Susan Vivatson
February 19, 1949 — April 27, 2026
Cavalier, ND

​Susan Lucille Vivatson, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and dedicated nurse, passed away at home on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the age of 77. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, defined by a nurturing spirit that she shared with her family, her patients, and her community. Funeral service will be held Monday, May 4, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Lutheran Church of Cavalier or Faith in Action of Cavalier, ND, a cause close to her heart.
Full obituary to follow. 

Garry Lee Stout, 77, of Minto, North Dakota, passed away on April 26, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.
Born on October 26, 1948, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, he was the son of John Stout and Ruth-Imogene. Garry grew up in Fayetteville and graduated from Fayetteville High School. He went on to work as a dispatcher for Altendorf Trucking for 32 years, where he was known for his quick wit and ability to memorize addresses.
Garry was a devoted husband who enjoyed grilling and had many fond memories of competing in the Grafton Rib Fest. He will be remembered for his personality, humor, generosity, and strength to bring people together.
He is survived by his spouse, Janet. Children: Lelsie (Roger), Beth (Scott), Jon (Amber), Traci (Joe), Trina (Ron), and Tony. Grandchildren: Chris (Megan), Marshall, Colin, and David (Peter); Levi (Tiffany) and Coby (Kesley); Iris (Drew), Aspen, and Ian; Kim (Lance), Kyle (Stacy), Kameran (Riley), Konner, and Kane (Morgan); Des (Kaelyn), Renae (Devin), Allyson, and Drew; Jessica (Conner) and Joshua (Skyler); and Misty (Trey) and Kimberly. Grand-grandchildren: Gabriel, Christian, and Isaac; Peter and Robin; Leya, Grace, and Bentley; Mahalia; Atticus; Kalob, Caden, Kyza, and Mahleah; Landon and Colton; Hollis, Laken, and Haze; Abby, Drew, Millie, Harley, and Ember; Shytoria and Alaya; and Coplin. He was preceded in death by his brother (Don), sister (Laura), mother (Ruth), and father (John).
A celebration of life will be held on May 14, 2026, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Minto Community Center. Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Center of North Dakota or any cancer charity of your choosing. Garry's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Esther Mae Fisher
February 12, 1938 — April 25, 2026
Cavalier, ND

​Esther Mae Fisher, 88, of Cavalier, ND, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Wedgewood Manor, Cavalier, ND. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Methodist Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Monday, May 4, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the church.
Esther was affectionately devoted to her family. Born February 12, 1938, to Jacob and Isabel (Mozinski) Dietrich in Drayton, North Dakota, she was raised on the family farm west of Glasston with her four sisters and three brothers. She went to elementary school in Glasston and graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1956. She always thought of herself as a farm girl at heart. Esther cultivated a lifelong friendship with her brothers and sisters, and for decades they brought together the sprawling Dietrich family for occasions each year.
On August 25, 1956, Jacob Dietrich’s best farm hand was stolen away by Bob Fisher when they married at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Cavalier. They spent 60 years together in Cavalier, showing an example of love and commitment to everyone around them. They lived out the joy and the humor in the saying that opposites attract. For 40 years they loved going out to their log home in Montana, often inviting family members to enjoy the beauty of the mountains with them.
Together Esther and Bob raised two children, Douglas and Sheryl. She took delight and assurance in the career path of her son. They enjoyed spending time together, especially in her final years. She was her daughter’s dearest and closest friend. They enjoyed numerous shopping trips together through the years. She welcomed her four grandchildren with warm-hearted love and met each great-grandchild with pride.
The cornerstone of Esther’s life was her faith in Jesus Christ her Savior. Her light could be seen early most mornings as she studied the Bible. Also, she took the greatest pleasure in watching gospel music programs every evening. In addition, Esther also served at the Evangelical United Brethren (later Trinity United Methodist Church) throughout her life as a devoted member.
She had many hobbies over the years, including softball, curling, bowling, and square dancing and later on crafts like stained glass and card making as well as events with the Red Hat Society.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents: Jacob and Isabel; husband: Robert Fisher; daughter: Sheryl Fisher; siblings: Joan Eidsvold, Donald Dietrich, Robert Dietrich, and Cynthia Hartje; and in-laws: Harvey Smith, Marilyn Minter, and Geoline Swenson; and nephew: Todd Dietrich.
She is survived by her son: Douglas (Cinda) Fisher of Cavalier, ND; siblings: Margaret Smith, Diane (Herb) Vansickle, and Dennis (Linda) Dietrich; in-laws: Tom Eidsvold, Mary Dietrich, Mona Dietrich, and Michael Hartje; grandchildren: Kara (Jason) Clapp of Williamsburg, IA; Kurt (Londa) Backlund of Plum Coulee, MB; Jacob (Jelena) Fisher of Brussels, Belgium; and Benjamin (Bethany) Fisher of Sutton, AK; eleven great grandchildren; and seventeen nieces and nephews.
She will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.

Wilma Brandt
June 30, 1937 — April 23, 2026
Cavalier

​Wilma L. Brandt, 88, of Cavalier, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Wedgewood Manor in Cavalier, ND. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Cavalier. Visitation will be held one hour before the time of services at the church.
Wilma Loy (Spangelo) Brandt was born on June 30, 1937, in Walhalla, ND to William and Emily (Crowston) Spangelo. She grew up in the Concrete area and on June 29, 1958, she married Darrell D. Brandt at Vikur Lutheran Church in Mountain, ND. Wilma enjoyed working for the Pembina County Soil Conservation District for many years where she coordinated the planting of thousands of shelter belt trees in Pembina County.
Wilma is survived by her husband, Darrell; son, Gregory (Lisa); daughters, Janelle (Todd Leeds), and Darla (Ed Bright); grandsons, Paul Brandt (Sarah Bodeau) and Andrew Brandt; step-grandson, Patrick Bright; and great-granddaughters, Katherine Jane and Sylvia Louise. 
She is preceded in death by her parents, the late William and Emily Spangelo. 
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Phyllis Danielson
August 29, 1930 — April 22, 2026
​Phyllis Lorrayne Danielson, 95, formerly of the Vang, ND area passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at her home in Detroit Lakes, MN. Funeral service will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday for one hour before the time of services. Interment will be at the Vang Cemetery alongside her husband. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to the Vang Cemetery.
Phyllis was born to Mabel and Helmer Christianson at the Braatan Plave near Vang, ND on August 29,1930. She was the second born of 6 giving her 4 younger sisters and an older brother. She attended country schools in the Hope and West Hope Townships and completed 3 years at Walhalla High School. (In 1983, she received her high school diploma).
Phyllis married Merle Dale Danielson on August 7, 1949, at Kennedy, MN. They had 4 children Marty (LaRae) Danielson Frazee, MN, Robert (Kim) Danielson Decatur, MI, Melanie (Terry) Anhorn Littleton, CO and Patricia Danielson, Phoenix, AZ.
Phyllis and Merle moved to the Danielson farm in 1960 to begin farming. Phyllis enjoyed her house on the farm, allowing her to plant vegetable gardens in the early years and always the peonies that she loved. She went to work at the Walhalla State Bank in 1970. She enjoyed many years working off the farm and making good friends.
When Merle died in 2006, she started to think about leaving the farm. In 2007 she purchased a townhome in Dilworth, MN close to her brother, Vernon (Bud) and wife, Marilyn. In 2021 she moved to the Senior Apartments in Detroit Lakes, MN later making the transition to Assisted Living where she spent the remainder of her days.
Phyllis was proceeded in death by her husband, her parents, sisters Joyce Townsend, Beverly Peterson, Janice Metzger, and brother Vernon Christianson.
She is survived by sister, Kathi (Doug) Nelson, brother-in-law, Jack Metzger, her 4 children, 4 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and an abundance of nieces, nephews and their families.

Elwood Kent Blair, 68, of Neche, ND went home to be with the Lord on April 21, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Bathgate Presbyterian Church in Bathgate, ND.
Elwood Kent Blair was born on November 7, 1957 to Percy and Eleanor Blair in Altona, Manitoba. He graduated from Neche High School in 1976 and then attended Lake Region Junior College. After graduation from college, Elwood worked at SSR Pumps in Michigan, ND and then became a welder at Young Manufacturing in Grand Forks, ND. He then went on to have several other jobs including the Walhalla Ethanol Plant, CHS, Transystems, various farm jobs and eventually retired from Motor Coach Industries.
Elwood married Mary Lien on August 14, 1993 and they were together until her passing. Elwood was an avid motorcyclist and loved his Harley motorcycles. He also was so very fond of his beloved German Shepherd, Jax.
He is survived by his brother, Robert (Jean) Blair; nephews, Corey Blair, David (Jess) Blair, Daniel (Katy) Blair, Dean (Morgan) Blair; great-niece, Eleanor Blair and great-nephews, Finnegan and Wesley Blair, Tanner Blair, Colby Blair; and great-great nephew, Reese Blair. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Caryol (Tony) Kobetsky; brother-in-law, Richard Lien; stepson, Bobby (Lynn) Housel; all the other Lien family and his many family and friends.
Elwood was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Eleanor Blair; his wife, Mary; brother Terry Blair; his nephew, Jason Blair and his stepson, Thomas Housel. 

Keith F. Fitzsimonds
April 6, 1952 — April 20, 2026
Walhalla, ND
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Keith F. Fitzsimonds, 74, of Walhalla, ND, passed away Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour before the time of services on Tuesday.
Keith Francis Fitzsimonds was born April 6, 1952, at Grafton, ND to William James and Lucy Doreen (Clifford) Fitzsimonds. He graduated from Walhalla High School in 1970 . After graduating from the University of North Dakota in 1975, Keith worked as a software engineer. During his career, he worked at several military bases throughout the United States and also in Greenland. In his spare time, he enjoyed motorcycling and ATV riding around the countryside, computer programming, and research. He enjoyed spending quality time with his family.
He is survived by his brother, Ronald (Rochelle) Fitzsimonds, Payette, ID, niece, Nicole (Troy) Weber, nephews: Richard (Taralee) Fitzsimonds, Lee (Taunya) Fitzsimonds, Michael (Allison) Fitzsimonds, and Lee (Jessica) Hoselton. Also surviving are his great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces, brother-in-law, Larry (Jackie) Hoselston.
Preceding him in death were his parents, William and Lucy, infant brother, Joseph, brothers: Derald and Dean, sister, Sheila Hoselton.

Richard D. “Rick” Langowski, age 78 of Minto, North Dakota passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at his home in Minto.
Rick was born March 10, 1948 in Grafton, North Dakota, the son of the late Julian and Catherine (Wysocki) Langowski. In 1967, he volunteered for the military bringing him to Germany as a Motor Sargent. After an Honorable Discharge he took a job at the International Airport in Grand Forks, ND. His duties included: refueling planes and jets as well as maintaining the grounds. He had the opportunity to meet the famous singer Mr. James Brown.
Rick was united in marriage to Alice Odegard on June 17, 1982 in Minto, North Dakota. The family made their home in Minto where they raised Jason and Angela. Rick was very proud of his children and loved them more than anything. He told everyone and bragged about the children he raised. He cherished his grandchildren and loved to be present in every aspect of their lives.
His career changed to semi driving where he drove for Cenex Transportation for four years and ten years for Valley Transports. His love for the open road directed him into the used car business. He opened Minto Auto Sales and Services in 1987, proudly operating for 39 years. He had the privilege to meet many people and travel to many places. He enjoyed riding his many Harley Davidson Motorcycles. In 2025, he sold the business to his longtime mechanic and friend, Aaron Anderson. In Rick’s opinion, “Minto Auto is one of the best mechanical shops in the area.”
He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Minto, ND. He loved hunting with Jason, watching sports, especially the Yankees and Twins. In 2017, Rick was able to enjoy a father/son trip of a lifetime to Alaska. He thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the trip and thought was the best time of his life.
Rick is survived by his children: Jason Odegard, Reynolds, ND; Angela (Nick) Eppert, Goshen, IN; grandchildren: Ashlyn, Kaia, Annika, Boden and Caelan; sisters: Carol King, Grand Forks, ND; Connie Jones, Argyle, MN; seven nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his very close friend and confidant, Yvette Estep, Grafton, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Robert and Ronald.
Rick’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to Yvette Estep, an employee of Rick’s, affectionately known as “hotrod.” She was there for Rick, along with Aaron for doctor’s appointments, treatments and helped comfort him throughout his battle. Jason and Angela will be forever indebted to her and consider her family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Minto. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Minto, ND. Military Rites will be provided by the Minto American Legion Post and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.

Dennis Barker, 78, of St. Thomas, ND, passed away Monday, February 13, at his home wrapped in his wife’s loving arms.
Dennis Lee Barker was born on February 12, 1948 to Richard (Dick) and Verbena (Pat) (Klein) Barker in Langdon, ND. He was raised and educated in Hannah, ND, and he often reminisced about his stellar basketball career without a three point line. He attended and graduated from Mayville State College where he met the love of his life, Kay Santman. They were united in marriage on August 15, 1969. They planted roots in St. Thomas, ND and raised two children, Stephanie and Kyle.
From teaching, to owning a grocery store, to selling cars and trucks, to working in the ag industry as a farmer, agronomist and crop adjuster, Dennis had a diverse career portfolio. He was always proud to call St. Thomas home, and he was very community-minded. You would find him out mowing lawns, blowing snow, picking weeds, trimming branches - anything to keep the town he loved in great shape. He served as Mayor of St. Thomas and was active on several boards: Booster Club, Airport Authority, Cemetery, Hager Estate, and Community Development. In 2012, Dennis and Kay were awarded the Expo Radio Community Hero award.
Dennis was blessed with great friends where memories were made on hunting trips, football trips, and camping at the lake. He was known for his quick wit, one-liners, and his love for the Atlanta Braves. Every fall, Dennis could be found in his pickup at the end of the field, proudly watching his son-in-law and grandchildren harvest the crops. Dennis’ greatest blessings were his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He spent countless hours playing baseball in the backyard with his grandkids, and he lived in gyms, at football fields, and baseball diamonds - even when he was the only fan at a baseball game because it was 30 degrees outside. He loved facetime calls with his out-of-state granddaughters and taking them for side-by-side rides when they came to town.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kay Barker; daughter, Stephanie (Brent) Baldwin; son, Kyle (Kristen) Barker; five grandchildren, Samantha (Tim) Spicer, Hunter (Betsy) Baldwin, Braylon Baldwin, Eliza Barker, and Greta Barker; and three great-grandchildren, Brynn and Leo Spicer and Kinley Baldwin. He is also survived by seven nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Joan Mirehouse, brother Gerald Barker, and nephews Terry Barker and Daniel Mirehouse.
Memorial services will be Friday, April 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Grafton Lutheran Church. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. The service will be livestreamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website. A celebration of life will follow at the St. Thomas American Legion. Inurnment will be at the St. Thomas City Cemetery in the spring.

Daniel E. Erickson, age 77 of Grafton, ND, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026 at the Life Skills and Transition Center of Grafton.
Daniel was born January 21, 1949 in Grafton, ND, the son of the late Ernest and Adeline (Samuelson) Erickson. At the age of 9, he moved into what was then the Grafton State School, now the Life Skills and Transition Center. He continued to make his home there until the time of his passing.
Daniel is survived by his sister Dawn (Kent) Pearson, Grand Forks, ND; as well as several aunts, uncles and extended family.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 1:45 PM at the All Faith’s Chapel, Grafton, ND. Visitation will be from 1:00-1:45 at the chapel. Interment will be at the Vang Lutheran Cemetery of Rural Fairdale in the spring.