 Elaine Hill, 88, of Langdon, ND, passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at Maple Manor Care Center in Langdon.
Elaine Marie Karas was born February 3, 1934, in Stirum, ND, to Joseph and Blanche (Ficenec) Karas. She grew up and attended school in the Stirum area. She furthered her education at Ellendale where she received her associate’s degree in elementary education and later attended Mayville State University for her bachelor’s degree. On June 19, 1954, Elaine married Isaac Hill in Stirum, ND. They made their home in Ashley, Scranton, and then moved to Langdon. Elaine taught elementary education and was the Title I teacher in Langdon for many years. Elaine was a faithful person and very involved at St. Alphonsus Church through Catholic Daughters and Altar Society. She also was an Eucharistic minister, a reader at daily mass, participated in the choir, attended bible study, and helped with adoration. She was an avid card player and enjoyed going to the Senior Center to play bunco. Elaine was a member of the Sweet Adelines and of the Maple Manor Auxiliary. She was a collector of nativity scenes, dishes, and bells - many of which were memorabilia from places she had traveled. She was a huge fan of her children and grandchildren and tried to attend as many events of theirs as she could. Surviving Elaine are her children: Sandy Olson of Grand Forks, ND, Randy (Barb) Hill of Langdon, and Mary (Rich) Nambu of Glendora, CA; grandchildren: Katie, Danny(Amber), Rachel, Samantha, Corey, & Olivia; great-grandchildren: Serena, Zaiden, Tiberius, & Everleigh; and sister-in-law Isabel Karas. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ike, brothers Joseph & Willard, sister Lucille, and son-in-law Glen Olson. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 5, 2022, at St. Alphonsus Church in Langdon, ND, with the Rosary starting at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at Brooks Funeral Home in Langdon. Burial will be at Stirum Cemetery at Stirum, ND. The funeral service will be recorded and uploaded on Elaine’s page on the Brooks Funeral Home website later on Monday afternoon.
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 Debra Bellamy, 68, of Drayton, North Dakota passed away at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks on Friday, November 25, 2022.
Debra Ann was born in Drayton February 14, 1954 to Gerald and Geraldine (Thompson) Knudson. Debra spent part of her growing up years in Grafton before her family moved back to Drayton where she attended school. On March 1, 1982 she was united in marriage to Francis Bellamy in Hallock, Minnesota. The couple settled in Drayton and Debra worked at Hastings Landing for several years. Francis and Debra spent the last five years wintering in Bradenton, Florida. Family was everything to Debra and her most cherished times were spent with her grandchildren. Family members include her husband, Francis; children, Julie Peltier, Sara Remme, Timothy Remme, all of Grafton, Mari Larman, Hoople, ND, Kayla (Chris) Piekarski, Grafton and Wayne Bellamy, Grafton; grandchildren, Brandon, Cailin, Summer, Ethan, Hailey, Cole, Nora, Colette, Jizelle, Michael and Alexis; a great granddaughter, Zyah; sisters, Mary Knudson, Grafton and Cheryl Nadeau, Belcourt, ND; as well as nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Penny and two brothers, Timothy and Michael. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, December 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in The Assembly of God Church, Drayton. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the service. Rev. Leroy Aufenkamp, presiding.  Paul O’Keefe, originally of Crystal ND, died Tuesday November 22nd at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife Carol, sons Timothy (Bonnie) and Thomas (Audrey), daughter Jane (Jim) Vold, 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Patrick (Joy), daughter-in-law Joy O’Keefe and grandson Anthony O’Keefe.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday December 10th from 1-3 at the Crystal, ND Community Center. All are welcome.  Virginia G. Svir, age 91 of Park River, ND passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks, ND.
Virginia G. Johnson was born March 11, 1931 in Park River, ND the daughter of the late Theodore and Mabel (Egstad) Johnson. She grew up and attended school in Park River. Virginia married Albert “Doc” Svir on June 16, 1950 in Crookston, MN. The couple made their home in Park River. Virginia worked as a cook at the Park River School and did farm labor in the fall for Meberg Farms. Doc Svir passed away on June 22, 2001. Virginia was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Park River. Doc and Virginia were avid gardeners and loved to share their produce with family and friends. Virginia was constantly helping the neighbors and usually had a houseful of guests for holidays. She was a Gold Star Mother and member of the VFW Auxiliary in International Falls, MN. She is survived by her daughters: Ginger (Leslie) Peterka, Pisek, ND; Rayne Bina, Mahnomen, MN; seven grandchildren: Chelsea (Brian) Morris, Kalea Svir, Aaron (Kate) Peterka, Jette (Austin) Rick, Tessa Peterka (Trae Kautzman), Britton and Lilly Bina; her sisters: Ramona Moe, Everett WA and Deidre (Jim) Schackman, Aurora, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sons: Randall and Roger, grandson Christopher Flaten; sisters: Beverly Dorherty and Lola Glover and brothers: Harlan, Charles, Marlow, Theodore and Lowell. Visitation will be Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 10:00 -12:00 AM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River, ND. Inurnment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Park River, ND in the spring.  Maxine C. Twamley, age 90, resident of Hoople, ND, died Tuesday, November 15, 2022, surrounded by her loving family at First Care Health Center in Park River, ND.
Maxine Carol Delorme was born November 18, 1931 at Belcourt, ND, the daughter of Louis and Jane (Zaste) Delorme. Maxine was married to Walter Martinson until he passed away, and was married to Merlin Twamley until he passed away. Maxine owned and operated Shenanigan’s Family Restaurant in Grafton, ND, during the 1980’s and 1990’s. She enjoyed going to the lake, gardening, Bingo, playing cards, family gatherings and cooking for them, home decorating, shopping, and any of her grandchildren’s activities. Maxine is survived by 4 children, Gail (Monte) Martinson of Grafton, ND, John (Dot) Martinson of Mandan, ND, Jacqueline (Marlon) Ramsrud of Park River, ND, and Kristi (Vernon) Tollefson of Hoople, ND; 14 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 6 siblings, Sylvester (Marion) Delorme, Glen (Loretta) Delorme, Phillip (Phyllis) Delorme, Leo (Viola) Delorme, Dallas (Renita) Delorme, and Ronnie Delorme; and many nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; 2 sons, James Martinson and David Twamley; and 5 siblings, Jake Delorme, Donald Delorme, Raymond Delorme, Steven Delorme, and Betty Delorme. The Funeral Mass for Maxine will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Grafton, ND, on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. A meal will be served following Mass at Shenanigan’s Family Restaurant. Interment will be in the Spring at the Hoople Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Church on Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.  Valerie Lynn Danielson was born August 6, 1957 at Langdon North Dakota to Neil and Evelyn Doyle Danielson. She grew up in Walhalla, North Dakota and graduated from Walhalla High School. She attended college at UND then returned to Walhalla to work at Pembilier Nursing Center.
In 1989, Valerie moved to Grand Forks and attended Northland Community Technical College where she received her CNA license. She moved to Cavalier in 1994 and worked at Wedgewood Manor for 28 years, retiring in 2018. Valerie enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She also loved gardening and canning her garden goodies. She loved to dance and enjoyed life to the fullest. Her daughters were her pride and joy, and her grandchildren were the light of her life. She is survived by her daughters; Stephanie (Joe) Murray and Jenna (Gerhard) Danielson, grandchildren; Alexis (Cody), Joey, Devi, Jaxon, Dylan, and Brooklyn Murray, Isaiah and Aaliyah Lopez, sisters; Peggy (Gary) White, Tammy (Troy) Olson, Connie (Stan) Lustik, brothers; Terry Danielson, Robbie (Shelly) Danielson. Preceding her in death were her parents Neil and Evelyn Danielson; sister, Jeannie Danielson; sister-in-law, Julie Danielson; nephews, Billy White and Kelly Kalis. Also proceeding her in death was her beloved Pomeranian, Lucy. After a long courageous battle with cancer, Valerie Lynn Danielson passed away on Monday, November 14, 2022 at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital, surrounded by family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Walhalla. Visitation will be held Friday, November 18, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. vigil service.  Olaf “Ole” Leroy Aasand, age 94 of Grafton, ND passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at Unity Medical Center in Grafton. His family together mourns and celebrates his life.
Ole Aasand was born August 25, 1928 to Ole and Annie (Berg) Aasand in Grafton, ND. He was educated through the Walsh County School District, working on the family farm and active in area social life. Ole was married to Frances E. Weed on June 27, 1948. This day was without a doubt the best thing to happen to Ole. Their marriage was blessed with six children, a farming partnership, a dedication to faith, and a commitment to their community. Ole was heavily involved in farming, not only in the Walsh County area, but also in Glenwood, Minnesota during his career. For a decade he was involved with a cattle farm in Mato Grosso, Brazil with sons James and Charles. He actively spent 46 years (1944-1990) in the business, working with many friends and partners in expanding production, crop selections and exciting innovations in the field, eventually leaving the operations in the good hands of his son James Aasand. Ole continued to make consistent crop “inspections” from spring planting to harvest throughout his life. Once retired, Ole and Frances wintered in Arizona, but always thought of Grafton as their permanent home. Ole’s activities early in life included: curling, fishing, trap shooting and playing cards. Later, spending many years watching his children curl in state, national and international competition. He was an avid traveler, taking in Europe, Africa, South America, Philippines, Mexico and many cruises with Frances by his side. He loved the time he spent with his grandchildren and cherished their visits. Later these visits included great grandchildren. Eventually combining the joys of the grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended poker games. Ole was very active in community organizations and community support services, including Heritage Village, Lutheran Sunset Home, Saint Gianna and Pietro Molla Maternity Home, the Pregnancy Help Center in Park River, Northland Rescue Mission, Unity Medical Center and Valley Ambulance & Rescue Service. His service included membership in the following organizations: Elks, Eagles, President of Nash Grain, President of Walsh County Beet Growers Association, President of the Grafton Curling Club, President of the Grafton Federated Church, Director of the Red River Valley Beet Cooperative and a Life member of the Sons of Norway. Ole was honored as Grafton’s Citizen of the Year in 2018. Ole is survived by five children: John (Debbie) Aasand, Grafton, ND; James (Jan) Aasand, Grafton, ND; Mary (Michael) Pederson, Fargo, ND; Kim Aasand, Anchorage, AK; Charles (Kathy) Aasand, Pocatello, ID; daughter-in-law, Vicki Aasand, Grafton, ND; fourteen grandchildren, fifteen great grand-children. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Frances, son Frank, daughters-in-law: JoAnn Aasand and Valerie Aasand, brother Jevon (Jeep), Sisters: Beulah, Olga and Lila. Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Federated Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Tuesday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Rural Hoople, ND. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to the Valley Ambulance and Rescue in Grafton.  “..and they can no longer die; for they are like angels. They are God’s children…” – Luke 20:36
In peace and surrounded by her family, Diane (Kiedrowski) Shereck, 78, earned her angel’s wings November 10, 2022. The daughter of Adam and Edna Kiedrowski, Diane was born September 5, 1944, and grew up in the small Polish community of Warsaw, ND, attending grade school at St. Anthony’s School in Warsaw and graduating from Minto High School, Minto, ND, in 1962. She continued her education by graduating from the Hattiesburg School of Hair Design in Hattiesburg, MS, launching a 45-year career as a hair stylist and owner of Diane’s Beauty Salon in Grafton, ND. Diane often reflected on how much she enjoyed her career, recently sharing it had been “…nothing but fun”, and how she had been blessed throughout her career with lifelong friendships that had been formed. We’re certain her customers and friends would say the same. Diane’s first-born, Joan (Brian) Backes, lives in Menoken, ND. In November, 1965, Diane married John Shereck and they had three children together - Paul (Tana) Shereck, Horace, ND; Mary (Ernie) Strube, Mayville, ND; and Chip (Tammy) Shereck, Grand Forks, ND. Above all, Diane was a mother committed to raising her children. Her strong faith led her to navigate what she considered to be her most noble role in life with tenacity, honesty, love, and determination. She led by example, modeling a strong work ethic, tough love when needed, and making the sacrifices called for as they were presented. Diane was described as a “fierce protector” of her children with a “tenacious Momma spirit”. Creativity was woven throughout her life. Diane shared her many talents through her colorful paintings, beautiful stained-glass artistry, crafty needlework and gifted sewing abilities. She was always interested in enhancing her creative skills by learning new techniques, reviewing creative publications, or simply fine-tuning her creativity by watching favorite television shows. Those who possess a token of Diane’s handiwork know it was always freely gifted and wrapped in joy. Diane especially loved being “Grandma DeeDi” to 11 grandchildren: Brooklyn, Samantha, Gabe, Anna, Megan, Hannah, Sarah, Caden, Kynsi, John, and Jake, as well as two great-grandchildren, Axel and Ivy. Her grandchildren will tell you she made them laugh, kept them honest, and taught them multiple life lessons through authentic conversations and shared experiences. Fond “Grandma DeeDi stories” will be shared with generations to come. Diane’s affinity with angels was grounded by her faith in God. Throughout her 78 years, she learned to trust God’s plan for her and her loved ones. While her departure from this earth was rapid, it is comforting to know she is in His hands and spreading her wings in His glory! Along with her children and grandchildren, Diane is survived by her sisters-in-law: Fran Kiedrowski, Roseville, MN; Virginia Hunter, Cheyenne, WY; Janice (Bob) Stowe, Grand Forks, ND; and Moni (Rick) Schmelzer, Catawba, WI; several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. The last surviving member of her immediate family, Diane was preceded death by her parents, sisters Dolores Bienek and Marilyn Murray, and brothers Jim and Adam, Jr., Kiedrowski. Diane’s family would like to thank the Sun Center Assisted Living Apartments of the Luther Memorial Home in Mayville and Hospice of the Red River Valley for the care, concern, and dignity extended to Diane, and for all the visits and support extended to Diane and her family throughout this journey. DeeDi has earned her angel wings and rests in peace with God. In lieu of flowers, it was Diane’s wish that memorials be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring Diane’s life. Visitation: Will be 5-7 PM on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 with a rosary at 6:45 and a 7:00 PM Public Prayer Service at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service: Will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Mayville, ND. Burial: Will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Warsaw, ND.  Gary “Radar” Kosmatka, 65, Warsaw ND, passed away Monday, November 7, 2022 in Altru Hospital of Grand Forks.
Gary John Kosmatka was born October 30, 1957 in Grafton ND, the son of Julian and Phoebe (Ebertowski) Kosmatka. Gary attended schools in Warsaw and Grafton. He worked on the family farm before going to work for American Crystal Sugar Co. in Drayton ND. He held several positions within the company until retiring in March of 2022 after 43 years. Gary also mowed the lawn at St. Stanislaus Cemetery for many years. Gary was known by many as “Radar”. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, pool, and cards. He especially enjoyed Friday evening suppers and bingo at the VFW in East Grand Forks. He was an avid fan of sports on television, especially football (Minnesota Vikings), wrestling, and Minnesota Twins baseball games. Survivors include his sister, Ernestine Ebertowski, Grand Forks; nieces and nephews, Tremayne (Laurie) Ebertowski, Grand Forks, Carrie (Tim) Shea, Grand Forks, Kelly (Allen) Kowalski, Grand Forks, Jamie (Miranda) Kosmatka, Reynolds ND, Jennifer (Leroy) Hutchinson, Elk River MN, and Joshua Kosmatka, Grand Forks; several great nieces and nephews, and sisters-in law, Cheryl Kosmatka-Geer and Julie Lind-Kosmatka. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and by brothers, Jim and Alan. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Monday, November 14, 2022 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Warsaw ND. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in St.Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are asked to be directed to the St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery fund.  Kevin Charles Hoenke, age 69 of Grafton, ND, passed away on Monday, November 7, 2022 at First Care Health Center in Park River, ND after a long battle with cancer.
Kevin was born on March 29, 1953 in Grand Forks, ND to Charles Hoenke and Ardella (Holt) Hoenke. Kevin was raised in Grafton and graduated from Grafton Central High School in 1971. After graduation, Kevin tried his hand at airplane mechanics and attended school in Kansas City, Missouri. He also worked at the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in Denver, Colorado before returning home to begin farming with his father. Kevin loved farming and he and his dad farmed together for several years. Kevin then began working for John F. Desautel Farming Co. and later became a partner with his brother-in-law and father-in-law in the company. Kevin was united in marriage to Elizabeth (Zebbie) Desautel on June 27, 1975 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Grafton. They became the parents of two boys, Christopher and David. Kevin loved to fish and made many trips with his family to Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada. After that phase of their life ended, he and Zebbie sold the boat and camper and purchased a townhome in Green Valley, AZ, where they spent part of their winters for the next twelve years. He loved his kids and grandkids unconditionally and loved being around them watching them turn into the fine people they are today. Kevin was a faithful member of Zion English Lutheran Church in Grafton and was Sunday School Superintendent for a number of years when his boys were young. Kevin, also, served on the boards of the Nash Grain and Trading Elevator, the Lutheran Sunset Home and the Grafton Rural Fire Department. Kevin is survived by his wife, Zebbie; sons: Christopher (Jennifer), David (Jaime) and grandchildren: Laith, Izley, Brayden, Harlow and Brynn Hoenke, all of Grafton; sisters: Cheryl Estevis and Carol (Mark) Osowski and brother-in-law, Bill Collette all of Grafton; parents-in-law, Jack and Rae Desautel, Grafton; brother-in-law, Jay (Jan) Desautel, Moorhead, MN; ten nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Glenda Glanner and Jodean Collette, brothers-in-law: John Glanner and John D. Desautel. Funeral Services will be Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 10:30 A.M. at Zion English Lutheran Church, Grafton, ND. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7:00 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 Saturday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at the Grafton City Cemetery, Grafton, ND. |
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