Richard Paul LaBerge, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, at the age of 96. He was born on March 4, 1930, in Grafton, ND to Daniel (D.J. or Dieu Donne) and Emelia (Lessard) LaBerge. Richard graduated from Grafton High School in 1948. He was a member of the Grafton Parade Band. He played trumpet and marched in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA.
Richard proudly served in Company C of the 164th Infantry of the ND National Guard in Korea 1951-1952. Upon return from Korea, he continued to serve in the National Guard until 1971 when he retired as a Major.
Following in his father’s footsteps he bought interest in Reyleck’s Department Store in 1953. D.J. LaBerge had been part owner of Reyleck’s since 1927. Richard worked at the store for about 40 years, until its closing in 1995.
Richard married Anita Evenson, in Edgeley ND on June 6, 1958. They raised three children in Grafton. He was a member of the Legion Band (Clown Band) and Grafton Parade Band. Richard (Dick) enjoyed golfing, fishing trips to Lake of the Woods, playing cards, and weekends with family at Maple Lake. He spent countless hours boating and pulling skiers around the lake. He found pleasure supporting his children and grandchildren in their various activities.
Dick will be missed greatly by his family. He is survived by his children, Robert (Cindy), Arlington, SD; Kathy (Don) Warren, Oakes, ND; Jennifer (James) Sorum, Sioux Falls, SD. He is survived by his grandchildren: Michael (Gloria) & Danny (Julie) & Amanda LaBerge, Michelle (Jared) Meiklejohn, Kristen & Coley Warren, Jillysa, Emelia & Jorgen Sorum and great grandchildren Sofia & Isabel LaBerge, William, Peter, Madeline, Alexander, Xavier, & Teddy LaBerge, Eriah & Wynn Meiklejohn, & Bella Sorum. He is also survived by his brothers Thomas and Donald LaBerge, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents D.J. and Emelia, Wife, Anita, sisters Georgette LaHaise, Francis Ensminger, and Suzanne Burns, and brother Wallace LaBerge.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Grafton, later in the Spring.

​Beulah M Borgeson (Machart) was born August 17, 1930, to Joseph and Laura Machart on their farm a mile west of Lankin, ND.  She passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.  The family moved to Lankin in 1936 where she attended school.  Like so many in the 1940’s, she didn’t finish high school but instead started working. When just 17, she became the first school cook at the Lankin Public School.  
 
On March 14, 1951, she married Ernest Borgeson.  The couple made their home on his farm until 1958 when they had a new house built in Grand Forks. In 1952 their only child, Nancy, was born.  In 1972 they gained son-in-law Marlan Hvinden.  Ernest passed away in 1995, and Beulah continued to live in their family home until two days before she died.
 
Beulah was a loving mom to Nancy, but a caring friend to anyone she met.  If she could help you in any way, she did.  She and dad loved becoming grandparents to Brian and Angie Hvinden, and later mom had the joy of being a great-grandmother to Landon, Jordon and Madison Blais and extra grandma to grandson-in-law Ben Blais. 
 
She enjoyed when family would visit. When the grands and great-grands would stay overnight, they all got to hear favorite stories from mom’s childhood.  The past few years she especially enjoyed when her oldest nephew Neil Kovash would come and spend time with her, helping her with projects and visiting about the old days.
 
Beulah was known to all the children in the neighborhood as the lady who always had time to visit with them…and usually give them a treat.  Living a block from Viking School, every day she watched from the window as the kids went past, morning and evening.  If someone was being bullied, she intervened.  If someone seemed lost, she checked on them. This continued through last fall.
 
Her trust in God and Jesus carried her through all life’s joys, struggles, ups and downs.  She instilled that trust in Nancy and shared her faith with others as they would visit her.   Honesty, loyalty, devotion to family and friends were important to mom.  
 
There wasn’t much mom couldn’t do, she was an independent woman.  From the early 1950’s to early 1990’s, she hosted either Thanksgiving, later Christmas Day for her parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, and usually a few other, 35-40 people.  Cooking, baking, sewing, fixing things around the house, gardening, canning, caring for her yard, mom did it all after dad died.  
 
  She is survived by daughter Nancy Hvinden, grandchildren Brian Hvinden, Angela (Ben) Blais, great-grandchildren Landon (fiancée Sylvia), Jordon and Madison Blais, sisters Joyce Chesley and Ethel Morrison, numerous nieces, nephews, great- nieces and nephews, one sister-in-law Pauline (Marvin) Borgeson.
 
Beulah was preceded in death by her husband Ernest Borgeson, son-in-law Marlan L. Hvinden, parents, Joseph and Laura (Vettleson) Machart, brothers and sisters in law Louis (Iverna) Machart and Norman (Patricia) Machart, sisters and brothers in law Lorraine (George) Kovash and Gloria (Wayne) Zellmer, Allen Chesley and James Morrison, several nieces and nephews and her in-laws.
 
A family directed Memorial Service will be held at a later date.  

Rhoda Lee Enerson
March 28, 1938 — March 29, 2026
Grand Forks
​Rhoda L. Enerson, 88, of Grand Forks and formerly of Hamilton, ND, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held at the funeral home for one hour before the time of services.
Rhoda Lee Starr was born March 28, 1938, in Eugene, OR, to Gilbert and Doris (Counts) Starr. She grew up in the Willamette Valley and finished high school in Cottage Grove, OR in 1956. In 1959, she married Robert Barbieur, in that marriage they adopted two children, Michael and Teresa “Terri”. Rhoda later married Harvey Enerson in 1977, and in 1978, they moved to Harvey’s hometown, Hamilton, ND, where they built their home with his brother Bud’s help and resided there. They later moved to Grand Forks, ND.
Rhoda was a wonderful mother, wife and grandmother. She loved children, and baby sat just for the fun of it. Her hobby of sewing has been with her since she was twelve years of age, and her grandma Counts gave her the treadle sewing machine. She started making training pants for her little sister, then taught herself until she was old enough to take Home Economics where sewing was part of the class. Rhoda was very proficient and could make anything from curtains to tailored suits or winter coats. She also had artistic talent and did oil paintings and ceramic.
Survivors include her husband Harvey Enerson, son, Michael (Alisa) Barbieur, Albuquerque, NM, daughter, Teresa “Terri” (Darrell) Perry, Grand Forks, ND, and adopted in the heart son, Harold (Sue) Enerson, Hamilton, ND. She also was the proud grandma to six grandchildren: Brennan Barbieur, Sonya Barbieur, Tori Lee, Kyle Perry, Joshua (Missy) Enerson, and Jessie (Jim) Swinney, 10 great-grandchildren, sister, Sharla (Gerry) Deadmond, several nieces and nephews, too numerous to name, but she loved them all! Also surviving were her loving helping neighbors, Jordan and Terri Sandavol.
Preceding her in death were her parents, granddaughter, Sonya Barbieur, sisters: Sharon Werner, Debra Edmiston, and Naomi Neal and brothers: Jerry and Tom Starr.

Richard Engelmann, age 71 of Grafton (formerly of Hoople), passed away Friday, March 27, 2026, at First Care Health Center in Park River, ND, surrounded by his loving family.
Rick was born on February 17, 1955, in Homestead, FL to William (Bud) and Elvira (Burry) Engelmann. Rick attended school in Hoople/Crystal, graduating in 1973. He attended the University of North Dakota until he began farming with his father. Rick loved all sports and was active in basketball, baseball, golf, and football; for several years he played independent basketball. Rick was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his time fishing at the Angle, Lake of the Woods, and at his lake home on Lake Bemidji.
Rick married Beth Landrigan on August 20, 1994. They resided on the Engelmann family farm and raised certified seed potatoes until Rick's retirement in 2019, when they moved to Grafton.
Rick served on the Elora Township Board for two decades, was active in the Red River Valley Potato Growers Association, the North Dakota State Seed Department; and held positions on several boards including Hoople Potato Products, Hoople Farmers Grain, the North Dakota State Seed Commission, and First Lutheran Church of Hoople. Throughout his life, Rick's pastimes included fishing, hunting, golfing, and attending sporting events. His pride and joy were his family, and he followed his grandchildren's involvement in hockey, golf, volleyball, basketball, baseball, and tennis; rarely missing an event.
He is survived by his wife, Beth and children Thomas Engelmann, Jayce (Richie) Schumacher, and Keeley (Paul) Ray; grandchildren: Greer Schumacher, John Schumacher, Elle Schumacher, Jack Schumacher, Fallon Ray, Arden Ray and Farrah Ray; and sister Mary Kay (Bob) Hogan. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at First Lutheran Church of Hoople, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the spring at the Hoople City Cemetery.
Rick will always be remembered for being a proud member of the Hoople community, his beautiful smile, his kind heart, and his gentle loving soul.

Loretta Ann Moe, age 82, of Grafton, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at Unity Medical Center in Grafton.
Loretta was born on April 13, 1943, to Lawrence and Adeline (Lindell) Windingland. She graduated from high school in 1961 in Edinburg, North Dakota, where she was a proud cheerleader for the Scotties throughout her high school years. She attended Concordia College and the University of North Dakota before returning home to marry her high school sweetheart, Noel Moe, in 1963 at Grafton Lutheran Church. Together, they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage.
Loretta dedicated 39 years to Walsh County Social Services, serving her community with compassion and care. A lifelong and devoted member of Grafton Lutheran Church, she sang in the choir for over 60 years and faithfully served wherever needed. Her deep faith, kind heart, and generous spirit touched everyone who knew her.
Her grandchildren fondly remember many after-school treats of macaroni and cheese and Swedish pancakes lovingly prepared by her. Her daughters cherished their lifelong relationship of living close to their mother.
Loretta is survived by her daughters, Kristen Peterson (Bucky) and Kerri Lopez (Blue); five grandchildren, Lysette (Jon) Oster, Zachary (Kaelyn) Peterson, Weston Lopez, Benjamin Peterson, and Carter Lopez; and two great-grandchildren, Hudson Oster and Kit Peterson. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Carol Burke and Jean Johnson, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Noel; her brothers, Arden and Don; brothers-in-law, Roger Moe, Craig Johnson, and John Burke; and her nephew, David Moe.
Loretta’s legacy of faith, kindness, generosity, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Grafton Lutheran Church. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Grafton Lutheran Cemetery in the spring. The funeral will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website.

Henry Adam Korczak, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026 at the Lutheran Sunset Home in Grafton, ND. He was 80 years old. Henry was born on May 19, 1945 in Grafton, ND to Adam and Hattie (Seeba) Korczak. Henry attended a country school and graduated after his 8th grade year.
Following graduation, Henry dedicated his life to the family farm. He always enjoyed having his nieces and nephews spend time on the farm, often allowing them to drive the pickup through the stubble fields where no harm could be done. He was a dedicated son to his parents while working on the farm. He also worked for various farmers around the Grafton area.
Henry proudly served in the North Dakota National Guard from 1967-1971. He had a great love for his state and Country.
Later in life, Henry enjoyed spending time with family when they returned to the area for visits. He also spent some time at area casinos hoping to win the “big one.” He liked to drive around and look at crops and socialize with others.
Henry was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Grafton.
Henry is survived by three nephews: Bob (Kelly) Messelt, Eureka, KS; Mark Thompson, Grand Forks, ND; Alan Thompson, Grand Forks, ND; and nieces: Deb (Curtis) Hawkinson, Marysville, KS and Bonnie (Brad) Anderson, Park River, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adam and Hattie Korczak, and two sisters, Patricia Messelt, and Donna (Morris) Vondra.
Henry requested no funeral. Burial will be at a later date.

Sharon Koropatnicki
July 6, 1947 — March 25, 2026
Walhalla, ND

​Sharon Faye Koropatnicki, 78, of Walhalla, North Dakota, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Sharon was born on July 6, 1947, in Langdon, North Dakota, to Lucille and Elmer Thompson. She was raised in rural south Walhalla, where she attended country school before transferring to Walhalla Public High School where she graduated.
In 1965, Sharon was united in marriage to Rodney Olson. From this marriage, three children were born: Troy, DeVon, and Shawna. On August 14, 1981, she married her love and best friend Wayne Koropatnicki, together they welcomed a daughter, Angela.
Sharon devoted her life to caring for others. Whether through her work as a waitress and cook at various restaurants throughout the years or through her everyday acts of kindness, her servant’s heart was evident to all who knew her. She found great joy in cooking, baking, berry picking, gardening, canning, playing games, garage sales, trips to the casino and working in the yard where she planted a row of blueberry trees. Sharon especially loved gathering her family together to celebrate, laugh, and enjoy one another’s company.
Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She had a contagious laugh and was known for her wonderful sense of humor and wit. Sharon loved to have fun and was famous for her practical jokes. She always put others first and had a soft heart for animals, often rescuing strays and either finding them loving homes or welcoming them as part of her own family.
She is survived by her loving husband, Wayne Koropatnicki; children: Troy (Tonia) Olson; DeVon (Chauntel) Olson; Shawna Smith; and Angela (Kent) Swenson. Grandchildren: Dalton (Alexandra) Olson, Tanner, Trinity, and Tucker Olson; Elise Anderson; Noach and Gavin Swenson; Cole and Liv Smith.
She is also survived by siblings, Gerald (Carolyn) Thompson and Marilyn (Michael) Vanata; mother-in-law, Mary Koropatnicki; brother-in-law, Jerry Koropatnicki; sisters-in-law, Marie Thompson, Linda Koropatnicki and Joan Thomas; and several nieces and nephews.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Kenneth Thompson; father-in-law, Peter Koropatnicki; brothers-in-law, John Koropatnicki, Kent Koropatnicki and Kevin Thomas.
Sharon will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:21 (KJV)
Memorial services will be held at Walhalla Lutheran Church, Walhalla, ND, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Ruth Ratchenski
February 25, 1936 — March 24, 2026
Cavalier, ND
Ruth J. Ratchenski, 90, of Cavalier, ND, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Unity Medical Center, Grafton, ND. Funeral service will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Friday, March 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the United Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the United Lutheran Church, Faith in Action, or L.O.A.N.
Ruth Joan Ratchenski was born on February 25, 1936, in Grafton, ND to Rudolph and Hjordis (Torstad) Thompson. She attended Grafton schools, was active in basketball and music, and graduated in 1954. She played clarinet with the Grafton band while marching in the Rose Festival, Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, and Mardi Gras parades.
Ruth married Walter Ratchenski on November 14, 1954, and moved to the Hamilton area to farm and be a full-time homemaker. After a few years, they moved into the family farm’s house, where they would live and raise a family for 23 years before moving to a new home on the same farmstead in 1981. They lived there until moving into town in 2007.
Ruth was a devoted member of United Lutheran Church and served in many roles to support church life: Sunday school teacher (26 years) and superintendent, WELCA, Faith and Care teams, altar guild, and Bible study.
Ruth was a longtime member of the Cavalier Curling Club, skipping teams during the regular season and in weekend bonspiels, as well as baking sour cream raisin pies to sell at the club.
Baking was one way Ruth enjoyed sharing with others. Cookies, bars, pies, and cakes were plentiful, and the Tupperware in the freezer usually had a variety to pick from when visitors stopped by.
One of Ruth’s favorite activities was sitting in bleachers watching her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren perform – sports, music, plays, and other competitions. She showed up to support her family whenever she could. She also loved tending to her flowers and garden every summer, providing fresh vegetables at dinner and canning several batches of pickles to last all winter.
After years of hard work, Ruth and Walter decided to become “snowbirds” and bought a place in Mesa, AZ in the early ‘90s. This began the annual rite of getting to AZ in time for the New Year’s Eve dance and returning to ND at the end of March or Easter, whichever came sooner. Ruth played shuffleboard, went to dances, walked in the warm weather, played cards, and enjoyed picnics with family and friends – old and new.
Ruth is survived by her children: Wayne (Lorna) Ratchenski, Cavalier, ND; Dale (Sheryl) Ratchenski, Hamilton, ND; Mark (Becky) Ratchenski, Cavalier, ND; Barbara Moon, Lakeville, MN; and Jon (Barb) Ratchenski, Hamilton, ND. Grandchildren: Tara (Chad) Kendall, Bryan (JoEllyn) Ratchenski, Luke (Raichl) Ratchenski, Tess (Alec) Johnson, Lily (Alex) Flage, Matt (Kait) Ratchenski, Andy (Katelyn) Moon, Katie Moon, Ellie Moon, Adam Ratchenski, and Isaac Ratchenski. Great grandchildren: Rhun, Cyrus, Piper, James, and Cade Kendall; Colton (Sydney) Ratchenski and Alyx Ratchenski; Emma, Eli, and Evie Ratchenski; Cora and Cirilla Johnson; Lauren, Olivia, and Emerson Flage; Ramsey and Summer Ratchenski; and Owen Moon. Great great grandchild: James Ratchenski. Siblings: Charles (Ann) Thompson and Arnie (Connie) Thompson; sister-in-law Bev Thompson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Ratchenski;  parents, Rudolph and Hjordis Thompson; siblings, Clara (Jim) Scott and Robert Thompson.

Wayne L. Peterson
January 7, 1956 — March 21, 2026
Cavalier
Wayne L. Peterson, 70, of Cavalier, ND passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at his home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church in Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 26th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier, ND.
Wayne Lee Peterson was born January 7, 1956, at Cavalier, ND to Melvin and Mary (Doyle) Peterson. He grew up on the family farm, where he worked and later graduated from Cavalier High School. He worked at Motor Coach Industries in Pembina, ND for 42 years and continued farming during that time.
He enjoyed tinkering in the garage, gun collecting, fishing, and traveling. Roads trips to the casino, late night drives, and riding his motorcycle were also things he enjoyed. Spending time with family was precious to him, especially being a “Girl Papa.”
On June 29, 1979, he married Diane Nordstom at United Lutheran Church in Cavalier. Diane survives and his sons: Tony (Stacy) Peterson, Edwardsville, IL and Tyler Peterson, Cavalier, ND, granddaughters: Lauren, Katelyn, Avery, and Peyton Peterson, Lila and Eliot Peterson. Also surviving are his mother, Mary Peterson, siblings: Sharon Peterson (Garth Tesmer), Michael (Diana) Peterson, Alan (Jennifer) Peterson and nephews and nieces: Matt Thordarson, Chelsea and Garrett Peterson, Emma and Grant Johnson.
Preceding him in death were his father, Melvin and nephew, Travis Peterson.

Conrad K. Rostvet, 71, of rural Park River, North Dakota, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 17, 2026, of an apparent heart attack.
Conrad was born on August 28, 1954, in Park River, North Dakota, to Olaus and Minnie (Axvig) Rostvet. He grew up in Adams, North Dakota, where he attended Adams Public School, and later continued his education at Lake Region Junior College in Devils Lake. He was confirmed at Adams Mountain Lutheran Church.
Conrad made his home in Adams, ND, where he lived with his mother, Minnie, until her passing in 1985. He farmed the Rostvet family farm and other area land for over 20 years. In addition to farming, Conrad worked in heavy equipment and construction.
Conrad enjoyed hunting and trapping, and in his younger years, he participated in several snowmobile cross-country races. He had a gift for conversation, loved to visit, and was known for giving everyone a nickname. He also cherished time with his beloved cat, Lena.
Conrad is survived by his siblings: Shirley French of Park River, ND; Bert (Jackie) Rostvet of Ayr, NE; James (Ardith) Rostvet of Ramona, CA; and sister-in-law Dawn Rostvet of Bismarck, ND.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Olaus and Minnie; his siblings: Marilyn Helgeson, Amy Paulson, Orlin Rostvet, Marvin Rostvet, and Roger Rostvet; brothers-in-law Forrest Helgeson, Alvin French, and Allen Paulson; and sister-in-law Gloria Rostvet.
Memorial services will be held at a later date in May. Inurnment will be at Trinity Cemetery, rural Adams, North Dakota.