Albert James Olivarez, age 37 of Grand Forks, ND, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025 in Grand Forks, ND.
Albert was born February 13, 1988 in Grafton, ND, the second youngest of Alice (Martinez) and the late Daniel Olivarez Jr.  He grew up and attended school in Grafton, graduating from Grafton High School in 2006.  He later attended college in Mayville, before starting to work as a molder at LM Wind Power where he worked at for the last 18 years. He was united in marriage to Lisa Longtine on May 18, 2013 at the Grafton Assembly of God Church. 
Albert enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, at family gatherings, reading, listening to music, and watching the Dallas Cowboys.  Albert had a heart of gold and during high school was referred to as a gentle giant and a big teddy bear.
He is survived by his wife Lisa, step-sons: Kayle (Krystal) Longtine, Jack Johnson, and Drake Johnson; grandchildren: Jace and Evangeline; mother Alice Olivarez; sisters Jennifer and Melissa; brothers Daniel (Ashley) and Steven; nieces and nephews: Alexis, Kierstyn, Peyton, Gracelyn, Christina, Mea, Daniel, Samara, and Luna; great nieces and nephews: Ryker, Zagan, Emrys, Ernesto, and Grayson.  He was preceded in death by his dad Daniel, brother Ernest, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
​Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton.  Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the church.  Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Grafton, ND.

Marcella O. Gustafson
February 1, 1955 — April 18, 2025
Mountain

​Marcella Olive Gustafson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, nurse, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on April 18, 2025, at Altru Hospital, surrounded by her immediate family and the compassionate care of ICU staff. She was 70. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier, ND. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Andvari Cemetery, rural Cavalier. 
Marcella was born on February 1, 1955, to Roy and Laura Johnson and was raised in North Dakota alongside her siblings: Randy, Kenneth, Loren, and her beloved sister, Janice (Johnson) Ellefson. She was preceded in death by her parents and all three of her brothers. Her best friend and sister, Janice, remains to honor her memory.
From a young age, Marcella had a heart for helping others. During her high school years, she served as a candy striper at the Cavalier Hospital; setting the stage for a lifetime of caregiving and compassion. After graduating high school, she would later go on to become a nurse, dedicating her life to service both at home and in her career.
On January 18, 1974, Marcella married the love of her life, Dennis Gustafson, in Belton, Texas. Together, they built a life rooted in loyalty, sacrifice, and devotion as she stepped fully into the role of a proud and resilient Army Wife. Through Dennis’s many tours of duty, Marcella held her family together, raising their three children, Penny, Denny, and Brian with unwavering strength and grace.
While managing her home and raising her children, Marcella also pursued her education, graduating with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing from Hartnell College in Salinas, California. She balanced overnight nursing shifts at Silas B. Hayes Hospital while remaining a full-time presence for her children during the day. Letters and postcards were the heartbeat of her enduring connection with Dennis across distances.
Marcella’s dedication extended beyond her own family. She was a pillar of support for other military spouses, establishing and leading a family support group that offered comfort, connection, and hope. On April 18, 1989, exactly 36 years to the day before her passing; she was awarded a Certificate of Commendation in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the military community.
In November 1990, Marcella and her children moved to West Fargo, ND, while Dennis finished out his tour of service in Fort Ord, CA. Marcella continued her nursing career, working as an ICU/CCU nurse at Meritcare (now Sanford Health) for 31 years, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and patients alike. She retired after three decades of lifesaving and life-giving work.
Marcella is survived by her husband, Dennis; her children, Penny (Duane), Denny (Shanda), and Brian (Katie); grandchildren, Chemiati, Tatiana, Hunter, Rylie, James, and Jonah; and great-grandchildren, Landon, Paysen, Alauna, with a fourth great-grandchild due in July 2025.
Marcella was known for her infectious sense of humor; a joyful spark that lives on in her children. She loved joking around and could bring laughter to any room, no matter the occasion. Her ability to lift spirits and find light in the darkest moments made her an irreplaceable presence in so many lives.
Known affectionately as "Marcy," she had an open-door policy and an open heart. She gave of herself endlessly, loving without condition and supporting without hesitation. She was the best cook, ensuring that no one ever left her home hungry. Her warmth filled every room, and her laughter echoed through both joyful and difficult times.
Marcy found joy in simple pleasures: reading, woodworking, scary and sci-fi movies, westerns, and spending time with her family. Her favorite attire was jeans and a sweatshirt, and her favorite role was simply being there for those she loved.
Marcy leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, laughter, service, strength, and generosity. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

Richard T. Whelan
November 8, 1938 — April 12, 2025
Crystal

​Richard Thomas Whelan died Saturday, April 12, 2025, under the care of Hospice. A public visitation will be held Thursday, April 17, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier, ND. Private family services will be held at a later date.
Richard was born on the family farm near Crystal, ND, on November 8, 1938, to James Joseph (JJ) Whelan and Marion (Colby) Whelan. He graduated from Crystal High School, attended NDSU, and was united in marriage to Cleone Holum of Mayville, ND
Richard was a lifelong farmer and throughout his lifetime he served on various Farm Bureau boards, Valley School board, North Valley VoTech board, and was a member of the Cavalier Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by his wife, daughters Beth Whelan of San Diego, CA, and Joan (Jason) Huus, grandsons Garrett (Emily) Huus, Logan Huus, Wyatt Huus all of Grand Forks, ND. One great grandson, Hudson Huus.
Preceding him in death were his parents, brother George, sister-in-law Mae Whelan, and in-laws Clemet and Helen Holum.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Crystal City Cemetery, Crystal Quick Response, or Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Donald J. Kasprick, age 79 passed away peacefully, with his family by his side on April 9, 2025 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. 
Donald was born on March 15, 1946 in Grafton to John and Helen (Altendorf) Kasprick.  He graduated from Grafton High School in 1964. He joined the United States Navy from 1964 – 1969.  After his discharge, he worked at Melvin’s Furniture, McDonald Carpet Installation, and Ray’s Carpet and Upholstery, before starting his own business Kasprick Upholstery for 45 years. 
He worked until the very end and took pride in his work.  He worked meticulously to get it “just right” and as close to perfect as he could or it didn’t leave the shop.
Donald was married to Susan Ebertowski on October 3, 1970 at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Drayton. He was an avid lover of the outdoors and nature.  The rivers of North Dakota, the lakes of Minnesota and the beauty, strength, and wonderment of trees.  He made a point to plant trees, shrubs, and bushes at “The Cabin”, his escape from the world.  He enjoyed fishing, his cars, and reading. In his younger days, he enjoyed snowmobiling.  
Donald was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton.  He was instrumental in the construction of the gathering space at the church.  Donald was a member of the American Legion Post 41 of Grafton. 
Donald is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susan; daughter Jacquelyn; son Jonathan; grandchildren: Louis John and Charles Donald Condon, Luke and Drew Monson, Samantha Condon, and Cassie Monson; special nephew Tim Anderson; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jane Anderson. Donald was the last surviving member of his family.  He loved his family and they always came first.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, April 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.  at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.  Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service.  Visitation will be on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 5-7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a tree, bush, or shrub in his memory to be planted at “The Cabin” for his loved ones to honor him for years to come.

Doris M. Staples
May 29, 1938 — March 27, 2025
Cavalier, ND

​Doris M. Staples, 86, of Cavalier, ND, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025, at her home. Funeral service will be held Friday, April 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Trinity Methodist Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held for one hour before the time of the service at the church.
Doris was born May 29, 1938, in Grafton, ND, to Edward and Anne (Muth) Stegman. She grew up in the Neche area. She attended country school until 8th grade and graduated from Cavalier High School. On June 22, 1956, Doris married Harvey Staples at the Christ Lutheran Church in Neche. Together they lived and farmed in the Hamilton area, later moving to Cavalier. She worked at Thoelke’s Retail store in Cavalier and at Wedgewood Manor for many years.
Doris enjoyed painting and sewing. She was an active church member where she taught Sunday school, helped with the ladies' aide, and led Bible studies.
Doris is survived by her husband, Harvey; sons: David (Denise) Staples, Douglas Staples, and Darren Staples; daughter-in-law, Bernie Staples; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and siblings: Arelene, Helen, and Curtis.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Dalton; and brother, Edgar.

Elizabeth J. “Betty” Stark, age 93 of Grafton, ND passed away on April 2, 2025 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.


Elizabeth Jean Ebert was born November 27, 1931 in Grafton, ND the daughter of the late Oscar and Beatrice (LaBerge) Ebert. She grew up on the family farm north of Nash and attended rural grade school. She graduated from Grafton High School in 1949. After graduation she worked for the Grafton National Bank (Wells Fargo) and later at Northwestern National in Minneapolis, MN. She moved to California and worked for Security First National in Santa Monica, CA. She returned to Grafton and married her High School sweetheart, Fred Stark, after his discharge from 4 years in the US Navy. They were married December 26, 1955 at St. John’s Catholic Church of Grafton. They returned to California and lived there until 1958 when they returned to Grafton.


Betty worked for Selective Service and later as secretary for the fundraiser to build the All Faith’s Chapel at the Developmental Center in Grafton. She enjoyed reading, walking, bowling, traveling and marching with the 9th District American Legion Band from Minnesota. 


Betty is survived by her two children: Susan (Bob) Frias, Virginia Beach, VA and Tom (Carolyn) Stark, Minneapolis, MN; six grandchildren: Jamie Donovan, Nichoals Collette, Christine Sosonko, Brandon, Rachel and Elizabeth Stark; four great grandhchildren: Noah, Penny and Lilly Donovan and Blake Sosonko. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Fred in 2009, three sisters: Ann Tandeski, Shirley Fisher and Bonnie Miller and brother Robert Ebert and grandson, Nicholas Collette.


Mass of Christian Burial will be held in May at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton, ND.