 Ardella L. Hoenke, age 91 of Grafton, ND passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2020 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.
Ardella Holt was born October 29, 1928 in Grafton, ND, the daughter of the late Herbert and Gladys (Sando) Holt. She was baptized at South Trinity Lutheran Church. She grew up and attended school in Grafton, graduating from Grafton High School. She was united in marriage to Charles Hoenke on September 23, 1948 at South Trinity Lutheran Church. The couple made their home near Grafton and she was employed as a clerk at several area businesses. The couple moved into the Leisure Estates apartments in 2016. Charles passed away on June 26, 2018 and she moved into the Lutheran Sunset Home in October of 2019. She was a member of the Zion English Lutheran Church and Ladies Aide of Grafton, as well as the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries. She enjoyed spending time outside, flowers, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by her children: Kevin (Elizabeth) Hoenke, Jodean (Bill) Collette, Cheryl Estevis and Carol (Mark) Osowski, all of Grafton, eight grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles, and daughter and son-in-law Glenda (John) Glanner. Private family services will be held at a later date with interment at the South Trinity Lutheran Cemetery of rural Grafton.
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 Donald E. Lipsh, age 68 of Warren, MN and formerly Walsh County, passed away peacefully with family by his side on August 20, 2020 at Altru Hospital of Grand Forks, ND.
Donald Edward Lipsh was born September 13, 1951 in Grafton, ND to the late John and Antoinette (Tuma) Lipsh. He grew up on a farm south of Pisek with his 7 siblings. He made his way through life on his own terms and raised his family in the Pisek, Fordville, and Lankin areas. Donald found great pride and love in preparing meals for his family and working hard to support them. If anything was for sure, Donald taught his kids and all around him that a hard day’s work was important and rewarding. Not many could out work him. He worked in the Walsh County area as a farm hand for gracious and caring farmers, such as Mike Gorder Farms. In retirement came his true calling, loving and spending time with his grandchildren. Whether biologically his or merely those that called him grandpa, they were the reason he went through trials and tribulations in his life, to have the chance to love them, unconditionally. Donald is survived by his children: Chris (Sharon) Lipsh, Grafton, ND; DeeJ Lipsh, Walhalla, ND; Jesse Lipsh (Nano Moreno), Walhalla, ND, and Jade (Kyle) Matti, Warren, MN; 7 grandchildren; siblings: Ronnie Lipsh, Luxemburg, WI and Mayme Jarus, Pembina, ND and many nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Daniel, Leonard, John “Buddy”, Betty McMillan, Annie Lipsh; and grandsons: Adam and John Lipsh. Donald was a stubborn and ornery person, who dearly loved his family and friends, but didn’t love crowds or this COVID-19 stuff. There were far too many times his loved ones heard “I’m fine!” or “Leave me alone”, but we knew he loved and needed us. Therefore, we are still going to gather in his memory. Visitation will be on Friday, August 28, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. A private family inurnment will take place at St. Luke’s Catholic Cemetery of Veseleyville, ND.  Ellen M. “Nookie” Toews, 80, of Walhalla, ND passed away Thursday, August 20, 2020, at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital, Cavalier, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, August 24, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held Sunday, August 23rd from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. rosary service.
Ellen M. “Nookie” Goulet was born December 7, 1939 at Concrete, ND to Paul and Mary (Vondal) Goulet. She grew up at Concrete and later moved to Walhalla, where she was a cheerleader while she attended school. She married Charles Henry Jerome and together they had three children, Sherry, Sheila, and James. Nookie later married Abe Toews on October 6, 1967 at Hallock, MN. To this union two children were born, Darla and Jon. Together, Ellen and Abe made a home next to her parents in Walhalla. She worked picking potatoes and as a waitress before becoming a stay at home Mom. She was uncommonly kind and was a grandma, aunty, or second mom to many of the neighborhood kids throughout the decades. Her home was a safe haven and she kept her door open for anyone in need. She was always willing to listen or give advice or help however she could. She loved rummage sales and music and Christmas. Ellen faced life fearlessly with her family and faith in God. She was a fierce woman who loved family above all and took great pride in her children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is passing on a legacy of love. Nookie is survived by her husband, Abe, children: Sheila Forrey and James (Cathy) Jerome, all of Walhalla, ND, Darla (Shawn) Jerome, Grand Forks, ND, and Jon Toews, Walhalla, ND. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Jeff (Kim), Suzanne (Jeff) and Kasandra; Robert (Alexa) and Jesse (Laenee); and Nikki (Eric), Christopher (Emily), Brady (Jackie); Jacob, Piper, and Gavyn; 19 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, daughter, Sherry, and siblings: Mary Dorella “Che-Che” Johnson, Paul Leonard Goulet and David Louis “Sonny” Goulet.  Mary M. Osowski, age 103 of Minto, ND passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton. Mary was born March 12, 1917 in Regent, ND to Charles and Mary (Tupa) Kouba. She was one of ten children.
Mary came to Grafton in the spring of 1935 where she met the love of her life, Chester Osowski. Chester and Mary were married on June 2, 1937. They lived on a farm in rural Grafton for 37 years where they raised 5 children; Joan, David, Paul, Phyllis & Ruth “Putti”. Then moved to Minto in 1970. Mary and Chester spent their summer months working on the farm and their winter months in Mesa, AZ. They loved to travel all over the United States together and made date night a priority. The love they had for each other was so special. Chester passed away July 1, 1986. Mary continued living in Minto until she moved to the Lutheran Sunset Home in October of 2014. Mary, otherwise known as “Granny” was a member of the Minto Altar Society, American Legion Auxiliary, Golden Age Club, Minto Historical Society and Minto Development Cooperation. She was the life-long farm calendar record keeper for Osowski Farms and took pride in writing her life story, “Mary’s Memories”. She loved cooking, baking, canning and playing cards. Mary also cherished all the visitors and letters received while at the nursing home. She would often say, “I just don’t know why everyone likes me so much” with a smirk on her face. So many have asked how she lived such a long life and her response was “be sure to keep your mind busy or you’ll lose your marbles, I have only lost a few!” Surviving Mary are 2 children, Joan Ledbury of Grand Forks, ND; David Osowski of Minto, ND; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren who will miss her dearly. Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Chester Osowski; parents, Charles and Mary Kouba; son, Paul Osowski; daughter, Phyllis Grzadzielewski; daughter, Ruth “Putti” Heder; grandson, Philip Robinson; grandson, Lee Heder, great-grandson Zachary Osowski; and great-great granddaughter Rylie McNelis. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, August 24, 2020 at 10:30 A.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Minto. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery of Minto. Masks are recommended and social distancing guidelines will be followed. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to be sent to the Lutheran Sunset Home or the Sacred Heart Cemetery fund.  Alice Grzadzieleski, 90, of Grand Forks and formerly of Drayton, North Dakota passed to eternal life on August 17, 2020 at the age of 90.
Alice Bridget (Lessard) Grzadzieleski was born on September 24, 1929 to Albert and Ethel (Poole) Lessard on a farm near Oakwood, North Dakota. She attended school at St. Aloysius Academy in Oakwood and later graduated from Drayton Public School in May of 1947. During the course of her life she was employed at Lillegard and Erickson’s, Drayton State Bank, St Elizabeth’s Hospital, American Crystal Sugar Co., Grafton State School and Drayton Public School. Alice married Harris John Grzadzieleski on August 9, 1949 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Oakwood. Together this union of love brought eight children: Linda (Jack) Thompson, Donaldson, MN, Rodney (Nancy), Meridian, ID, Mary (Bill) Roehm, Travelers Rest, SC, Wanda (Peter) Grzadzieleski, Thompson, ND, Michael (Ruth), Grand Forks, Timothy (deceased), Julie (Michael) Anderson, Jacksonville, FL and Paul , Grand Forks; 14 grandchilden and 22 great grandchildren. Alice had an insatiable thirst for learning and she stressed the importance of education, family, integrity and having a source larger than yourself – God. She stood firm in what she believed in. Alice was known for her baking skills, her love of flowers and fresh garden vegetables. She prided herself in reaping and canning these annually. Above all her faith was important to her with Ecclesiastics 3:1-8 and John 3:16-17 being her favorite Bible verses and the Rosary her favorite prayer. Alice knew several, “homes”, 701 N 3rd St., Edgewood, Tamarac in Stephen, MN, Halstad Living Center and finally Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks. She was very adaptable and loved all four sites. The family wishes to thank Fr. Gross, Hospice and Valley Senior Living for their impeccable love and service to Alice when she needed it most. A special thanks to Kassi, an LPN, and to her sister for singing “In The Arms Of An Angel” before her passing. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ethel and Albert Lessard; an infant brother, Kenneth; an infant son, Timothy, her husband, Harris and two grandsons, Adam and Drew. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday, August 21, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. in St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Drayton. Interment will be in St. Edward’s Cemetery, Drayton. Visitation will be held in the church for one hour prior to the service. Social distancing and masks will be appreciated. May Alice rest in peace with the Souls of the Departed.  JoAnn Susan Ryba, 83 of Lakota, ND, formerly of Lankin, ND, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society-Lakota after a short battle with brain cancer.
JoAnn Susan Kotaska was born April 2, 1937, ten minutes after her twin sister Dorothy, to Lewis and Josephine (Kachena) Kotaska. She grew up in the Conway/Pisek area and attended the local township school until the eighth grade. She worked helping local families with babysitting, cleaning, gardening and milking cows. She worked at the Park River Hospital as a nurse’s aide before marrying James Frank Ryba on June 19, 1957 in Pisek, ND. They lived on the family farm near Lankin, ND where they raised beef cattle and small-grain crops and milked dairy cattle. She and James loved to work in their large garden and sold cream in Dahlen, ND to help support their family. With four children under the age of seven, JoAnn earned her GED in 1965 by taking correspondence classes. JoAnn organized a local 4-H club where she proudly instructed over 146 girls and boys for over 46 years and received numerous achievement awards for her leadership roles. She served on the Michigan ambulance crew as a CPR Instructor, First Responder, and EMT for over 20 years ending in February 2004. JoAnn was also an active member for several state-wide and local organizations, including North Dakota Agri-Women Chair for 12 years where she delivered a gift basket to the first baby born after January 1 each year, American Cancer Society, Whitman Homemakers Club for 45 years, American Legion Auxiliary, Sts. Peter & Paul Altar Society, and Farmers Union. She held the position of secretary for the Kosobud Lodge since 2009 until her tumor diagnosis in June. She moved to Prairie Rose in Lakota in 2013 where she continued to garden and volunteer at the Good Samaritan Society-Lakota. She assisted residents with Bingo games and helped serve goodies to residents of Prairie Rose. JoAnn was always willing to lend a hand and give to others. JoAnn is survived by children, Kathleen (Larry) Brunell of North Attleboro, MA, Joseph (Darlene) Ryba of Lankin, ND, Karen (Keith Henningsgard) Ryba of Ardoch, ND, and Pamela Varnson Ryba of Lakota, ND; grandchildren, Matthew (Meghan) Brunell of Foxboro, MA, Stacy (Matthew) Yarnall of Sandwich, MA, Megan (Kyle) Hammond of North Attleboro, MA, Joseph (Trista) Ryba of Thief River Falls, MN, and Daniel (Briana) Ryba of Brocket, ND; great grandchildren, Grace, Emma, and Madelyn Brunell of Foxboro, MA, Cameron and Jacob Yarnall of Sandwich, MA, Brayden and Declan Hammond of North Attleboro, MA, Austin, Presleigh, and Wyatt Ryba of Thief River Falls, MN, and Tallie Ryba of Brocket, ND; and brother, Paul (Rosie) Kotaska of Grand Forks, ND. JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, James F. (2012); son, James E. (2019); parents, Lewis (1979) and Josephine (1993); siblings, Mary (Maresh) Hodny (2006), Lewis Kotaska (2008), Luella Kadlec (1995), and twin Dorothy Shereck (2017). The Funeral Mass will be held at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Bechyne, rural Lankin, ND, on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in the WFL Kosobud Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Friday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary & Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the Church on Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, JoAnn had requested that donations be given to the Kosobud Cemetery or Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Bechyne.  Marion K. Enerson, 97, of Hamilton, ND, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2020, at Wedgewood Manor, Cavalier, ND. Funeral service will be held Friday, August 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cavalier Presbyterian Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the church.
Marion Kathleen (née, Erickson) Enerson was born on January 13, 1923 at her grandparent's farm house near Ross, Minnesota. Her parents, George S. Erickson and Clara D. (née, Haaby) Erickson, were children of Norwegian immigrants who raised their seven children on a dairy farm outside of Roseau, MN. Marion was their first daughter and second child. She graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture, a residential high school in Crookston, MN. After high school, Marion was trained as a sheet metal worker at the Northwest Airlines modification center in St. Paul, MN where B-24 Liberators were modified for wartime use. She then enlisted in the Women's Army Air Corp where she served as a radio transmitter technician in Colorado Springs, CO. After the war, she went to beauty college in Grand Forks and in the summer of 1946 met Clarence (Bud) Enerson when she stopped at Frank White's garage in Hamilton for gas. They married on December 22, 1946 at her parent's farm, and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in December 2011. According to her children, Marion cooked a great pot roast, baked the world's best cinnamon rolls and canned peaches, pears and other fruits and vegetables every summer. She sewed dresses for her girls, took meals out to the field and hauled grain during harvest. She fixed the hair of many Hamilton ladies. She was proud of her old house and was constantly rearranging furniture. She took pleasure in her grandchildren and their activities, kept a diary for over 50 years and kept scrapbooks of Hamilton news. She did crossword and Jumble puzzles. She was an active 4-H leader and a member of Presbyterian Ladies Aide, Progressive Homemakers and Eastern Star. She got online 35 years ago and until the last few months followed her grandchildren's activities on Facebook. She had little fear and trusted in her Lord. Marion worked at the Pioneer Rest Home in Bathgate for many years and later as a nurses' aide at Pembina Country Memorial Hospital. She liked helping people and enjoyed the company of her co-workers. She has lived at Wedgewood Manor in Cavalier since 2015. Marion was preceded in death by her daughter Marcia, who died on February 29, 2012, and her husband, Bud, who died November 6, 2012. She is also predeceased by her brothers Everett Erickson and Donald Erickson and her sister Vivian Dvergsten. Survivors include her children: Rozanne (Howard) Junker (San Francisco, CA), Elaine (Myles) Martin (Reno, NV), Jody (Gary) Sharp (Hamilton, ND) and Norman (Lisa) Enerson (Grand Forks, ND). She has nine grandchildren: Faith Martin (Reno, NV), Paul Martin (Tasmania), Carla Gilbertson (Hamilton, ND), Madison Junker (Greeley, CO) James Sharp, (Minneapolis, MN), Joseph Sharp (Sacramento, CA), Ryan Enerson (Des Moines, IA), Tyler Enerson (Grand Forks, ND) and Bryce Enerson (Grand Forks, ND). She has seven great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Also surviving Marion is her brother, Clayton Erickson (Roseau, MN) and sisters Carol (Ronnie) Olson, (Wannaska, MN) and Linda (Gerald) Berg (Greenbush, MN). Her family would like to thank her kind caregivers and attentive staff at Wedgewood Manor, where she took great pleasure in BINGO, especially if she won! Memorials may be sent to the Hamilton Methodist Presbyterian Church (c/o Dorothy Robinson, Box 124, Hamilton, ND 58238) or Fraser Hall (online: Fraserltd.org or by mail: 2902 South University Drive, Fargo ND 58103) Marion was still waiting to see a woman elected President of the United States when she passed away on August 15, 2020, surrounded by her family.  Patsy L. Kemnitz, 88, of Cavalier, ND passed away peacefully holding Gerald’s hand on Saturday, August 8, 2020. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at the United Lutheran Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 11th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the United Lutheran Church. Social distancing and the use of masks are recommended.
Patsy was born February 18, 1932, on the family farm near Svold, ND, to Bob and Alpha Sturlaugson. She graduated from Cavalier High School in 1950 and attended Mayville State Teachers College. She taught two years at country schools. On August 3, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Gerald, at the Svold Church. Their special love lasted for 68 years. For 54 of those years, she worked alongside Gerald in farming, auctioneering, and baler sales. In 2016, they moved into Cavalier. They spent many winters in Mesa, AZ, where they made lasting friendships. Patsy served as a 4-H leader for 20 years and on the Pembina County Fair Board. She was a member of the Blue Ribbon Homemakers and a faithful Christian servant in the church and community. Patsy’s talents as a seamstress were well known. Pies, homemade buns, and cookies were a delight for her family and all who visited their home. Her greatest joy was her family. When the family was together, Patsy was her happiest. Patsy’s life was an example of giving, positivity, kindness and gratitude. Patsy looked for the best in everyone and everything. She always considered herself blessed. She is survived by her children: Darrell (Karen) Kemnitz, Kathy (Chuck) Fisher, Linda (Lynn) Paulson, Nancy (John) Jenson, and Duane (Shawnda) Kemnitz, 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and sister, Karen (Charlie) Clark. Preceding her in death were her parents, mother and father-in-law Ida and Alfred, and brother, Robert. Patsy’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and love to the caregivers at the Borg Home. They were her extended family.  Michael T. Brevik, age 72 of Park River, ND passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.
Michael Brevik was born December 14, 1947 in Minot, ND, the son of the late Herman and Hilda (Sundvor) Brevik. He grew up and attended school in Edinburg, graduating from Edinburg High School. He was united in marriage to Shirley Phelps on December 12, 1970. Following their marriage the couple made their home in Park River where he worked for Burbidge Seed and later Hankey Seed. Shirley passed away on August 9, 2000 and he continued to make his home there. He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Park River and the Park River American Legion Post #147. Michael is survived by his sons: Michael Brevik, Des Moines, IA and Aaron Brevik, Fargo, ND and 2 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirley and sister Louise. A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 7, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery of Park River. Masks are recommended and social distancing guidelines will be followed.  Laurence S. Simundson, 85, of Cavalier, ND, passed away Monday, August 3, 2020, at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital, Cavalier, ND. A graveside service will be held Friday, August 14, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Andvari Cemetery, rural Cavalier, ND. Social distancing and masks are recommended.
Laurence was born September 30, 1934, in LaMoure Township of Pembina County to Johannes and Antoinette (Klindt) Simundson. He grew up in LaMoure Township and attended the Hilltop Country School. Laurence graduated from Walhalla High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mayville State Teachers College, where he played football. He taught school in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. After teaching, he farmed in LaMoure Township and worked at American Crystal Sugar in Drayton, ND. Laurence enjoyed caring for his cattle and raised them until the time of his passing. He also enjoyed hunting in his spare time. He was a member of the Peters Lutheran Church, Svold, ND. He is survived by his brothers: Floyd Simundson, Shelton, WA, Dick (Lorraine) Simundson, Walhalla, ND, and Orville (Marlene) Simundson, Cavalier, ND. Also surviving are his nephews and nieces and their families. Preceding him in death were his parents and an infant nephew. |
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