 Mary Ann (Ebertowski) Sevigny, age 91, was called home by our Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 30, 2021.
Mary Ann was born in Pulaski Township to Joseph and Martha (Stoltman) Ebertowski on December 8, 1929. The second youngest of nineteen children, she was the last surviving member of her family. She was united in marriage to Fabien Sevigny on Feb. 11, 1947 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Warsaw, ND. The two enjoyed 34 happy years of marriage and their home was blessed with five children. Mary Ann worked hard throughout her life, working various jobs to help support her family. She enjoyed an active social life and was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, St. John's Altar Society, the Polka Lovers' Klub of America, the Grafton Kitchen Band, the Grafton Community Theater, the Grafton Curling Club and the American Legion Auxiliary. She loved to entertain and treasured time with her family. Holidays were particularly important to her, and this was reflected in the great care she took in decorating her home to match the changing seasons. Her garden was her pride and joy, and she could often be found tending to her flower beds or harvesting vegetables and pumpkins out on the farm. Mary Ann was also a great lover of sports, never missing a grandchild's game or her beloved Fighting Sioux Hockey. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband Fabien on January 12, 1981, her parents, and her 18 brothers and sisters. She is survived by her five children: Marilyn Martin, East Grand Forks, MN, Gregory Sevigny, Grafton, ND, Cherie (Randy) Schuster, Grafton, ND, Kevin (Brenda) Sevigny, Grafton, ND, and Karen (Michael) Brown, Bismarck, ND. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchldren; numerous nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Leona Ebertowski, Grand Forks, ND, sister-in-law Shirley Suda, Grafton, ND; and brother and sister-in-law Donald and Diane Sevigny, Hoven, SD. Mary Ann is also survived by Dean Ridgway, her special friend and companion for many years. Together they shared a great love of polka dancing, playing (and sometimes cheating at) cards, and enjoying countless hours in one another's company. Mary Ann was a special mom, grandma, great-grandma, and dear friend who touched the lives of everyone she met. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 2, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton, ND. Interment will be at the St. John's Catholic Cemetery immediately following the service. A video of the service will be available after the service on the Tollefson Funeral Home website.
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 Lawrence James “Larry” LaFrombois, 81, formerly of Devils Lake, passed away on Friday, May 28, 2021 in the loving care of his son in Fargo, ND
Larry was born on April 11, 1940 at Devils Lake ND, the son of Stanley and Mary (Seykora) LaFrombois. He attended St. Mary’s Academy and graduated from Devils Lake High School in 1958. Larry joined the United States Navy and proudly and honorably served his country aboard the USS Moray AGSS-300, in Oakland CA. After his discharge, Larry began a 45-year career as an electrician with the IBEW in the San Francisco Bay area. While in Oakland, Larry met his beloved Lois Riley and they were united in marriage in 1963. Their 57-year marriage produced one son, Christopher. After Larry’s retirement, he and Lois moved to Las Vegas, NV. As a widower, he returned to North Dakota to be closer to family. As a young man, he was a star athlete in basketball and baseball. He loved bowling, where he rolled several 300 games, as well as the second highest series (801) in Los Medanos Lanes history. He was an avid fan of sports who attended Oakland Raiders games as a season ticket holder from before the Raiders started playing at the Oakland Coliseum until the team relocated to Los Angeles. He loved NDSU Football and especially UND hockey. Larry was funny, generous, and kind. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends from North Dakota, California, and Las Vegas, as he returns to the loving arms of his beloved Lois. Larry is survived by his son Christopher LaFrombois of Fargo and his Grandsons Dalton of Reno, Nevada and Zachery LaFrombois of Central California; brothers Jim (Nancy) LaFrombois, Tom (Lori) LaFrombois also of Fargo; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois and sisters Martha Toso and Carol McNeese. A Graveside Service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Devils Lake, ND on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. with a time of fellowship to follow.  Michael A. Waechter, age 66 of Park River, ND passed away on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at the University of Minnesota-Fairview Hospital.
Michael Waechter was born September 28, 1954 in Sioux Falls, SD, the son of the late Anthony and Geraldine (Cox) Waechter. He attended country school and graduated from Canistota High School. While in school he participated in many wrestling and track meets. During his teen years, he spent many hours in the family business working in the bait shop and campground along Lake Vermillion. He attended Dakota State University in Madison, SD. While obtaining his degree, he worked nights and summers as a state park ranger at Lake Madison. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Gloria Buehner on August 17, 1974 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Canistota, SD. Following his graduation, the couple moved to Ada, MN where he worked at the Ada Co-op for short time before moving to Park River, ND. He was manager of the hardware store at Cenex in Park River for 25 years before returning to school at age 50 where he earned his telecommunications degree from Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Wadena, MN. He began working for Polar Communications in Park River where he stayed until his health forced him to retire. He thoroughly enjoyed finding this career later in life and talked fondly of his co-workers. He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Park River where he served on several church councils, a former member of the Park River Fire Department and City Council, as well as the Sons of the American Legion. He collected guns and enjoyed trap shooting at the Walsh County Gun Club. He enjoyed deer hunting and sausage making with friends and collecting memorabilia, but more importantly the stories that went with his “finds”. He was an excellent woodworker and refinished furniture. One of the special times of his life was restoring an old Dodge coupe with his Uncle Jim in his teen years. He loved drinking root beer and making homemade ice cream to share with his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching Notre Dame Football and Yankees baseball. During his later years, he took pride in feeding and watching his backyard birds. Mike is survived by his wife of 46 years, Gloria, Park River, ND, children: Matt Waechter, Golden Valley, MN, Angie (Ryan) Solseng, Park River, ND and Ryan (Kate) Waechter, Mandan, ND; 6 grandchildren; siblings: Julie Delich, Fairview, NC, Patricia (John) Harris, Long Lake, MN and Chris (Kristi) Waechter, Grand Forks, ND; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law John Delich. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, June 4, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Park River, ND. Visitation will be Thursday, from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at the Calvary Cemetery of Park River. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the First Care Health Center of Park River or the Lyric Theater of Park River. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Joel Johnson and the staff at the First Care Health Center of Park River and Mike’s care team from University of Minnesota for all of the care Mike received. One of his greatest hopes and blessings was the opportunity for the gift of a heart transplant. His last message he wrote on his hospital bulletin board prior to surgery stated, “The future came today!”  Lee (Butch) DeMars was born to Lyman (Cye) and Leona DeMars on April 24th 1940 in the Neche Hospital. He lived his early years on his Grandpa and Grandma DeMars’ farm in rural Bathgate. His family moved to Pembina where he graduated from High School. Lee and his family moved to Neche in 1961 where he met Linda Guenther and they were married on November 9th 1963.
To this union 5 children were born: Kerry (Carole) Grafton, ND; Kelly (Carole) Warren, MN; Kevin (Janette) Fargo, ND; Kim of Neche, ND; Kristopher of Neche, ND; 8 Grandchildren: Cyndi (Skip) Schreffler; Kylle (Katie) DeMars; Fauna (Grant) Asp; Jazmyn (Justin) Johnson; Kaely (Jack) Nerby; Addie DeMars; Alyssa (TJ) Erickson; Nicole DeMars; 9 Great Grandchildren: Theodore DeMars; Selah, Arrie, Ella Mae, Jewel Asp; Boe Hailey, Jolene Johnson, Baby Nerby. Lee chose farming as his career. He was employed by Russel Vosper and Dick Hardy for 30+ years. He farmed into his 70’s finishing off his career with Wilwand Farms driving brand new John Deere combines. What a way to go out. He loved his city. He served as an alderman and then the mayor for 16 years. He was instrumental in the forming of the Neche Economic Committee. He hosted the league of cities welcoming all city councils from the entire state. He loved the administration part, but you could find him on the front lines battling the floods in the spring and on the snowplow cleaning streets in the winter. He was chosen to receive the states first outstanding mayor award. He was a member of the Neche Fire Department and one of the founding members of the Neche Quick Response. His real passion was singing. He was the go to man for singing at wedding and funerals. He sang in the church choir, community cantatas, and was one of the original members of Gospel Theater. He sang with a barbershop quartet for many years, where one of the highlights was to introduce the barbershop sound to the students at school, where he also incorporated his sons into the quartet. He was proud of joining with his son Kevin to record an album, where you could not tell one voice from the other. His final singing career was with his daughter Kim where they sang gospel music concerts all over the county and beyond. To include churches, fairs, nursing and special needs homes and homeless shelters. They even got to sing on the River Boat Cruise in Grand Forks. He felt by sharing his voice it was bringing Glory to God. His signature song was The Lord’s Prayer. Lee went to the Lord on Sunday May 23rd, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents Lyman and Leona DeMars and his son Kristopher. A celebration of life service will be held at the Park Center Cemetery, Thursday May 27th 2021 at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service. The family prefers no flowers. Bring your own chair. A time of fellowship will follow at the Neche Fire Hall. Please come and join us.  Mildred Haugland, age 101 of Fargo, ND and formerly of Hoople, ND passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at the Bethany Living Center of Fargo, ND.
Mildred Markusen was born Dec. 3, 1919 in Grafton, ND the daughter of the late Edwin and Inger (Peterson) Markusen. She attended rural school near Grafton. Mildred was united in marriage to Alvin Haugland on January 21, 1946 in Crookston, MN. The couple made their home in Hoople. Alvin passed away on May 28, 1995. Mildred moved to the Heritage House in Fargo and lived there until her health forced her to move to the Bethany Living Center. Mildred in survived by her daughters: Carol Haugland, East Grand Forks, MN; and Shirley Laske of West Fargo, ND; two grandsons: Brian and Christopher Perrerault. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Ronald and a sister and brother. Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton, ND. Visitation will be Wednesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at South Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, rural Grafton, ND. An online guest book is available at www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com  John Allen Oby, age 73 of St. Thomas, ND passed away on May 20, 2021 at his home.
John Allen Oby was born April 9, 1948 in Grafton to the late John and Helen (Gilbertson) Oby. He was raised and attended school in St. Thomas, graduating from St. Thomas High School. He attended the University of North Dakota until January of 1968, when he was drafted into the United States Army. He served in the 82nd Airborne during Vietnam. Allen was honorably discharged in July 1969 and returned to North Dakota. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. Allen was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of St. Thomas, the St. Thomas American Legion, the St. Thomas Fire Department, and the St. Thomas City Council. He loved to read, take drives in the “Gator”, shake dice with friends, play pinochle, and give people a hard time. He is survived by his children: Lisa Oby (Norman Hurst), St. Thomas, ND; Brandon Oby, St. Thomas, ND; and Morgen Shaff, Parker, CO; his grandchildren: Greyson and Everly; siblings: Karen (Tom Dahle) Oby, Bismarck, ND; Donna (Gerald) Smith, Sun Lakes, AZ; and Lynn (Linda) Oby, Bismarck, ND; and special friend, Brenda Hunter, Mesa, AZ. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Wayne. Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at the St. Thomas City Cemetery of rural St. Thomas, ND. Interment will be at St. Thomas City Cemetery following the service. Military Rites will be provided by the St. Thomas American Legion and the National Guard Honor Guard. There will be a reception following the burial at the American Legion in St. Thomas.  Justin Forest Loterbaugh, age 37 of Grand Forks, ND, formerly of Grafton, ND passed away on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Justin Loterbaugh was born December 22, 1983 in Grafton, ND, the son of Barbara (Mattson) and the late Jeffery Loterbaugh. Justin grew up and attended school in Grafton and was working at Q and Z Plumbing in Grand Forks. Justin was a very kind person helping anyone when he could even people he didn’t know. He could make anyone laugh, he was so funny. Justin had many interests but fishing and playing his electric guitars he mostly loved. He is deeply missed by his family, friends and everyone who knew him. Justin loved his family, friends so much but most of all he loved Trisha Shambaugh and his daughter Izabella. He would always call them “His Girls”. We love and miss you very much, Justin. We are all heartbroken from your family, friends Trisha and Izabella. Justin is survived by his mother, Barbara, Grafton, ND; sisters: Kristi (Don) Carlson, New London, MN; Kelli Loterbaugh, Fargo, ND and Maia (Kevin) Stafford, Grand Forks, ND; his girls: Trisha Shambaugh and daughter Izabella, Grand Forks, ND. Several nieces, nephews also survive. He is preceded in death by his father Jeffery Loterbaugh and his grandparents. Graveside services will be Monday, June 7, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Landstad Cemetery, rural Auburn, ND with Pastor Carter Hill officiating.  Ronald (Ron) Clyde Brown, age 69, passed away at Spring Valley Hospital in Las Vegas, NV on May 18, 2021 with his wife and children and sister nearby as the covid precautions were in place.
Ron was born on November 5, 1951 to Henry and Deloris Brown. He grew up in Rural Hoople and graduated from Valley High School and attended secondary education at Wahpeton State School of Science. He started working at Grafton Auto Electric as a machinist in Grafton for 50 years. He is survived by his wife, Jayne Brown, daughter Melissa (Greg) Schroeder, Fargo, ND; stepchildren, Paul (Arwen) Gillett, Rutlage, VT; Bethany (Brett) Narveson, Devils Lake, ND; Dane Gillett, Grafton, ND; Sarah (Zachary) Burns, Alliance, NE. Grandchildren, MacKenzie Schroeder, Paige Schroeder, Clara Narveson, and Caleb Burns. His mother, Deloris Brown, Grafton, ND; and brothers, Eugene (Judy) Brown, Dickinson, ND; Mike Brown, Hoople, ND; Dale Brown, Hoople, ND; Matthew Brown, Walhalla, ND; and sister DeAnn (Doug) Haugland, Farmington, MN; as well as numerous nieces; nephews; extended family members and lifelong friends. Ron was also a father figure to several foster children and exchange students, with a life-long connection to Ayca Cinar from Istanbul Turkey and Dilrabo (Dilya) Parvozbek from Khorog, Tajikistan. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Brown, and his son Taylor Brown. Ron was diagnosed with end stage kidney failure in 2005. While on his latest trip, he became ill with Covid, even though he had been vaccinated. Unfortunately, because of his underlying health condition, Ron lost the fight from the covid virus on May 18. 2021. His family and friends will forever remember him as being an enthusiast of Vikings football, Minnesota Twins, UND Hockey, local men's and women's softball, and any activities his children, and grandchildren participated in. He enjoyed fishing, camping and spending time with the grandchildren. Ron enjoyed being an umpire for softball for 30 years. Even though he enjoyed the game, he enjoyed every player and was proud to see young adults grow up with the same love of the game as he had. Ron had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed opportunities to travel and see God's creations. He treasured the trip he had taken to Turkey and Tajikistan to visit former exchange students and their families. Ron loved sharing his time with family and friends and he always made a point to carry licorice with him for the grandchildren. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at the Tollefson Funeral Home from 5:00 - 7:00 PM with prayer service at 7:00 PM. Friends may also call at the church on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service. Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Grafton, North Dakota with Interment at Grafton City Cemetery. Following the services there will be a lunch provided at the Church for those wishing to share memories and encouragement with one another. In order to honor Ron’s love of sports and the outdoors, everyone is asked to wear camouflage, MN Vikings, MN Twins, UND, Spoilers, Fargo South Bruins or softball shirts or jerseys to the funeral service. Masks are highly recommended for those attending the service. An online guest book is available at: www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com Live streaming will be available on the Tollefson Funeral Home Inc. Facebook Page.  Donald Young Bear, Jr., age 48 of Wahpeton, ND, died in the comfort of his home, under the care of his amazing staff at Red River Human Services Foundation and CHI Hospice of Breckenridge.
Donald was born August 17th, 1972, in Fort Yates, North Dakota to Marlene Granbois and Donald Young Bear Sr. After several medical placements at a young age, Donald moved to Grafton and was cared for at the Life Skills and Transition Center long term, starting in 1983. The staff at LSTC became like family to Donald and he met many friends while living there. He enjoyed it when people would joke around with him and would show his approval with a smile that could light up a room. He took much pride in being a part of charitable events and activities and annually would take part in collecting school supply donations for Grafton Public Schools. In February of 2020 Donald had the opportunity to move to a group home with RRHSF in Wahpeton. Although his time with them was short, he made a great impact on those who knew him. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 1:45 PM at the All Faith’s Chapel in Grafton, ND. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at the All Faith’s Cemetery in Grafton, ND.  Michael Bratlie, 60, of Drayton, North Dakota passed away at Sanford Hospital in Fargo on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Michael LeRoy Bratlie was born November 27, 1960 in Grafton, North Dakota to Jerome and Marlene (Hanson) Bratlie. Mike grew up in Drayton and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He graduated from Drayton High School in 1979. On July 6, 1991 he married Laura Jelinek. Mike worked at American Crystal Sugar Company for 35 years. While at American Crystal he worked as a programmer and continued in that capacity at Novaspect in Mandan, North Dakota and Chicago, Illinois. In retirement he worked during the spring and fall at the Mike Stellon farm. Mike loved woodworking, hunting, fishing and the outdoors. Mike is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Bratlie (Cody Behm) of Drayton; his siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in Drayton Lutheran Church. Interment will be in the Drayton City Cemetery. Visitation will held at the church for one hour prior to the service. Rev. Ivy Schulz, presiding and Amber Brown, soloist and Marlys Nelson, organist. Casket bearers will be Greg Bratlie, Gary Melland, Bob Funaiole, John Kirkeby, Tracy Giles and Mike Stellon. Honorary casket bearers will be Greg Hanson and Brooks Stellon. |
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November 2024
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