John D. Landsem, age 75, of Adams, ND, passed away at his home on Friday, August 29, 2025.
John was born on August 18, 1950, in Lawton, ND, to Nels and Thea (Staven) Landsem. He attended school in Lawton and Edmore, ND.
He met the love of his life, Pamela Troftgruben, at a dance at Bechyne Hall on June 29, 1966. They were married on August 24, 1968, at Mountain Lutheran Church in Adams, ND. Their marriage spanned 57 years, and they shared a total of fifty-nine wonderful years together.
John and Pam began their life together in Langdon, ND, where their first daughter, Michelle, was born. During that time, John worked at the Cargill Elevator. In 1971, they moved to Adams, where John worked at the PAR site in Nekoma and later served as a night-shift guard at the missile sites in Fairdale and Cavalier. He also spent a year commuting daily to the Grand Forks Air Base while working for Peterson Construction. Their family was complete when their second daughter, Melissa, was born in Grafton. He was always proud of his daughters and all their accomplishments.
John was a very independent person, and his entrepreneurial spirit emerged early—at age 12, he began selling garden seeds to all the ladies of Lawton. In 1975, he started John Landsem Construction, a carpentry business he successfully owned and operated for 50 years. He built not only pole barns, homes, and structures, along with numerous remodeling projects, but also lasting friendships. His strong work ethic, dedication to his customers, and pride in his craft were unmatched, and he passed those values on to his daughters and grandsons. One of his best friends, Jim Dobmeier, helped him with many projects over the years. Grandsons, Chris and Colton, were also able to help grandpa with a few projects.
John was known for his frugality and financial wisdom, teaching his family the importance of living within their means. He taught his daughters and grandsons that if you did not have the cash to buy something, you did not buy it. It was equally important to save your money. He loved his Fords, always having a new, shiny red or blue pickup and making sure Pam had a new car, and later gifting Chris and Colton each with two of his pickups when they began driving. He always put his family first and provided well for them.
His grandsons were the light of his life. He shared a special secret handshake with them, attended every school program and sporting event, and loved playing board games—especially checkers, until they grew skilled enough to beat him. He was incredibly proud of them and cherished every moment spent together. Christmas was his favorite holiday and time of the year. He loved everything about it, and he delighted in spoiling his family during the season.
John had a gift for conversation and a warm, witty sense of humor. He also had a distinct, genuine, heartfelt laugh. He loved taking drives, always stopping to visit friends, and checking in with loved ones—especially when he discovered texting. He regularly messaged his family to see what they were “up to.”
His hobbies included spending time with his family, solving crossword puzzles, watching Wheel of Fortune, taking care of their lawn, and following the stock market. He also had a lifelong love for dogs, with Copper and Bailey being his best last companions. He and Pam also took trips to Cancun and the Virgin Islands. He was a member of Adams Mountain Lutheran Church.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Pam; daughters Michelle (Larry) Griffin of Devils Lake, ND, and Melissa (Jay) Kringstad of Grafton, ND; and grandsons Christopher Onstad (fiancée Megan), Colton Onstad (fiancée Beth), both of Grand Forks, ND, and Marcus (Celeste) Moody, along with great-grandchildren Lela and James of Powers Lake, ND. He is also survived by his brothers Norman (Juanita) Landsem of Woodbury, MN, and Gary Landsem of St. Cloud, MN; in-laws Gary & Mavis Troftgruben of Harvey, ND; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers-in-law Irene Miller, Jean (Wally) Utzinger, Norma Landsem, Diana (Bill) Cardwell, Beverly (Ronald) Walsh, and Sharon (Donald) Gerth; brother Gordon (Shirley) Rod; and in-laws Mary Landsem, Sundry & Pearl Troftgruben, Gaylen & Sharon Troftgruben, Lori Troftgruben and Gerald Troftgruben.
John was the best husband, dad, father-in-law, and grandpa. He was always there for us. His passing has left our hearts broken, and we will love and miss him always.
An open house celebrating John’s life will be a the Park River Senior Center on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 2-5 PM. Burial will be at the Odalen Lutheran Cemetery of Rural Edinburg.

Sally Ault
August 3, 1928 — August 29, 2025

​Sally Ault, 97, of Minot, ND, formerly of Cavalier, ND, passed away Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Pembilier Nursing Center, Walhalla, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service at the church.
Sally was born near Mt. Carmel, ND to Leo and Rosetta (Perius) Metzger. Her family moved to Walhalla in 1932 where she graduated in 1946. She attended Mayville Teachers’ College.
Sally married Norbert (Norby) Ault in 1948. In the mid 50s, they moved to California. In her life she held many jobs from teaching school, to working as a dental assistant, and was employed as a clerical worker at North American Rockwell. She held a variety of retail/restaurant experiences from working at Salaba Drug in Cavalier to Herbergers in Minot. She always said working in the potato house was the most fun.
She was very proud to say that she received all of her sacraments from St. Boniface Catholic Church in Walhalla, with the exception of her Baptism which took place in Mt. Carmel.
Sally loved learning new things and being active. Throughout her life she bowled, danced, played cards, and liked to visit.
She is survived by her children: Therese Ermer (Glenn), San Antonio TX; and Tracy Ault (Tracy), Minot ND; grandchildren: Zachary Ermer, Emily Ermer, Megan Ault, Cody Ault, Jory Ault, and Shaila Smith.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, and sisters Hortence (Burdette) and Bernice (Dinuson), and brother Lloyd as well as several nieces and nephews.

Terrance (Terry) Thorvilson, 77, of Fairdale, North Dakota, passed away on August 28 at Altru Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Terry was born on June 25, 1948, to Robert Thorvilson and Joy Thorvilson (Sellheim/Ferguson). He grew up in Adams, ND and graduated from Adams Public School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he attended North Dakota State College of Science, where he graduated with a degree in autobody.
On August 14, 1971, he married LouAnn Clemens, and together they built a life and family on their farm outside Fairdale. They raised four children—Travis, Luke, Megan, and Sam—and experienced both joys and sorrows, including the loss of their son Luke at 18 months old due to complications from heart surgery.
Terry farmed for many years before beginning a career with the North Dakota Department of Transportation, where he worked with dedication and pride until his retirement in 2015. A man of deep faith, he was a devoted member of Mountain Lutheran Church in Adams, ND. He was also an active member of the Lankin Legion.
He shared his time and talents in countless quiet, meaningful ways—whether as a reliable team bus driver, a faithful gymnastics equipment manager, or the much-loved “donut dropper.” Terry was a man of steady commitment: to his work, his community, his church, and above all, his family. His six grandchildren were the light of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them.
Terry is survived by his wife of 54 years, LouAnn; his children Travis (Laura), Megan (Adam), and Sam (Rachel); his beloved grandchildren Ella, Lillie, Sara, Gunnar, Solveig, and Thora; his siblings Robert (Eileen), Wayne (Mardy), Sue Capouch, Carla Kleven, Craig Ferguson (Lisa), Stacie Ensrude, and Troy Ferguson; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Joy; his infant son, Luke; his brother, Dallas; and his brothers-in-law Roger Capouch and Mitch Ensrude.
Memorial services will be Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the Adams Mountain Lutheran Church, Adams, North Dakota. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, rural Adams, ND. Military rites will be provided by the Bosh-Ryba American Legion Post #157 of Lankin, ND and the US Marine Corps Honor Guard.

Thomas Robert O'Toole, 79, of Crystal, ND, passed away peacefully at his home on August 25, 2025, after courageously battling pancreatic cancer for two and a half years.
Tom was born to Robert E. O'Toole and Elizabeth (Whelan) O'Toole along with his twin sister, Susan, on October 3, 1945. He graduated from Crystal Public School in 1963 and attended the University of North Dakota before being drafted into the United States Army in December 1965, serving his country with honor in Vietnam from October 3, 1966, to September 27, 1967.
Upon returning home, Tom completed his education at the University of North Dakota, a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, graduating in December 1971 with a degree in accounting and earned his CPA. He married Linda (Loseth) O'Toole on August 14, 1971, and began his career with Touche Ross & Co. in Minneapolis, MN. After working for the Offutt family in Fargo, ND, from 1980 to 1984, Tom returned to the family farm in Crystal, ND, in the summer of 1984 to establish T.E. O'Toole Farms alongside his cousin Brian O'Toole and uncles Richard and Jack O'Toole. He farmed until his retirement in 2008.
Tom was deeply committed to his community, serving on numerous boards including the Northeast Regional Water District, Red River Valley Potato Growers Association, Wells Fargo Community Board, Valley Public Schools school board, and Pembina County Memorial Hospital. He was an active member of the Clifford Lane American Legion Post 107 and St. Patrick's Church in Crystal.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife Linda; his children Kevin O'Toole (Theresa) of Shoreview, MN, and Jennifer Zebrasky (Todd) of Halifax, MA; five cherished grandchildren: Delaney O'Toole, Cassidy O'Toole, Thomas O'Toole, Taylor Zebrasky, and Shay Zebrasky; his twin sister Susan Uhas (Jack) of Minnetonka, MN; sister-in-law Debbie Rice (Scott) and many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Crystal, ND. Visitation will be Saturday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to the HIA Hospice, St. Patrick’s Cemetery Association or to the donor’s choice.
An online guest book is available at: www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com.
The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.

​Joann M. Votava, age 88, passed away Sunday, August 24, 2025 at the First Care Health Center of Park River, North Dakota.
Joann Marie Greicar was born October 20, 1936 on the family farm near Pisek, North Dakota, the daughter of the late Charles and Antionette “Nettie” (Cicha) Greicar. She attended rural country school until the eighth grade. She worked as a nurse’s aide at St. Ansgar’s Hospital in Park River and helped local farmers with potato harvest. Joann was united in marriage to Clement Votava on October 29, 1956 in Pisek, North Dakota. The couple lived on the family farm where Joann worked alongside Clement and raised their family. She was a cook at the Park River Good Samaritan Center and in August 1977, Joann and Clement became the custodians for the Park River Area Schools. In October 1977, the family moved to Park River. Clement passed away on November 5, 2000. Joann worked as a cook at First Care Health Center and continued to work as a custodian at Park River Area Schools until she was forced to retire.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Altar Society and St. Luke’s Catholic Church and Altar Society. She was a member of the Park River and Pisek American Legion Auxiliary since 1957. She was also a member of the Pisek Homemakers. Joann loved to take care of her family with love and food. She enjoyed baking, cooking, canning, sewing and watching old Western’s on TV. She was famous for her potato salad and Kolaches.
Joann is survived by her children: Karen (Wade) Mathews, Thorton, CO; Janet (Terry) McBain, Park River, ND; Susan (Stewart) Jacobson, Crary, ND; Steven Votava, Pisek, ND; 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren; siblings: Irene Anderson, Columbia Falls, MT; Lorraine (Joe) Trouba, Williston, ND; Evelyn (John) Wineski, Claremore, OK; Charlie (Maryann) Greicar, Bismarck, ND; Donny (Sherry) Greicar, Park River, ND; Mary Lund, Park River, ND. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 44 years, Clement Votava, her son Gary Votava, her granddaughter, Kassandra Mathews, her brother Allen Greicar and nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Veseleyville, ND. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Veseleyville, ND. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at the St. Luke’s Catholic Cemetery, Veseleyville, ND. Memorials are preferred to the Pregnancy Help Center, First Care Health Center or the American Diabetes Association. Joann requested that those attending her funeral wear her favorite color of Blue.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joann Marie Votava, please visit our flower store.

Lannes A. “Lanny” Peterson, age 78 of Park River, North Dakota, passed away Sunday, August 24, 2025 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.
Funeral services will be Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Park River, North Dakota. Visitation will be on Thursday from 12:30 -2:00 P.M. at the church. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery, Park River, North Dakota.
An online guestbook is available at www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com

Joanne P. Babinski, age 85 of Minto, ND passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at her home in Minto.
An open house celebrating Joanne’s life will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 4-7 PM at the Minto Community Center.

Clifford A. Bailly, age 82 of Grafton, North Dakota passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.
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Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery of Mandan at a later date. Clifford's service will be livestreamed via the Tollefson Funeral Home website.

Shirley A. O’Toole, age 89 of Grafton, ND, formerly of Crystal, ND, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025 at her home in Grafton.
Shirley Vavrovsky was born April 13, 1936 in Grafton, ND, the daughter of the late Bert and Mary (Houska) Vavrovsky. She grew up and attended school in Grafton, graduating from Grafton High School. She was united in marriage to Lawrence O’Toole on July 6, 1957 in Grafton, ND. The couple lived and farmed near Crystal, ND where they raised their 10 children. Lawrence passed away on October 6, 2009 and Shirley moved to Grafton. She moved into the Leisure Estates Apartments in 2015.
Shirley was a member of the St. John’s Catholic Church of Grafton, and a former member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Altar Society of Crystal. She was also a member of the Crystal American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed painting, playing the piano, camping and the winters spent with Lawrence in Arizona.
She is survived by her children: Connie (Lynn) Johnson, Grafton, ND; Lori O’Toole (Vicki Yamamoto), Port Orchard, WA; Michael (Jorie) O’Toole, O’Fallon, MO; Janet (David) Foerster, Grafton, ND; Nancy (Joel) Mueller, Dardenne Prairie, MO; Paul (Sherry) O’Toole, Crystal, ND; Mary (David) Hanson, Colorado Springs, CO; Diane (Dan) Johnson, Hoople, ND; and David (Brandy) O’Toole, Grand Forks, ND; 26 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Beverly Vavrovsky, Grand Forks, ND; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lawrence, son John O’Toole, and brothers: Herman and Leonard Vavrovsky.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, August 22, 2025 at 10:30 am at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery of Crystal.

Darold D. Johnson
January 30, 1933 — August 13, 2025
Cavalier
​Darold D. Johnson, 92, of Cavalier, ND, passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at his home in Cavalier with his loving family by his side. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church in Cavalier. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a time of sharing at 7:00 p.m. at the church.
Darold was born on January 30, 1933, in Lostwood, ND to Johnny and Irene Johnson. He married his high school sweetheart, Ardella Pullen, on January 30, 1954, at the American Lutheran Church in Stanley, ND. He was drafted into the US Army in January of 1955.
Darold began his banking career at First National Bank in Valley City, ND after graduating from the University of North Dakota with a BS in Business Administration. He was promoted with First Bank Systems and lived in Paynesville, MN, Babbitt, MN and then back to Valley City before moving to Cavalier in 1975.
Darold enjoyed each town where the family lived and was involved in various service groups including Jaycees, Lions and Elks. He also volunteered for many church boards and sang in every choir. Darold was involved in the Cavalier community and spent time on the Cavalier Hospital Board, Community Improvement, Inc., and was instrumental in the planning of the Cavalandic Bike Trail. He sang in the Cavalier Men’s Choir, was an avid birder-keeping his bird sightings list and helping with the annual bird count, was a fan of all local high school sports and was a loyal Sioux sports fan, even sustaining a hockey puck injury at the sidelines in the old Barn on the UND campus. Darold also loved catching and eating fish as well as gardening, where he could use his farming background.
Darold and Ardella were worldwide travelers, especially enjoying their time in Norway, which was their grandparent’s homeland. Their family enjoyed traveling with them during many school holidays.
Darold was a loving husband, a patient father to Vicki (Lawrence Stanko) of Lake Park, MN, Kristi (Peter Stucz) of Littleton, CO, beloved grandfather of Kendra (Benjamin Bergquist) of Fargo, ND, Sierra Stucz (Jamie Crabtree) of Shawnee, KS, and Peter Cole Stucz (Sophie Kelly) of Boulder, CO. He was also a cuddly great-grandfather to Camryn, Brooks and Eva.
Darold is survived by his wife, daughters and sons-in-law, grandchildren and their spouses, his three great-grandchildren, his sister and brother-in-law, Verna Jean and Joe Reed, sister-in-law, Mary Johnson, brothers-in-law, Wayne Pullen and Roger Pullen, and sister-in-law, Karen Pullen, as well as many adoring nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, brother and sister-in law, Curtis and Grace Johnson, brother, Myron Johnson, brother and sister-in-law, Wesley and Carol Johnson, father and mother-in-law, Ira and Inez Pullen, sister-in-law, Stella Pullen and brother-in-law, Jerome Pullen.