 Freda Marie Bjornson, 84 of Fargo, ND and formerly of Mountain, ND passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Sanford on Broadway. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Vikur Lutheran Church, Mountain, ND.
Freda Marie Dinusson was born January 1, 1937 near Walhalla, ND to Brandur and Olive (Bryce) Dinusson. She grew up in the Cavalier area and graduated from Cavalier High School in 1956. Marie then attended the University of North Dakota for one year for nursing. On November 21, 1959, she married Joe Bjornson at Mountain, ND. After their marriage they lived and farmed in the Mountain area. Marie worked at the First State Bank in Cavalier, Borg Memorial Home in Mountain and the Edinburg Public School. In 1992, after Joe’s death she moved to West Fargo, ND. It was there she became a CNA and worked at various nursing home in the area. Things she enjoyed were crocheting, especially baby blankets, baking, which included cookies for the homeless shelters, gardening, and tending her flowers. She is survived by her daughters: Karri (Scot) Ramsey, Rochester, MN and Kristi (Darrell) Martin, West Fargo, ND, grandchildren: Hayley (Jeff) Brown, Brittany (Scott) Huneke; Kristopher (Millissa) Martin Tyler (Jenny) Martin, Louella Martin, Mni Martin, and Kalis Martin; great-grandchildren: Adeline, Robbie, Emilia, Kaycie, Krista, Vivian, Keeanu, and Mattie. Also surviving are her siblings: Annie Lindman and Arlo (Ruth) Dinusson. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, Joe, siblings: Alvin Dinusson, Evie Einarson, Edith Thorfinnson, Lloyd Dinusson, Dorothy Hanson.
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 Merry Beth Kjos passed away on July 31, 2021, 2021 at Valley Senior Living after a courageous 3 month fight with acute myeloid leukemia.
Merry was born in Grafton, ND July 14, 1950 to Norman and Evelyn (Rustan) Kjos. She was raised on a farm near Hoople, ND, and enjoyed the educational benefits of attending ‘country school’, first in the 1 room school near their farm home, then in the ‘new’ two-room Dundee School, where she graduated from 8th grade with five other classmates. Those six country kids entered high school together in Park River, ND at the then Walsh County Agricultural School. Lifelong memories were made with her new (and old) friends as Merry took part in many organizations. She capped off her senior year as a Homecoming princess and honor student. Heading to college at the University of North Dakota opened up new opportunities for friends and activities, while studying to be a nurse. Merry was well- known at Gillette Hall for her late-night pre-test study habits. Gillette 411 was a hub for old and new friendships that lasted a lifetime. She enjoyed serving as a fraternity “Pikette”. Following UND graduation in 1972 with her R.N. degree, she joined the nursing staff at Deaconess Hospital in Grand Forks. When United Hospital opened in 1976, Merry took the opportunity to work in the Surgery Department. This became her work ‘home’ with early and late hours until 2009 when she retired from Altru Hospital. Merry was known by family and friends as a great gift-giver, Coke drinker, shopper, and traveler. Her pets and the color pink were other loves. Although an only child, she shared close relationships with her cousins, making memories with them during every holiday gathering of the Rustan clan. Many young people called her “Auntie Merry”. Her three goddaughters, Tami Jo Martin, Brooke Filipi, and Danielle Filipi, held a special place in her heart. Fighting Sioux hockey became a passion for Merry, cheering them on as a season ticket holder. She was proud to be 100% Norwegian and enjoyed exploring her heritage on several trips to Norway with lifelong friend Char Brekke. Travels with friends also took her to Italy, Great Britain, Alaska, Hawaii, China and other fun places where her shopping traits got a good work-out. Although never traveling there, her generous giving provided for many wheelchairs given to children served by Medical Mission Ecuador. Merry first learned about God’s saving love during Sunday School at Park Center Lutheran Church, rural Hoople. Country school friends were also fellow students in confirmation class & Sunday School, where they learned beloved hymns and dressed up for the annual Christmas pageant. Merry’s devotion to her faith and Park Center church continued throughout her life, as she organized summer service schedules, played the piano when needed, and served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Cemetery Board. Merry is survived by her life partner/anchor, Roger Orchard, whom she shared life experiences with for 48 years. She is also survived by cousins Nancy Stedman, Neil Ostenrude, Tim Ostenrude, Mark Fagerholt, Bud Langerud, Jim Langerud, and Dan Filipi as well as several cherished grand nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, many dear aunts and uncles, and cousins Cheryl Licandro and Jay Fagerholt. Services for Merry Kjos will be Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks with Pastor Bruce Vold officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks. Memorials are preferred to Altru Cancer Center.  Donald V. Dusterhoft age 91 of Buena Park, CA died Friday July 30, 2021 at his home in Buena Park.
Donald V. Dusterhoft was born April 25, 1930 at Glasston, North Dakota to Victor and Louise (Hartje) Dusterhoft. He grew up and attended a rural school west of Glasston and completed his education through the 8th grade in Glasston, ND. He was inducted into the United States Marine Corps in May of 1952 as a PFC 2 and served in Korea during the Korean War. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 2 stars; the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Medal and was honorably discharged from the Reserve of the United States Marine Corps in February of 1960. He married Louise M. Stark at Cavalier April 21, 1954. They lived in Glasston and Cavalier where he worked for area farmers. In October of 1963 the family moved to California where he worked as a bartender at Johnnie Jay’s in Lakewood and the Irisher in Seal Beach. Later he owned and operated his own cleaning business and retired as head custodian at Los Alamitos High School in Los Alamitos. Donald is survived by sons: Roger Dusterhoft of Springfield, MO and Kurt (Cinnamon) Dusterhoft of Indian Trail, NC; daughters: Dorinda (Jon) Gilmore of Westminster, CA, Carolyn (Michael) Coates of Cypress, CA and Joni McGrath of Stratham, NH; eight grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; sisters: Donna Siewert of Drayton, ND and Eleanor Reopelle of Springfield, OR. He was preceded in death by his parents: brother, Loren Dusterhoft and sisters: Verna Walls, Beverly Dancses, Marlys Smith, Jan Dusterhoft. Funeral service will be held on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church in Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 12th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND.  Ella Rae Boehm died at her home in Crystal, ND, on Monday, July 26, 2021, of natural causes. Memorial service will be held Thursday, July 29, 2021, at 10: a.m. at the Dovre Lutheran Church, Osnabrock, ND. Visitation will be held for one hour before the time of the service.
Ella Rae was born on March 7, 1945, in Cut Bank, Montana to Ralph and Margaret Morken. After growing up on the family farm near Osnabrock, ND, she attended Mayville State University in Mayville, ND where she obtained her English teacher’s degree. After teaching for a year Ella Rae met and married Eugene Boehm with whom she had two sons. Ella Rae was a hard worker and besides teaching, held a variety of jobs throughout the years including an accountant for a camper building business and working with the disabled. After retiring she moved to Crystal, ND and enjoyed doting on her grandchildren, being around her good friends in a close-knit community and being a part of the local Lutheran church. Ella Rae is survived by her sons: Christopher (Gwen) and Jonathan; grandchildren: Kaylyn, Jacob, Jorden, and Landen, and many close friends in her community.  James A. Janikowski, age 85, of Grafton, ND, passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.
James Janikowski was born January 2, 1936 in Grafton, ND, the son of the late Walter and Myrtle (Strand) Janikowski. He grew up and attended school in Grafton. He was united in marriage to Rita Dusek on February 21, 1953. He enlisted in the US Army where he served in the Korean War from 1953-1955. Following his discharge he returned to Grafton where he worked for various employers. He started Jim’s Remodeling in 1976 where he did remodeling jobs until retiring in 1998. He continued to do the odd job here and there following his retirement. He moved into the Lutheran Sunset Home in September of 2019. James was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton, the Grafton VFW where he served as post Commander, the Military Order of the Cootie, the American Legion, and the AMVETS. He is survived by his chidren: Cathy Janikowski, Bismarck, ND, Myra (Mark) Howard, Grand Forks, ND, Brian (Michelle) Janikowski, Cecilia (Rick) LaHaise,and Todd (Roxanne) Janikowski, all of Grafton, ND; grandchildren: Darren Eng, Laura (Corey) Kasprick, Barrett (Heidi) Eng, Ryan Eng, Megan (Jake) Ellefson, Brock Janikowski, Savannah (Andrew) Spartz, and Joshua Howard; 6 great grandchildren; siblings: Donald (Yvonne) Janikowski, ID and Mary Ann Frieze, Eugene, OR; special friend for many years Phyllis Campbell; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Allen, grandson Christopher Janikowski, 2 brothers and 1 sister. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 1:30 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home. Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard. Inurnment will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery of Grafton. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.  Jane M. Zidon, age 93 of rural Pisek, ND passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at the Halstad Living Center in Halstad, MN.
Jane M. Wysoski was born July 14, 1928 in Grafton, ND the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Silewski) Wysoski. She attended elementary school at Dist. 157 and graduated from Minto High School. She attended Mayville State Teachers College and Banking School in Fargo. Following her education she returned to Grafton and worked as a teller at the Grafton National Bank. She married Peter Sevigny in November of 1948. One son, Robert was born to this union. Peter passed away in May of 1950. Jane married Anton Zidon on October 7, 1952 in Grafton, ND. The couple made their home on the farm near Pisek. Anton passed away on Aug. 22, 2005. Jane continued to live on the farm until May of 2021 when she moved to the Halstad Living Center. She was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church and Altar Society of Veseleyville, ND and the Pisek American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed needlework, especially quilting, baking, playing Bingo and trips to the casino. Jane is survived by her children: Robert, Geralyn (Kerry), Allen (Joy), Dennis, Cathy (Larry), Janet (Todd), Ann (Paul) and David (Chrystal); 17 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and siblings: Joe (Sue), Jim (Nancy) and brother-in-law, Richard. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, two infant children, granddaughter, Becky, sisters: Terry and Irene and brother, Ray. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church of Veseleyville, ND. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 PM with a rosary service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton, ND. Friends may also call at the church on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Hospice of the Red River Valley, St. Luke’s Catholic Church or the Halstad Living Center, Halstad, MN.  Marcella V. (Marcy) Arzel, age 102 of Grafton, ND and formerly of Park River and Grand Forks passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.
Marcella V. Jestrab was born November 12, 1918 near Conway, ND the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Machovsky) Jestrab. She attended elementary school at the Eden District #49 near Conway. She graduated valedictorian from Pisek High School and attended Mayville State Teachers College. Following her education she taught rural schools in Sautor Township, Lankin Public School, Eden District #49 and three rural schools in Grand Forks County, including the Forest River Hutterite Colony. She was married to Andre “Frenchy” Arzel. When she retired from teaching she made her home in Grand Forks with her brother, Eugene and worked as a waitress at the Riverbend in East Grand Forks for many years. Marcy moved to the Assisted Living Apartments in Park River in 2001. She lived at the Borg Home in Mountain, ND for nine years then moved to the Good Samaritan in Park River. In October of 2020 she moved to the Memory Care Unit at the Lutheran Sunset Home. Marcy was well known for wearing her fashionable clothes and high heels! Marcy is survived by several nieces and nephews, the children and families of her sister, Jim and Evelyn (Jestrab) Peterka. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Park River, ND. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at the Conway City Cemetery, Conway, ND.  Delbert Lewallen passed away on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at the age of 96 in Cando, ND. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Christian Fellowship Church in Cando, ND with Pastor Jeff Peters officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.
The service will be livestreamed on the church YouTube page at: https://youtube.com/channel/UCkYqz4gdUCZ4rjR8bjNUI_A Delbert was born January 4, 1925 to Dan and Fannie Lewallen in the farmhouse south of Bisbee, ND. He spent his childhood on the family farm with his brother and sister. He attended Hardwheat School through grade 8 until he started full-time work on the farm. He was active at the Zion Church of the Brethren and in the community. On October 20, 1947 he married the love of his life, Beverly Smeltzer whom he grew up with in the community and at church. With Beverly by his side, they raised five children on this third-generation farm growing wheat and barley crops, raising dairy cows and beef cattle, pigs, chickens, and tending a huge garden. Besides his farm duties, Delbert was active in the Cando Church of the Brethren, as a deacon, church board member, men’s group and Camp Mon-Dak leadership roles, and served as representative for the Northern Plains District. He also served as a trustee on the board of McPherson College, McPherson, KS. As a result of his farming knowledge, he was invited to serve on the Bisbee Elevator board and ND Barley council. Beyond farming, his responsibilities included volunteering with the Bisbee Fire Department and serving as a volunteer ambulance attendant. Delbert had a vision to build and establish a legacy to pass the farm on to the next generation. He planted trees to strategically establish shelter and protection, positioned buildings, increased the layout with a leg system, and added roadways and water systems in order to make his old homestead progressive and modern. In the late 1970’s his son, Bruce, joined him in the farm operation however he continued to remain active and interested. He loved time with friends and family, fishing, camping, boating and water skiing, snow plane, fox hunting and annual hunting trips. Winter months gave him time to join the Cando bowling league, Bisbee curling club, and drive a Cando school bus. Delbert and Beverly helped restore the southern US following Hurricane Hugo with their handyman and cooking skills. Having inherited property in Florida, Delbert helped build houses on the land which was then donated to Habitat For Humanity. They enjoyed trips to Israel and Alaska, cruises, European farm tours and traveling throughout Canada and the US, visiting friends and their children and grandchildren. In later years, they retired to Arizona enjoying sunshine and new friends! Delbert was a selfless, generous man who cared for others always putting them first. He addressed situations with wisdom and a positive attitude. He loved his family, he loved farming and he loved God. He is an example of living a full life filled with meaning and purpose. Delbert will be cherished and remembered by his 5 children, Gloria (Larry) Martin of Goshen, IN; daughter, Rhonda (Bob) Osness of Calgary, Alberta; daughter, Denisse (Steve) Cameron of Estes Park, CO; son, Bruce (Karen) Lewallen of Bisbee, ND; daughter, Celeste (Jeff) McChesney of Waxhaw, NC; 14 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Beverly, a son, Dennis, brother and sister.  Sandra “Sandy” Novak, age 80, of Park River and formerly of the Lankin-Fordville area, passed away on Tuesday July 13, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Society in Park River.
Sandra was born October 16, 1940 the daughter of Charles and Vlasta “Pat” (Harazim) Rose. She was raised and grew to womanhood at Lankin. She attended and graduate from the Lankin Public School. Sandy married Ronald Novak on June 3, 1959 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lankin. The couple lived and farmed in Medford Township until 2016 when they moved into Park River. Ronald preceded her in death on February 18, 2018. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lankin and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Park River. She belonged to Band Mothers, was a local election worker, and a ND Angus Auxiliary Member. Sandy was Walsh County Farm Woman of The Year; a member of the Jolly Country Homemakers. Sandy worked at the Lankin Cenex, the Silver Dollar Café and Chester Myrvik Café, Lankin. Sandy drove farm truck every fall and spring, working side by side with her husband and family. Sandy loved to read, do ceramics, visit on the phone; always friendly and made people feel welcome. At the farm she loved to put meals on with her best china. She attended every grandchilds event and always bought a treat for any child that came into Cenex. Sandy made people feel welcome in her home with a friendly visit and good food. Sandy is survived by her sons: Curt Novak, Park River and Terry (Yolanda) Novak, Fordville; grandchildren: Breanna (Nathan) Brintnell, Blaine Novak, Brogan Novak, Bryce Novak, Brittany (Nathan) Jallo, Brooke Novak (Cody Smith) and Bethany Novak (Alan Mart); Great-Grandchildren: Levi Brintnell, Lauren Brintnell, Colt Tronson and Lillian Jallo. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Park River. VISITATION: One hour prior to the Mass in the Church. RITE OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Lankin, ND.  Beverly L. Schiefelbein, age 75 of Fargo, ND and formerly Grafton, ND passed away on July 11, 2021 at Bethany Retirement Community of Fargo.
Memorial Services will be on Thursday, July 15th, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Grafton, ND. Visitation will be prior to the service from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M at the church. Inurnment will be at Landstad Cemetery of rural Auburn, ND. An online guestbook is available at: www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements. |
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