manager.
During an evening meal at Stan’s Café in Grafton, he met the love of his life, Janice Dalzell.  They were united in marriage August 12, 1960 in Walker, MN.  Together they made their home in Hoople.  Wendell took over the family farm in 1964 and farmed for the next 30 years. 
Wendell was a member of the Hoople American Legion and V.F.W. and past commander. He served on the Hoople Potato Products Board and the Hoople Farmers Grain Board.  Wendell obtained his private and commercial pilots licenses and enjoyed flying.  He was an avid reader and loved fishing.  Wendell and Janice restored many John Deere tractors in their retirement. 
Wendell is survived by his wife of 64 years, Janice; several nieces and nephews and many special friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Beatrice, Walter, Linda, Medvin, Alice, Adelyn, Helen, Mary Lou, and Glenn.  He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. 
Memorial services will be at a later date. 

Loyd Dale Oberg, 82, of Hoople, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.
Loyd was born on July 3, 1942, to Hugo and Gladys (Gullickson) Oberg in Grafton, ND. He grew up on their farm near Hoople with his parents and sister, Marlys, and graduated from Hoople High School in 1960. He then attended NDSCS and joined the ND National Guard.
Loyd married Leta Trengen on October 22, 1966, at First Lutheran Church in Hoople. They made their home in Hoople, where they raised their four children, Steve, Susan, James, and Janelle.
He was a member of First Lutheran Church and enjoyed his time on the Hoople Fire Department, Hoople Park Board, Valley School Board, Hoople Farmers Grain Board, and Bremer Bank Board.
He always loved sports, beginning with playing and coaching for the Hoople Spuds, then cheering on the Valley Raiders and Blue Knights basketball teams. In the 1980s and 1990s, Loyd could always be found in the stands with a video camera on his shoulder, never missing a chance to record a good basketball game. He went on to attend several games that his grandchildren played.
His love of farming started with his father at a young age. He passed this passion onto his sons, whom he farmed with until recently when his health prevented him from doing so. However, he never refused an opportunity to take a pickup ride around to look at fields, especially during planting and harvest time. 
The relationships Loyd had with everyone were treasured dearly by him. He loved visiting with everyone. He would listen to each person he met and valued them no matter who they were. “Treat others how you want to be treated”, was a saying he lived by.
Loyd is survived by his wife, Leta, of 58 years, and his children, Steve (Martha Fedje) Oberg, Susan Oberg, James (Amanda) Oberg, and Janelle Engelsrud. Grandchildren: Adam, Isaac, & Hannah Oberg; Tyson & Isabella Backer; Fabian & Destinee Oberg; Megan, Katelyn, & Carter Oberg, & Genevieve Engelsrud. Sister Marlys (Lowell) Shelton, in-laws Sandra (Dick) Sims, Linda Storhoff, Morris Trengen, and Herb Trengen
Loyd’s family would like to thank his wonderful caregivers, Christine Martens and Kimberly Denault, who made it possible for Loyd to stay in his home until his day of rest.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at the First Lutheran Church of Hoople. Visitation will be Saturday for one hour prior to the service. Military rites will be provided by the Hoople American Legion and North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.  The service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website.