Mark Alton Thorson, age 37 of Edinburg, ND passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at his home due to a tragic accident.

Mark was born March 21, 1988, in Grafton, ND, the son of Lowell and Linda (Schaefer) Thorson. He graduated from Edinburg High School and Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Wadena, MN. He was united in marriage to Jenna Wensloff on January 8, 2023. The couple moved their family to the family farm in Edinburg. He was a lineman for several electrical contracting companies. For the last 13 years he worked for Minnkota Power Cooperative of Grand Forks.

Although he very much enjoyed being a lineman and farming, his life’s passion was his family and his faith. Mark was well-known to be an avid hunter and outdoorsman. To those who knew him, he was a trusted and loyal friend. He was a member of Grace Free Lutheran Church, Edinburg, ND and the Edinburg Fire Department.

He was deeply loved, and will be missed by his wife, Jenna, stepson Jackson Arthur Briese, son Nash Lowell Thorson and a child due to be born in July 2026; parents Lowell and Linda Thorson, brother James Lowell (Hannah) Thorson, grandmother, Carolyn Olson, mothers and fathers-in-law: Clark and Kaydell Majer, Brian and Wanda Wensloff and several aunts, uncles, nephews and sisters and brothers-in-law. He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 5, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the Grace Free Lutheran Church, Edinburg, ND. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be at the Odalen Lutheran Cemetery, rural Edinburg, ND. The funeral will be livestreamed on Tollefson Funeral Home website. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Edinburg Fire Department and the Park River Pregnancy Help Center.

Norma Jean Storie
November 18, 1933 — November 27, 2025
Cavalier, ND

​Norma Jean Storie, 92, of Cavalier, ND, passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Wedgewood Manor, Cavalier, North Dakota. Funeral service will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held for one hour before the time of the service at the Askew Funeral Home.
Norma was born November 18, 1933, in Kansas City, Missouri to Charles and Florence (Whitfill) Green. On May 14, 1950, Norma married Herbert Storie in Kansas City, MO. After their marriage, Herb’s employment enabled them to live in several states including New Mexico, Kwajalein Island and North Carolina. In 1972 the family moved to North Dakota and in 1979 to Naperville, Illinois. Upon retirement in 1987 Norma and Herb returned to North Dakota and lived in Hensel, ND.
She is survived by her children: Ron (Anita) Storie, Cavalier, ND; Colleen (Tom) Tuma, Orangeville, IL; and Charles (Karin) Storie of Sachsenheim, Germany; grandchildren: James (Tatiana) Storie, Grand Forks, ND; and Brian (Viktoriia) Storie, West Fargo, ND; great-granddaughters: Lilly Anne Storie, Grand Forks, ND; Sophie Katrina, Marie Julianna, and Valeria Maya Storie, all of West Fargo, ND; and brother-in-law, Robert Bulman, Wichita, KS.
Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Herb, parents, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Mark Wasylow, age 55 of Pisek, ND passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2025 in Mayville, ND.
Mark was born to William and Margery (Thompson) Wasylow on March 28, 1970 in Grand Forks, ND; the youngest of 11 children. He grew up on a dairy farm just outside of Mekinock, ND. Growing up with 10 brothers and sisters and being the baby of the group, he helped with the milking and the farm work, going along the river hunting, trapping, and getting into “trouble”, but he also helped his mom cook, can vegetables, and whatever she needed help with. He was a very good cook.

He attended Midway Public School in rural Inkster, ND. Even though he didn’t graduate from Midway, he went and got his GED from the Vo-Tech in Grafton, ND in 1 day.

After that he had many jobs including Lone Wolf Farms in Minto, ND, 32nd Ave Simplot in Grand Forks, ND, custom combining for Altendorf’s Harvesting; all while still helping his dad on the dairy farm and with the farming.

He met Stacey (Knudson) in August of 1993 in the “big” town of Forest River, ND as she was a wedding crasher of his best friend’s wedding. They then married in April of 1996 and their 1st son Wyatt was born in December of 1997. The apple of his eye, Wyatt wanted to do and be just like his dad. 2 ½ years later, he was blessed with twins Olivia and Ogden, he was overjoyed.

He worked at Schanilec Farms of Minto for over 28 years. Just living a mile away from work, the kids loved it because they would ride truck and combine with dad, bring lunch to dad, and help dad if they could. He loved to teach all his kids about the world, helping them understand their place in it and how to navigate its challenges. There wasn’t a place Mark would go that he didn’t know someone; or he would strike up a conversation with anyone about anything. He had the “gift of gab.”
Mark is survived by his wife Stacey; sons Wyatt (Alyx) and Ogden; daughter Olivia (Tucker) Salander; grandchildren Harper Salander and Ryatt Wasylow; siblings: Mary (Richard) Carlson, Mekinock, ND, Kathy (Jim) Weber, Hartford, WI, James (Lila) Wasylow, Arco, ID, David (Kim) Wasylow, Mekinock, ND, Joane (Art) Wosick, Minto, ND, Susan (Kurt) Wanstrom, Moore, ID, Beth (Karen) Zimmerman, Corvallis, OR; aunt Mary Ann Volk, Fargo, ND; mother-in-law Linda Knudson, brother-in-law Todd (Terry) Knudson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Margery Wasylow; father-in-law Keith Knudson; brothers Patrick and William Jr.; and sister Carol Johnson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the St. Luke’s Catholic Church of Veseleyville, ND. Visitation will be from 9-11 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the First Care Health Center of Park River or a charity of your choice.

Michael D. “Mike” Lunski, age 62 of Minto, ND, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks.
Memorial services will be Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery of Minto.

Amy L. Phillips
November 25, 1942 — November 23, 2025
Walhalla

​The Lord called Amy Lee (Carpenter) Phillips, age 82, home on November 23, 2025, just two days before her 83rd birthday, surrounded by the love of her family. A Mass and Burial will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Walhalla, ND at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will take place on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary service at the church.
Amy was born on November 25, 1942, in Walhalla, ND, to Stanley and Orise (Longtin) Carpenter, the eldest of their children. She grew up as the oldest in a large, lively family which shaped her into the steady, dependable, and quietly resilient woman she became. Her childhood was filled with responsibility, love, and the kind of selflessness that would become her lifelong hallmark. As her siblings often recall, Amy was the one they could always count on, from little acts of generosity to guiding hands during life’s challenges.
Amy married Joseph “Joe” Phillips on April 10, 1961, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Walhalla. What began as a young couple’s promise to one another grew into 64 years of deep love, steadfast commitment, and shared purpose. Together, Amy and Joe raised their four children — Penny, David, Dale, and Paula — nurturing a home filled with faith, warmth, and unwavering devotion to family.
Throughout her life, Amy poured her time and talents into meaningful work and service. She worked at the local school, where she helped support children with special needs, a role that suited her gentle patience and deep compassion. Her time working in a greenhouse nurtured the love of gardening she carried throughout her life. Amy also devoted countless hours to her community through the American Legion Auxiliary, Township Secretary, teaching Sunday School, and volunteering with 4-H. In every place she served, she brought kindness, steadiness, and a heart committed to helping others grow.
 Her gifts were simple and sincere, and she used them generously, always finding ways to bring beauty, comfort, and God’s grace into the lives of others. She tended her garden with devotion, cared for her home with love, and shared her creativity through years of painting with her Brush Bunch group. That circle of friends was a source of joy for her, a place where she laughed, learned, encouraged others, and found fellowship through art.
Amy’s faith was the guiding force of her life. She was deeply involved with St. Boniface Catholic Church, serving faithfully through the Altar Society and countless volunteer efforts. Her most enduring community legacy began one Christmas morning when she noticed several parishioners at church who had nowhere to spend the holiday. With her signature combination of compassion and action, she created the Annual Community Christmas Dinner, ensuring that no one in Walhalla would ever spend Christmas Day alone. That tradition continues today, touching generations with her spirit of inclusion and love.
Above all else, Amy was her family’s rock, the calm, steady leader who showed her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren what strength, grace, and quiet courage look like. Her devotion was constant, her love unconditional, and her presence a source of comfort and wisdom.
Amy leaves behind her loving husband, Joe; her children, Penny Phillips, David (Roberta) Phillips all of Grand Forks, ND, Dale Phillips of Walhalla, ND, and Paula Kyle of Parker CO; her grandchildren Philip Coon, Christina (Nick-dec.) McLamb, Sheyanne (Tyler) King, Jordan Helgeson, Kassidy Kyle, and Joseph Jarvis; and her great-grandchildren Gideon, Evelyn, Katherine, Rowan, Finnuala, Charlotte, Rhodes, Magnus and Ari.
She is also survived by her siblings Jim (Kathleen) Carpenter, Mike (Ruth) Carpenter, Tim (Noreen) Carpenter, Jeff (Renae) Carpenter, and Karen (Steve) Danielson, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who cherished her dearly.
Amy was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Orise Carpenter; her siblings Jerry Carpenter and Richard (Dick) Carpenter; grandson Nathan; and other beloved family members who welcomed her home with open arms.
Her life was a testament to faith lived out loud, service offered freely, and love given generously. Amy’s legacy will forever bloom in the hearts of those who knew her.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Irma Lorraine Gemmill age 94 of Aitkin, MN, formerly of Fordville, ND, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Aitkin Health Services in Aitkin, MN.
Irma Haug was born August 24, 1931 on the family farm west of Edinburg, ND, the daughter of the late James and Anna (Holth) Haug. She grew up on the farm and attended school in the Edinburg area, graduating from Edinburg High School in 1948. Following high school, she received a teaching certificate from Mayville State Teachers College in 1951. She taught students at a rural school west of Edinburg and at an elementary school in Larimore, ND.
On October 19, 1952 Irma was united in marriage to Floyd Gemmill at Odalen Lutheran Church, rural Edinburg, ND. The couple moved to Fordville in 1954 where they farmed, built custom homes, and raised their five children. In retirement, Floyd and Irma spent their winters traveling throughout the United States including 15 years in Mesa, Arizona. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage. Floyd passed away on February 20, 2017 and Irma moved into the Park River Good Samaritan Society in February of 2021, and then to Aitkin Health Services in Aitkin, MN in March of 2024.
Irma was a devoted wife and loving mother who found joy in caring for her home and family. She had a deep love for her family and was well known for her cooking and baking (especially cream cheese mints, lefse, and “Grandma buns”). She enjoyed gardening, sewing, crafts and had a love for children. When her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were babies, she had a way of being the first to make them coo and smile. Even in her last days, children made her smile.
Irma had a strong faith in Christ since her teen years, and was a prayer warrior (especially for her family). She was a dedicated member of Fordville Lutheran Church, where she attended Bible studies, Ladies Aid, quilted, and was the church organist for many years. Music was always a big part of her life and it brought her joy until her last days.
Irma was known for her kindness, warmth, and generosity. She was selfless and always made others feel welcome and cared for.
She is survived by her children Rick (Janet) Gemmill, Fordville, ND, Jim (Karen) Gemmill, Minnetonka, MN, Keith (Julie) Gemmill, Fordville, ND, Kathy (Jon) Bloom, New Albany, IN, Jane (Randy) Riesberg, Aitkin, MN; grandchildren Laura (Jeff) Brodina, Joe (Jen) Gemmill, Matthew (Betty) Gemmill, Clint (Abby) Gemmill, Ross (Jessi) Gemmill, Mike Gemmill, Tommy (Shannon) Gemmill, Andy (Alexa) Gemmill, Beth (Jeremy) Sumners, Kara (Lloyd) Fowler, Chrissy (Ryan) Marchand, David (Emma) Radulski-Bloom, Andrea (Lucas) Guimont and Eric (Sarah) Riesberg; 1 step grandson, Matthew Becker; 34 great grandchildren; 1 step great granddaughter; 2 great, great grandchildren, and sister Anne Puppe, Cavalier, ND.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers James, Glenn, and Norris, and step grandson, Eric Becker.
Irma’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Park River Good Samaritan Society, Aitkin Health Services, and St. Croix Hospice for the kind and compassionate care they provided.
Funeral Services will be on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Fordville Lutheran Church of Fordville, ND. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Fordville, ND.

Margaret A. Erickson, age 98 of Hoople, ND passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Borg Pioneer Memorial Home of Mountain, ND, with her family by her side.
Funeral services will be on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Interment will be at Park Center Lutheran Cemetery of rural Hoople, ND.

Donald N. Burns, age 83 of Grafton, North Dakota passed away Friday, November 21, 2025 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.
Donald Neil Burns was born September 24, 1942 in Grafton, North Dakota, the son of the late Leslie and Donna (Kingsbury) Burns. He attended school in Auburn and graduated from Grafton High School. Donald enlisted in the United States Army in 1961 and was honorably discharged in 1964. He returned to Grafton and was untied in marriage to Cheryl Desautel on October 29, 1966 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. He worked for Montana Dakota Utilities as a serviceman, working there for 32 years until his retirement in 2006. The couple made their home in Grafton until the time of his death.
He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Grafton American Legion Post 41. He loved deer hunting and fishing for Walleye.
Donald is survived by his wife, Cheryl Burns, Grafton, ND; his siblings: Beverly Anderson, Fordville, ND; Michael (Kerry) Burns, Hamilton, ND; Barbara Dolan, Grand Forks, ND; Jane (Tom) Knight, Escondido, CA; Judy (Tom) Osowski, Stephen, MN; Jack (Phyllis) Burns, Grafton, ND; Tim (Mary Kay) Burns, Grafton, ND; sisters-in-law: Sandy Burns, Grafton, ND; Bonnie Desautel, Grand Forks, ND. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cheryl’s parents, Robert and Delores Desautel, brother, Patrick Burns, brothers-in-law: Frank Dolan, Orrin Osowski, Ken Anderson, Robert Desautel, Vernon Anderson and sister-in-law, Joanie Anderson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Grafton. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Grafton. Military Rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard. Donald’s funeral will be livestreamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home Website.

Francis Louis Kowalski, 89, of rural Drayton and most recently Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025. One of ten children, he was born on February 6, 1936, in Walsh County, North Dakota, to Leo and Emilia Kowalski.
From an early age, Francis learned the importance of family, hard work, and faith in God. After serving in the U.S. Army, he worked as a meat cutter at several stores, including Miller’s 8th Avenue Superfare, partly owned by his brother-in-law, Bill Miller. During this time, he met and married the love of his life on November 17, 1962. On the day of his passing, they had been married for 63 years.
You can take the boy out of the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy. Francis eventually returned to farming, working for Clarence Swanson and Chris Teien in Robin, Minnesota. He later took over the farm himself, proudly farming until his retirement in 1998.
Francis is survived by his wife, Shirley Kowalski, and seven children: Randy, Bismarck; Kimberly Durbin, Grand Forks; LeAnn Kowalski, Cape Girardeau, MO; Lisa, Fargo; Jason, Grand Forks; Melissa (Benjamin) Hemberger, Fosston, MN; and Jennifer (Adam) Helgeson, Grand Forks.
He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Justin (Sophia) and Jarred, Fargo; Aleece (Austin) Clemetson, Casper, WY; Grant and Logan Hemberger, Grand Forks; and Kinley and Emilia Helgeson, Grand Forks. Additional survivors include his brother, Dennis (Marlys) Kowalski, Buffalo, MN and sisters-in-law, Marie Kowalski, Deleno, and Mary Kowalski, Stephen.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Fred and Helen Schumacher; and his siblings, Sophie Grzadzieleski, Leona Ebertowski, Ernastine Crafton, Isabelle Rasmussen, Henrietta Gerszewski, Dorothy Miller, Clarion Kowalski, and James Kowalski.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota, with a visitation at the church for an hour before the service. Visitation will take place on Thursday, November 20, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, with a prayer service at 6:00 PM at Austin Funeral Home, Drayton.
Dad was humble, always lending a hand and doing the right thing without seeking recognition. He taught us to work hard but to also have fun. We will miss his wisecracks, his sense of humor, and the quiet strength he brought to our lives.
We love you and you will be greatly missed. Thank you for everything you have taught us and all you have done for us. 

LaVonne J. Hylden, age 94 of Park River, ND passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Center of Park River, ND.
LaVonne June Lykken was born June 4, 1931 in Grafton, ND the first born daughter of Handy and Esther (Nelson) Lykken. The family had four other daughters: Betty Webb, Gertrude Vatnsdal/Wippler, Helene Morstad and Lucille Bleakley. LaVonne grew up on the farm near Adams/Fairdale area helping her Dad, Mom and sisters. She attended rural school there then graduated from Oak Grove High school in Fargo. She was baptized, confirmed at the Hitterdal Lutheran Church and later married Don Hylden there on July 3, 1952. This union gave them three children: Mark, Daniel and Julie. The blessings came as those brought her daughter-in-laws, Esther and Carol and son-in-law, Peter Sondeland. Soon the nine grandchildren would be born, and then 16 great grandchildren. Her husband Don passed away in 2020 and now they are once again reunited in Heaven. She loved being a wife, mother and grandmother.
LaVonne is survived by her children and their spouses, nine grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren; two sisters: Trudy Wippler and Lucy Bleakley along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Don; granddaughter, April Joy and sisters, Betty Webb and Helene Morstad and their spouses.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Victory Free Lutheran Church of Park River, ND. Visitation will be Saturday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Pleasant Valley Lutheran Cemetery, rural Park River. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Pleasant Valley Lutheran Cemetery or Victory Free Lutheran Church. The service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website.