Sylvia Constance Brichnac, age 77 of Park River, ND, passed away Friday, April 26, 2019 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.
Sylvia Constance Reep was born April 28, 1941 in Lakota, North Dakota, the daughter of the late Sever Reep and the late Clara (Paulson) and John Kallestad.  She graduated from Michigan High School in 1959 and then attended Mayville State University.  Sylvia was united in marriage to James T. Brichnac on September 26, 1961 in Michigan, ND.  The couple lived in Whitman and then moved to Park River.  She began working at St. Ansgar’s Hospital and continued working there as it transitioned into First Care Health Center for over 50 years.  Jim passed away August 18, 1999.  Sylvia continued to make her home in Park River until the time of her death.
She was a member of the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Park River.  She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and friends.  She was a hard worker, liked gardening, watching birds, playing cards and always loved jokes.
Sylvia is survived by her daughters:  Lana (Waylon) Lietz, Park River, ND; Kelly (Brad Kovarik) Clemetson, Park River, ND; grandchildren:  Mathew, Kayla, Skylar and Cole; siblings:  Wayne (Marilyn) Reep, Bismarck, ND; Marian Hendrickson, McVille, ND and John Kallestad, Jr., Devils Lake, ND; sister-in-law, Gen Beck, Grafton, ND.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.  She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father, John Kallestad, Sr., husband, great grandchild, sister, Sandra Reep and brothers: Richard Reep, Jimmy Reep and Gene Reep.
Funeral Services will be Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Park River, ND.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery, Park River.

Cindy Lien, age 65, was called home to heaven on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 at Sanford Health Center in Fargo, ND after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.
Cindy was born in Park River, ND on June 24th, 1953 to Eugene and Millie Kelner. She attended Walsh County Agricultural School, graduating in 1971. She began her employment with St. Ansgars Hospital at the age of 13, where her love for the medical field grew. Cindy graduated with a degree in Medical Laboratory Science from North Dakota State University in 1975. She shared her Bison Pride with her stepfather Earl Marifijeren. Cindy married Richard Lien on June 14, 1975 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Park River, ND. They made their home in rural Hoople with a farming operation, and welcomed 5 children.
Cindy was an avid runner, completing 20 half marathons beginning at the age of 57. She loved to cook, bake, and spend time at the lake with her family. Cindy was a devout Catholic and devoted grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her children & grandchildren, they were the light of her life. She will be deeply missed by those whom her heart touched.
She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Richard Lien (Hoople, ND); children Kristin (Marc) Bye (Fergus Falls, MN), Karie (Michael) Currie (West Fargo, ND), Josh (Kirsten) Lien (Hoople, ND) and Jenna (Chris) Midgarden (Park River, ND); brother John (Nancy) Kelner (Mesa, AZ); and grandchildren Jadyn & Hanna Bye, Dane & Hale Currie, Calvin & baby Lien, and Millie & Collins Midgarden.
She is preceded in death by her son, Tyler Lien; parents Millie & Gene Kelner; stepfather Earl Marifjeren; and sister, Judy Brown.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, April 29, 2019 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Park River, ND. Visitation will be Sunday from 3-5 PM with a prayer service at 5:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call at the church on Monday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Park River, ND. Memorials are preferred to First Care Health Center or the St. Gianna’s Maternity Home.

Colleen Henrietta LaBerge of Shoreview, MN passed away on April 15, 2019 in Saint Paul, MN.
Colleen was raised in Adams, ND and graduated from Adams High School in 1953. After high school she spent two years working in Minneapolis, MN at Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance.   Colleen then moved back to Grafton ND where she worked at the Grafton National Bank. Shortly thereafter, she met Donald LaBerge and they were married at St. John’s Catholic Church in Grafton, ND on April 22nd, 1961.   Colleen and Donald were married for fifty seven years and raised their family together in Grafton. Colleen was also a longtime employee of the Grafton light department as a book keeper until retiring in 1995.   Colleen and Don had recently moved to Shoreview to be closer to their children and grandchildren. She is remembered by her family as a fun, loving and caring mother/grandmother/great-grandmother.   She had a strong Christian faith, enjoyed spending time with friends and family, playing cards, garage sales and casinos.
She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Esther Johnson of Devils Lake, ND, her sisters Dolores and Marilynn, her brother Allen, and her infant daughter Ann Marie. She is survived by her loving husband Donald, sons Tim (Victoria), Paul (Kristen), and Tom (Jennifer), grandchildren Alysha, Michelle, Elizabeth, Caleb, Wallace, Charles, Vanessa, and Victoria, and great-grandchildren August, Everly, and Harper.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7PM Friday, April 26th at Tollefson Funeral Home in Grafton, ND. Services on Saturday, April 27th at 10:30 AM at Saint John the Evangelist Church in Grafton. Luncheon following the service at the adjoining parish center.

​Lois G. Springan, age 89 of Hoople, ND, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2019 at the Park River Good Samaritan Center of Park River.
Lois G. Sigurdson was born August 19, 1929 in Mouse River, ND, the daughter of the late Emil and Sigrun “Runa” (Johnson) Sigurdson. She grew up and attended school near Gardar, ND. Following her education, she taught for a short time. She was united in marriage to Odin Springan on December 27, 1950 in Gardar, ND and made their home near Hoople. Odin passed away on March 31, 1995 and Lois continued to live in Hoople with her son Roger. Roger passed away in 2006 and she moved to an apartment in Mountain, ND until moving into the Park River Good Samaritan Center in February of 2008.
She was a member of the Park Center Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid of Hoople, as well as the Hoople American Legion Auxiliary. Lois was always busy sewing dresses for her daughters and shirts for her son.  Her daughters always had new dresses at Christmas and Easter.  She would take pictures of everyone in their new attire.  She taught Sunday school for many years and worked with Ladies Aid on sewing quilts for World Relief.  She loved gardening, growing vegetables to can and freeze.  She made the best homemade tomato sauce.   She crocheted afghans for each grandchild and her children.  She worked hard on the farm and would drive the combine at harvest time.
Lois is survived by her children: Deborah (Loren) Moe, Edinburg, ND, Denise (Robert) Thomasson, Gardar, ND, Alice (Stuart) Bailey, Sartell, MN and Brenda (Gary) Slaamod, Sauk Rapids, MN, 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, siblings: Cecil (Rose Adele) Sigurdson, Edinburg, ND and Paul (Ina) Sigurdson, Gardar, ND. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Cynthia, son Roger, grandson Jonathan, twin brother Lloyd Sigurdson, brothers: Steve and John Sigurdson and sister Emily Steinke.
Funeral services will be Friday, April 26, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Edinburg. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Park Center Lutheran Cemetery of rural Hoople.

Adeline Sevigny Colsen, 93, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning  April 13, 2019, at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks,ND.
Adeline was born September 2, 1925, in Lankin, ND to Ted and Annie (Skorgen) Lansing.  She was a gentle soul who found pleasure and contentment in simple things.  Caring and cooking for her immediate and extended family was her number one priority and brought her great joy.
Adeline moved to Grafton, ND and was united in marriage to Woodrow Sevigny on November 11, 1946. They had a son Lynus before Woodrow's untimely death in a tragic accident on August 14, 1948. On December 26, 1961 Adeline was united in marriage to Norman Colsen who then became the proud father to Lynus Sevigny.  "Fisk" Norman Colsen passed away September 23, 2015.  Adeline then moved into Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, ND.
One of Adeline and Fisk greatest enjoyments was raising garden vegetables for the residents of Grafton. They were well known for their corn, potatoes and pumpkins. Adeline's home always provided the gathering place for holidays and special occasions and her family always anticipated her cream chicken.
Adeline is survived by her son:  Lynus (Debbie)Sevigny, Grand Forks, ND; Special nephews and nieces,  Mick(Mavis) Sevigny and Dick (Rosemary) Sevigny, both of Grafton, ND; Joanie (Jerry) Seeklander, Bismarck, ND; Jill ( Bill) LeQuire, Omaha, NE; Lorrie Lansing, Grand Forks, ND and several great nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, sisters, Gladys Novak and Leona Sevigny; brother, Aldus Lansing.
The family would like to thank the staff at Valley Eldercare for the care and kindness they gave to Adeline during her time there.
Memorial services will be Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service.

Gail Meberg, age 93 of Park River, ND passed away on Friday, April 12, 2019 at the Park River Good Samaritan Center.


Gail E. Mauritson was born June 8, 1925 in Park River, ND the daughter of the late Garfield and Ruth (Coulter) Mauritson. She grew up and attended school in Park River. Gail received her RN degree from St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, ND. Following her education she worked as a RN at the Deaconess Hospital in Grafton and Dr. Weed in Park River. Gail was united in marriage to David Urby Meberg on November 1, 1947 in Park River. The couple made their home in Park River before moving to a farm north of Park River. They later moved to a farm on the river bottom. In 1967 she started working as a medical records technician at Unity Hospital in Grafton. She did this until 1990 when she retired. Urby passed away on Dec. 31, 1983. She remained on the farm until 2015 when she moved into Park River.


Gail was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and WELCA. She taught Sunday School for many years. She was active with the Quilting group and enjoyed knitting. She was a member of the DECCA Club, PEO, and Homemakers. She loved to play cards, especially Skip-Bo and playing the piano. She was also involved out at the Park River Bible Camp.


Gail is survived by her sons: DJ (Claudia) Meberg, Hebron, ND; Lynn (Yolanda) Meberg, Centennial, CO; 11 grandchildren, three step-grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and sisters-in-law: Marion Onstad, Park River, ND; Bonnie Leis, Barrett, MN; Ruth Kingsley, Arlington Heights, IL. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sons: Arne and Dean; two sisters: Maxine and Leona and a great granddaughter, Layla.


Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Park River, ND. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Ethel Spies, aged 99, passed away peacefully at her home on April 12, 2019. Ethel Schuster Spies was born on November 12, 1919 on the family farm near Warsaw, ND to Max and Laura (Misialek) Schuster.  She went to a one room school through 7th grade, Warsaw convent for 8th and 9th in Grafton.  She loved learning and reading was an important part of her life.
She met Cyril H. Spies, an employee of Grafton Gamble’s while she worked at the local dime store. They were married in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Warsaw, on October 27, 1938.
They lived in Grafton, Sauk Center, MN, and Devil’s Lake before settling in Grand Forks in 1955.  Ethel worked in piece goods at the downtown JC Penny’s and as an office worker at the Columbia Mall location—1962-1985.  Cyril passed in 1975.
Ethel was an active member of Holy Family Parish, a member of Catholic Daughters and an avid bridge player. She was a wonderful, loving mother, grandmother, friend and a faith filled woman. Ethel had a wonderful smile and laugh that will be forever missed by those who love her.
She is survived by 3 sons: Tyrone (Pat), Randy (Kris) and Craig—2 daughters: Yvonne Hanley and Margot (Frank) Kohl—daughter-in-law: Debra Spies—14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Cyril; her son, Rod; her son-in-law, Jim Hanley; her granddaughter, Pam Solseng; her brothers, Richard; Raphael; Leonard, and a sister, Amelia French.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice.
Mass of Christian Burial: 1:00 PM Tuesday, April 23, 2019. Visitation one hour before the service at Holy Family Catholic Church

Donald J. DeFoe, 88, of Pembina, ND, passed away Thursday, April 11, 2019, at his home near Pembina. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Assumption Catholic Church in Pembina. Visitation will be held for one hour before the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Altru Hospice, Cavalier. Don was born May 27, 1930, in Pembina, ND, to Adolard and Marie (L’Heureaux) DeFoe. He grew up in the Pembina area and graduated from Pembina High School. After school he worked for area farmers and on a pipeline in Minnesota. Don then served in the United States Navy. During his enlistment in the Navy, Don married Phyllis Zavoral in Thief River Falls, MN, on November 26, 1951. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, they farmed in the Pembina Area. Don also worked at Motor Coach Industries. Some of the things he enjoyed were gardening, fishing, deer hunting, and spending time with this grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Phyllis; children: Bob (Rochelle) DeFoe, Pembina, ND; Mike (Michelle) DeFoe, Devils Lake, ND; and Mary Jo (Mark) Ramsay, Bathgate, ND; grandchildren: Angie (Allen) Thingvold, Jason (Marla) DeFoe, Amanda (Kevin) Sisk, Andrea (Justin) Douville; Aaron DeFoe, Adam (Britani) DeFoe, Jack DeFoe; Marcus (Rachel) Ramsay, Katie Dewald, Kayla (Ben) Rogers; great-grandchildren: Riley, Mason, Alexa, Regan; Kendal, Dominic; Brian, Kathryn; Isabella, Jackson, James; Cora, Calla, Judah, Ezra; Nora, Jade; Beckett, Bristol; and Lennon; brother, Francis (Gail) DeFoe. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Delores Rising and Betty Ann Donahue.

Woodrow Wayne “Woody” Moffett, age 73 of Park River, ND passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Sanford Hospital of Fargo, ND with his daughter Priscilla, at his side. Woodrow “Woody” Wayne Moffett was born July 30, 1945 in Park River, ND the son of the late Woodrow F. and Norma (McIntyre) Moffett. Woody grew up in Park River and was the second of four children. After High School, Woody enlisted in the United States Marine Corp to serve his country in the Vietnam War. Woody was stationed in Korea from 1971 to 1974 until returning home. After his honorable service to the United States, Woody drove semi-truck for various entities that took him to regional locations and areas all over the country. He loved spending time in his truck, especially when Priscilla would join him for long trips across the country. Woody would later start his own trucking company, Moffett LT Trucking, until his retirement in 2008. Woodrow was an extremely passionate Legionnaire, and was very proud of his and his fellow Legionnaire’s service to their country. He was a member of the Park River American Legion Post #147 and the Federated Church of Park River. He not only enjoyed spending time at the Legion Club but also enjoyed playing Poker, Bingo, watching Westerns, fostering dogs, camping, gardening, watching NASCAR and enjoying his beloved cigarettes. He was very proud of his children, especially his youngest daughter, Priscilla, whose activities he followed during his retirement and whom also was his caregiver during the final years of his life. Woody is survived by his daughters, Priscilla Coon (Kody Stark), Grafton, ND; Linda Moffett-Patricelli, Seattle, WA area; his son Michael (Sarah) Moffett, Tuscon, AZ; his five grandchildren, including: Heather (Joe) Richard; Starr (Jeremy) Knigge; and Candi Patricelli all of Seattle, WA; five great grandchildren: Joseph, Trevor, Aubrey, Jolee and Jolen all of Seattle, WA; his sisters: Vicki (Larry) Klamm, Grand Forks, ND; and Sharyl (John) Lindell, Grafton, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Arlen and daughter Tina.

Steven J. Summers, age 55 of Grafton, ND passed away Monday, April 8, 2019 at Altru Hosptial of Grand Forks. Mass of Christian Burial will be on April 12, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at St. John's the Evangelist Catholic Cemetery in the spring.