Richard Wayne LaHaise was born and raised near Drayton, ND on December 10, 1953 to Joseph and Edith (Silewski) LaHaise.  He joined the ND Army National Guard on December 2, 1972, right after high school and was active until September 22, 1984.  He attended Fort Knox in Kentucky for his basic training and became part of the 957th Engineer Company Float Bridge.  In his 12 years of service, he was never deployed and only had to do service in North Dakota including the Flood of 1979.
After his military service, Richard worked at numerous businesses throughout Grafton.  He worked with Hanson Kopperud, Heritage Ford, Wilson Auto Parts, Marvin Windows and Home of Economy. He was united in marriage to Cecilia LaHaise on August 29, 1992.  Richard finally retired in 2021.
He had a love of cars and the races, especially NASCAR.  He loved camping with his wife and dog, bowling, spending time with family and friends, and he especially loved a good party with music and dancing.
Richard is survived by his wife Cecilia; children Melissa Grzadzieleski and Joey LaHaise; step-children: Darren Eng, Laura Kasprick, Barett Eng, and Ryan Eng; grandchildren: Kaylan, Mariek, and Hailey Grzadzieleski; step-grandchildren: Mason, Betsey, and Jager Eng, and Haley, Kylie and Jens Eng; siblings: Jerome and William LaHaise; brother-in-laws: Brian (Michelle) Janikowski, Todd (Roxanne) Janikowski; sister-in-laws: Myra Howard and Cathy Janikowski; as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Joanie; and brothers Duane and Robert. 
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Grafton City Cemetery.  Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.
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Marlene E. Stremick
December 16, 1937 — June 27, 2025
Cavalier

​Marlene Eleanor Stremick, 87 of Cavalier, ND passed away Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital in Cavalier. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Brigid of Ireland Catholic Church in Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. vigil service at the church. There will also be a rosary on Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow mass at the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Walhalla, ND.
Marlene was welcomed into the world on December 16, 1937, to Otto and Wanda Schoenheit, in Neche, ND. In time, Marlene would become one of fourteen children in a family community of German descent. In her later teens and early 20’s, Marlene served her community by working at the Cavalier hospital. She married William (Bill) Stremick of Walhalla, ND on October 29, 1960. Marlene and Bill lived in the Svold, Cavalier, and Walhalla areas, eventually establishing a farm near Backhoo, ND, which remains with the family to this day.
Marlene enjoyed a simple life of service. In addition to her primary role as homemaker to a husband and 6 children, Marlene served her church by teaching catechism classes and contributing her time or talents to church events or ministry needs. She also dedicated her time attending to the needs of others through her work at the nursing home in Cavalier from 1985 until she retired in 2008.
Marlene is best remembered for her love of cooking, canning, and an appreciation for life’s simple beauties. A color filled sunset, flowers and birds of every variety and color, and time with her bible nearly every morning all speak to her desire to lead a simple and honest life. She was raised on hard work and commitment that was evident in every aspect of her life for as long as she was capable.
Marlene is survived by her children, Jason Stremick and Alan Stremick of Cavalier, Loren Stremick of Drayton, Cheryl Carpenter (Scott) of Battlement Mesa, CO, Nathan Stremick of Duluth, MN, Brian Stremick of Cavalier, grandchildren Joshua, McKenzie, and Jordin Carpenter; brother Howard Schoenheit; sisters Phyllis (Duane) Reck, Charlotte (Karl) Soderberg, Ruth Hall, and Anna (Dennis) Lammens.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband William Stremick, brothers: Robert Schoenheit, Arnold Schoenheit, Delbert Schoenheit, Gilbert Schoenheit, Ronald Schoenheit; sisters: Rita Schoenheit, Agnes (Henry) Klindt, and Alice Schoenheit.

Elizabeth “Betty” Cudmore, age 92 of Park River, ND passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at her home surrounded by family.
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Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, June 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Park River.  Visitation will be Thursday from 6-7 with a rosary and prayer service to follow at 7:00 PM at the church.  Friends may also call on Friday for one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery of Park River.

Milton Ellis Broe was born on October 18, 1943, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Melvin and Ellen Broe. He was baptized in December 1943 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Buxton, ND. At the age of 7, Milton transitioned from the North Dakota Children’s Home Society to the Life Skills and Transition Center in Grafton, where he would spend much of his life surrounded by a dedicated and compassionate community. He left this world peacefully, surrounded by those who loved and cared for him on June 21, 2025. 
From 1994 to 1999, Milton lived in Grand Forks, after which he returned to the Life Skills and Transition Center, where he remained until his passing. Throughout his life, Milton was known for his spirit, resilience, and the way he connected with those around him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Ellen, and his siblings.
Milton’s life will be honored with a memorial service at All Faith’s Chapel in Grafton on Monday, June 30th at 1:45 p.m. Inurnment will be at All Faith’s Cemetery of Grafton.
Milton will be remembered with affection and respect by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ronald David Kavli, 76, Minot, ND passed away peacefully on Christmas morning 2024 at home.
    Ronald was born on October 8, 1948, in Bottineau, ND, to Carol and Earnest Kavli, the second of three brothers. He was a beloved husband, father, stepfather, and a proud service member who dedicated his life to the United States Navy, it was his greatest achievement and brought him much pride and joy. While in the Navy he did Search and Rescue, and Aircraft Mechanics. Throughout his life, Ron Kavli was known for his love of the Navy, aircraft, mechanics, and racing. Ron would always talk to any service member he saw and thank them for their service. When given the opportunity he would talk about his love of search and rescue, and helicopters.
   In addition to his military service, Ron Kavli was actively involved in his community as a Legion Commander and District Commander, where he worked tirelessly to support veterans and their families by conducting many graveside ceremonies with the Legion. His unwavering dedication to service and leadership in these roles made a lasting impact in the lives of many.
   After retiring from the Navy Ron worked for Ted’s Garage in San Diego, CA before returning to North Dakota. He spent many years working at the Dahlen Farmer’s Elevator before moving to Minot where he worked at Acme tools.
   Ronald Kavli is survived by his loving wife, Joanne Kavli; brothers Richard and Steve (Sue); his children Aaron (Chrissie) Kavli, Tana (Rob) Rousseau, and Shannon Kavli, as well as his step-children Jenni Duncan, Jamie (Kenneth) McKinney, Joshua (Ginger) Duncklee, Christopher Duncklee, and Cosmo Duncklee. He was a cherished grandfather to Drake Kavli, Drew Kavli, Rowan Kavli, River Kavli, Ruben Duncan, Konrad Duncan, Holly Duncan, Mandy Duncan, Katie (Lance) Johnson, Jack (Charlie) McKinney, Lucas Duncklee, Emily Duncklee, Evelyn Duncklee, Myra Duncklee, Madison Duncklee, Sophia Duncklee and great grandfather to Jeremiah Johnson, and soon to be Theodore McKinney.
   Above all else Ronald Kavli loved being a husband and grandpa. 
   A memorial service celebrating Ronald Kavli’s life will be held Wednesday, June 18,2025 at 1 p.m. at the Dahlen Lutheran Church with an internment at the Middle Forest River Cemetery.
   In honor of his memory, the family invites all who knew him to come and share their memories.

Alice Moe, 83, of Grafton, North Dakota passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Unity Hospital in Grafton.
Alice Mae Midgarden was born on February 6th, 1942 to Alfred and Beulah (Lykken) Midgarden of rural Hoople, North Dakota.
Alice cherished her memories of growing up on the family farm and attending a one-room schoolhouse - Glenwood Township 13 School. She often recounted vivid stories of those early years, like the time she spent ice-skating on the river at recess. She attended high school in Park River living in an all-girls dorm, and often reflected on the fun memories she made with her friends. She was a majorette in the high school band and would show her baton-twirling skills to her children when she was younger.
She caught her future husband’s eye at the Grafton Swimming Pool at the age of 14 and it was love at first sight. Glenn and Alice were married on September 20th, 1959 at Zion Lutheran Church. Their 65-year marriage beautifully modeled a lifetime of love, commitment, and enduring affection, leaving an inspirational legacy for their family.
Alice was a devoted wife and mother and her family was her pride and joy. She poured her heart and soul into creating a home filled with warmth, joy, and love for not only her family but for all who came through her door. She will be remembered for her warm, joyful spirit, unyielding positivity, her grace in every trial, and the strength of her quiet faith that guided her through life. For those who knew her best, we will miss that sparkle in her eye, her ability to see the silver lining in any difficult situation, and her sweet smile.
Alice will be lovingly remembered by her beloved husband, Glenn and her children: Greg (Cindy) of Kalamazoo, MI, Wendy of Lake Elmo, MN, Darcy (Lee) of Stillwater, MN and Natalie (Joe) of Stillwater, MN; 10 grandchildren: Andew, Dillon, David, Daniel, Travis, Jesse, Jonathan, Jack, Abigail, and Samuel; and 11 great-grandchildren: Kaori, Lydia, Chloe, Ian, Sophia, Shawn, Ellis, Ilya, Eleanor, Arlo, and Connor; and many loved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers: Russel, Paul, and Joseph Midgarden.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the Bethel Free Lutheran Church, Grafton, ND.  Visitation will be Monday from 5:00-7:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton.  Friends may call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Hoople, ND.
An online guestbook is available at the www.tollesonfuneralhome.com. 
The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.
Alice will be desperately missed by all she leaves behind. 
“Mother, you left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, although we cannot see you, you’re always by our side.”

Lucille Passa, age 96, of Drayton, ND, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on June 9th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and quiet strength that touched everyone who knew her.
Born in rural Walsh County, ND, Lucille was one of ten children and grew up surrounded by the values of hard work, faith, and family. She attended school through the 8th grade, and it was in these early years that her resilience and dedication were first formed qualities that would define her entire life.
Lucille met the love of her life, Ted Passa, and they were married on July 1, 1947, in Stephen, MN. Together they built a life rooted in love and devotion, raising eight children on their farm near Bowesmont, ND. In 2022, they celebrated 75 wonderful years of marriage, surrounded by family and friends—a milestone that reflected the depth of their bond. Ted passed away the next day, on July 2, 2022, a poignant reflection of the love they shared until the very end.
Lucille worked tirelessly throughout her life—not only as a devoted mother and homemaker, but also outside the home cleaning for others and working at Associated Potato Growers. She was deeply committed to her faith and her church, St. Edward’s Catholic Church, where she was an active member of the Altar Society. Her Catholic faith was her compass, and she attended daily Mass as often as she could, praying the rosary multiple times a day for her children, grandchildren, and all those she loved.
Lucille’s hands were rarely still. She loved to crochet, creating beautiful pieces that warmed the homes and hearts of her family. Her flower gardens were the pride of her neighborhood—vibrant, blooming reflections of her nurturing spirit. She was a gifted baker whose kitchen always smelled of fresh bread and sweet treats, and she believed in the joy of movement—walking regularly and staying active well into her later years.
She loved to play cards and laugh with her grandchildren, often playfully cheating during games just like her mother, Francis Blawat. And no one who knew Lucille could forget how much she loved to polka with Ted, spinning around the dance floor with a joy that was contagious.
Lucille Passa was the proud matriarch of a large and loving family: eight children, 18 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. Her life was a testament to the beauty of simplicity, the strength of love, and the power of faith. She was the heart of her family, and her warmth, kindness, and gentle wisdom will be missed beyond words.
She is survived by her children: Larry (Brigita) Passa, Daryl (Kate) Passa, Ron (the late Cindy) Passa, Terry (Lisa) Passa, Linda (the late Dale McDougall) (Rick Olson), Matt (Holly) Passa, Jayme (Jane) Passa, and Brent (Allison) Passa.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ted Passa; her son-in-law, Dale McDougall; her daughter-in-law, Cindy Passa; and all of her siblings: Effie Kroll, Lillian Mozinski, Anne Passa, Joe Blawat, Dick Blawat, Alfred Blawat, Josephine Kruczynski, Harry Blawat, and Leonard Jr. Blawat.
Services will be held at St. Edward Catholic Church Drayton, ND:
Prayer Service: Thursday, June 12, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., with the Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Mass: Friday, June 13
Visitation: 10:00 a.m.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m.
Luncheon: Immediately following the service
Christian Burial: 2:00 p.m. at St. Edward Cemetery, beside her husband, Ted
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to St. Edward Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice in Lucille’s honor.
Lucille’s life was a quiet masterpiece of devotion and grace. May she now rest in eternal peace, cradled in the love of God and forever remembered in the hearts of those who cherished her.
Arrangements are entrusted to Austin Funeral Home, Drayton, ND.

Bonita Olson, of Edinburg, ND, passed away June 6th at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND at the age of 89, surrounded by her loving family.
Bonita Joy McCall was born April 16, 1936 to Howard and Opal McCall in Plentywood, Montana. She graduated from Comertown High School in 1953 and later married her hometown sweetheart, Larry, on November 1,1953 in Comertown. They made their first home on a farm and within a few years, moved to Plentywood, Montana where Larry was an electrician. Later, they moved to Great Falls, Montana where they lived about 12 years before making Edinburg, ND their home in 1971. While in Edinburg, Larry and Bonita began their own business: Olson Electric. Bonita was the secretary/bookkeeper. In 1995, Bonita became the secretary for Trinity Lutheran Church, where she was a member. She loved that job, working with great pastors and parishioners. She held that job 28 years before retiring.
All Bonita had ever wanted was to get married and have children. She got her wish; the couple had six children – five girls and a boy. All were teachers who learned from the best: their mother.
Bonita was happy being a mom and homemaker, and she was a truly wonderful mom. She knew just what to say when her kids needed her advice, and no celebration was complete without her. She taught all her family that they can achieve anything and inspired them to do their very best in everything.
She was also a great cook and baker. It was rare to have store-bought bread and buns in the house because she baked bread at least once a week. She excelled in big meals and somehow knew just the right amount to fix. Family gatherings easily drew over 20 people.
Most of Bonita’s time was spent keeping track of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She always wanted to know what they were doing, and they called her almost daily to report in, though they knew better than to call when an important ball game was on TV. When they did, they would fortunately also hear about what everyone else was doing because while she never took notes, she remembered it all. She was interested in all their activities and shenanigans, and went to many sports games, piano recitals, programs, etc. She was the glue for her close-knit family. Many hours were spent with many family members all together, laughing, telling stories, and getting advice. Her grand and great-grandchildren especially loved how she joked and played with them. Her home and the Edinburg community was special to Bonita, so in the last ten years of her life, her daughter Lori lived with her, which allowed her to remain at home. She enjoyed her regular day to day activities and her revolving door with family constantly coming and going.
Her love of our Lord was evident in the way she raised her family and in her dedication to her church and its members. With the assurance of Eternal Life, she knew this world was just a blink of an eye, and Jesus was waiting for her in the end.
Bonita is survived by her children: Janet (Randy) Johansen, Edinburg, ND; Judy (Allen) Sorbo, Adams, ND; Lori Olson, Edinburg, ND; Jill Pilon, Grafton, ND; Mark Olson, Arlington, MA; and Marjean Olson, New York, NY. Her grandchildren: Jesse (Kris) Johansen, Manvel, ND; Jeremy Johansen, Edinburg, ND; Marlie Kingery, Bemidji, MN; Diana Sorbo (Grant Larson), Broomfield, CO; Andrew (Kayla) Sorbo, Thompson, ND; Sara Sorbo, Portland, OR; and Elizabeth Pilon, Fargo, ND. Her great grandchildren: Sophia, Hadley, Axel and Oliver Sorbo; Caden and Egan Johansen; Harper and Hazel Kingery; and Ivy Larson; son-in-law, Noel Pilon; future daughter-in-law, Del Masongo; sister, Vivian Veazey, Minot, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews and their offspring. She loved all her family deeply. 
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lawrence C. Olson; siblings, Aubrey (Lucy) McCall; Robert (Betty) McCall; Barbara (Russell) Long; Phyllis (Ken) Long. In-laws: Doris (Alf) Storaasli; Alice Olson, June (Ed) Heidt; Evedine (Waldemar) Lane; brothers-in-law, Doug Veazey and Glen Olson; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Edinburg.  Visitation will be for one hour prior the service at the church.  Interment will be at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery of Edinburg.

Linda F. Chaput
November 12, 1946 — June 5, 2025
Walhalla

​Linda F. Chaput, 78, of Walhalla, ND passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Pembilier Nursing Center in Walhalla, ND. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Walhalla Lutheran Church in Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Linda Faye Hiller was born November 12, 1946, in Langdon, ND to Fred and Bena (Johnson) Hiller. She grew up in Cavalier and graduated from Cavalier High School in 1964. On September 30, 1965, she married Francis Chaput in Olga, ND. In 1969, they moved to Walhalla. Linda worked at several different restaurants in Cavalier and Walhalla. She enjoyed bingo, bowling, cooking, and bird watching while at the nursing home. Linda was especially fond of her little dog Hershey.
She is survived by her husband, Francis, children: Wanda (Dewey) Balsdon, Walhalla, ND, Sheila (Ron) Piper, Grand Forks, ND, Jason (Rochelle) Chaput, Hensel, ND, grandchildren: Christiana Gillen, Tyler (Kate) Piper, Tanner Piper and Steven (Katie) Balsdon, great-grandchildren: Leo Gillen, Erica and Madison Balsdon, Lena and Bodie Piper, and Zander and Teegan Balsdon. She is also survived by her sisters: Joan (Don) Tongen, Kellene Nabben, and Debbie (Jim) Abar, and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. 
Preceding her in death were her parents, Fred and Bena, sisters, Fern Marie and Luella and grandson-in-law, Travis Gillen. 

Linda Hoselton, age 88 of Grafton, ND, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.
Linda Hjellum was born November 12, 1936 in Rugby, ND, the daughter of the late Pete and Myrtle (Moen) Hjellum.  She was baptized and confirmed at the Norway Lutheran Church in rural Denbigh, ND.  She grew up in rural Denbigh and graduated from Towner High School in 1954.  Following her education she worked at Solar Gas in Rugby, ND.  She was united in marriage to Wayne Dokken in 1955 and they were blessed with 5 children: Valerie, Bruce, Steve, Lori and Lisa.  The family moved to Grafton, ND in 1962 where she worked at Sears and later with the Walsh County Highway Department where she earned the North Dakota County Employee of the Year in 1998.  She later married Warren Hoselton in 1990 and the couple moved to Drayton.  She returned to Grafton and moved into the Lutheran Sunset Home in April of 2025.
She was a member of the Grafton Lutheran Church.  One of the highlights of her life was a trip in 1997 to Norway for a family reunion where she was able to see where her father grew up and met many relatives.  She also enjoyed attending Minnesota Twins games with family and going on trips to Florida, Alaska, Missouri, the Black Hills and Medora.  She loved noisy gatherings at her home with food prepared by her.  She made quilts for family members and learned to knit and do hardanger.  She also made sure to plant a garden each year.
Linda is survived by her children: Steve (Kelly) Dokken, Grafton, ND, Lori (Terry) Burns, Grafton, ND, and Lisa Dokken, St. Cloud, MN; son-in-law James (Jan) Aasand, Grafton, ND; daughter-in-law Sue Dokken, Fargo, ND; 9 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; step children: Sally (Dave) Kliniske, Drayton, ND, Cindy (Craig) Westin, Grenora, Rick (Becky) Hoselton, Fargo, ND, Roger (Rosario) Hoselton, FL, Mary Olson, Minot, ND, Scott (Cindy) Hoselton, Fargo, ND, and Linda (Wayne) Kadlec, Lankin, ND; as well numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Wayne and Warren, daughter Valerie Aasand, son Bruce Dokken, sister Susie Jaeger and infant brother Earl Hjellum.
Funeral services will be Friday, June 6, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Grafton Lutheran Church.  Visitation will be from 9-10:30 AM Friday at the church. Inurnment will be at the Grafton Lutheran Cemetery of Grafton.