 Lynda Rae Houser, age 73 of Aneta, ND and formerly of Park River, ND passed away on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at the Aneta Parkview Health Center of Aneta, ND.
Lynda Rae Loftsgard was born February 23, 1947 in Grafton, ND the daughter of the late Helmer and Sena (Midboe) Loftsgard. She attended rural schools at the Dundee township school #35 and graduated from Walsh County Agricultural School in Park River, ND. Lynda was united in marriage to Ronnie Houser on July 14, 1968 at Park Center Lutheran Church. The couple made their home in Park River. Lynda worked at the Park River Potato Company until its closing. She later worked at the Park River Dry Cleaners and did some cleaning for Dr. Coleman. In 2004 the couple moved to Sheyenne Care Center in Valley City, ND and in June of 2019 they moved to the Parkview Health Center in Aneta. Lynda is survived by her husband Ronnie, Aneta, ND; son Kelly (Kathy) Houser, Park River, ND; three grandchildren: Samantha, Brandon and Madison Houser. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Tracy, brothers: Orvin and Shelby and sister, Carol Udby. Funeral services will be Monday, January 4, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Park River, ND. A walk-through visitation will be held on Monday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Park River, ND. The service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home Inc. facebook page.
0 Comments
 Leatrice Ann O'Keefe, age 91, died after a short stay at the Sunset Home in Grafton, North Dakota on December 30, 2020.
Leatrice was born November 21, 1929 in Duluth, Minnesota to Arthur Vick and Alice (Couvrette) Vick. Lea grew up in Crookston, Minn. where she attended St. Joseph's Academy. Being an early reader, the nuns determined she would skip 1st grade. Lea had a happy childhood, growing up with her 3 siblings and extended family during the Great Depression; she often said, "I never knew or felt we were poor." Following high school graduation, Lea attended St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minn. then was offered a scholarship to St. Joseph School of Nursing in Fargo, No. Dak. where she completed her nursing degree. Shortly thereafter, she met the love of her life and soul-mate, James H. O'Keefe, Sr. They wed September 5, 1953 at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Crookston. Jim and Lea had 50 wonderful years together before Jim's untimely passing in 2003. Lea worked as an RN to support Jim through law school at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Lea and Jim settled in Grafton, No. Dak. in 1957 where Jim established a private law practice. They remained there; unwavering in their love and loyalty to North Dakota and this community. Lea worked at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Grafton as Director of Religious Education and later as a long-time volunteer in the parish office. She was active in her neighborhood Birthday Club of 60+ years, as a member of the Board of Directors at the Lutheran Sunset Home, for various community fundraisers, boy/girl scout den mother, and with her hobbies. She loved to spend time reading, sewing, knitting, gardening, and baking for others. Lea's life mission and love was caring for her family. Together she and Jim raised six children: Kevin, James, Jr., Maureen, Georgiana "Gigi", Kerry and Kathleen "Katie". The family is so very grateful for two fun-loving yet disciplined, practical, frugal yet generous and caring parents: the quintessential mother and father! Lea was a natural caregiver and looked after both her mother, Alice, and mother-in-law, Dorothy, for many years. Her community of many friends became like extended family to her. Her frequent acts of kindness and gentle nature endeared her to all whom she knew. Though graceful and loving by nature, Leatrice was also a strong, witty, smart woman with an extraordinary ability to uplift and bring about the best in all the lives she touched. Lea loved to socialize with her extended family and friends and did so on a daily basis. She thoroughly enjoyed her Happy Hour while chatting, problem-solving and chuckling... on the phone or in-person. Her grown children loved to make the trip to Grafton to spend time with her—one or the other of us was with her in her cozy home most every day for the final year of her life. Though Lea was a homebody in her later years, she traveled throughout the country and world with Jim during his time as a judge for the state of North Dakota and later once he retired. In recent years, she spent parts of the North Dakota winter with family at her son's vacation home in Arizona. Lea was an intuitive, spiritual person whose love and devotion to her Catholic faith were evident throughout her life, passed on to her from her mother and maternal grandmother. She will be sorely missed by many. Her sharp wit and mind remained completely intact to the end; she died of natural causes related to a chronic heart condition. As one life-long friend of the family said, "She went STRAIGHT to Heaven, Jesus waiting!" It is hard not to imagine the immortal words from Matthew 24:21 being called to her as she passed: "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" Lea was preceded in death by: her parents, her in-laws Dr. Emmet and Dorothy O'Keefe, husband Judge James H. O'Keefe, Sr., brothers Dr. James Vick and David Vick, sister-in-law Joan Vick, brother -in-law Marvin Ehlen, brother-in-law Terrence O'Keefe, and sister-in-law MaryKay Geisen. She is survived by her son Kevin O’Keefe of Mentor, Minn. and his fiancé Maiko Ishiguchi; her son Dr. James O’Keefe Jr. and his wife, Joan, of Shawnee Mission, Kans.; and her four daughters and their husbands, Maureen and Perry Ralph of Fort Collins, Colo.; Gigi and Brian Burnham of Littleton, Colo.; Kerry and Joe Glynn of Boulder, Colo; and Katie O’Keefe and Steve Millette of Superior, Colo.; her sister RoseMary Ehlen of Frederica, Del.; 17 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Judy Vick and Judy O'Keefe, and many nieces and nephews. A funeral mass and celebration of Lea's life will be held at St. John's in Grafton at a later date, in late spring or early summer 2021. The family will be forever grateful for the outstanding care provided by the physicians and entire staff at Grafton’s Unity Medical Center and at the Lutheran Sunset Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to either facility.  Paul C. Campbell Jr., 46, of Williston, ND, formerly of Cando, ND passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. Services will be held in the Spring of 2021. Condolences and/or memorials can be sent to Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home, P.O. Box 888, Cando, ND 58324.
Paul C. Campbell Jr. was born January 23, 1974 in Cando, ND to Paul C. Campbell Sr. and Connie (Hunt-Campbell) Warbitsky. He attended school in Rock Lake, ND. He lived and worked in the Rock Lake/Rolla area, working for his uncle Don Campbell farming and at Saturn Industries in Clyde, ND. He married Kelly Poitra and they had 3 children, Krista, Michael and Shelby. Paul later moved to Cando where he worked for Belzer Brothers, Integra and Summers Manufacturing in Devils Lake, ND. He met and married the love of his life, Rebecca (Becky) Jean Olson on August 29, 2009 in Devils Lake, ND. The couple later moved to Williston, where he worked for Stride Well Service, Eagle and most recently Power Fuels/Nuverra. Paul was a fun person to be around. He was always hosting get togethers for friends and family. His biggest annual party was a Halloween costume party. There was always more than enough food and stories to go around. In his free time, he loved doing home improvement projects. He would never consider a project complete until it was perfect. His most recent project was an ice fishing house that was very well thought out. He would avidly post updates on Facebook groups and receive countless compliments on his progress. Fishing had become a passion of his, the past few years of his life, and as anything else he did it was researched constantly. No fish on the lake was safe when he pulled up to a lake. During summer months, it was a guarantee that there would be a fire going and food on the grill. When there wasn’t food cooking and the home projects were caught up on, he had the family packed up and headed to the grasslands to do some target shooting. Paul is survived by his wife Becky of Williston, ND, children Krista of St. John ND, Michael (Erin) of Devils Lake, ND, Shelby (Jared) of Rolla, ND, Skylar & Keaton of Williston, ND and a grandson Greyson. He is also survived by his sisters: Carolee (Daryl) Vote of Egeland, ND, Amanda (Jon) Warbitsky of Minot, ND, Alicia (Michael) Fenner of Kindred, ND and Abbie Warbitsky of Minot, ND and brother Anthony Warbitsky of Fargo, ND; mother-in-law Sheila (Stan) of Rugby, ND; sister-in-law Rachael (Josh) of Bismarck, ND; brother-in-laws John (Christina) of Towner, ND and Jackson of Bismarck, ND, the family cat, Tabby and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  Glenn Andor Haug, age 96 of Park River, ND, formerly of Adams, ND, passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.
Glenn was born March 5, 1924 on the Haug farm west of Edinburg, ND, the son of the late James and Anna (Holth) Haug. He grew up on the farm and attended school in the Edinburg area, graduating from Edinburg High School in 1942. Following his education he began farming with his family. He was united in marriage to Donna Lea Gemmill on January 3, 1949 in Edinburg, ND. The couple started their own family farm near Adams, raised their family, and continued to live there for 68 years before moving to Park River in 2016. In the mid-1970's, while he was still farming full-time, Glenn also began working at Bakke Homes, and would continue working there long after he retired from farming. Donna passed away on April 3, 2017 and Glenn moved into the Park River Good Samaritan Center in June of 2018. Glenn and Donna were lifelong members of the Odalen Lutheran Church, rural Edinburg, and later the Trinity Lutheran Church of Edinburg. Early in his married years, Glenn spent some of his leisure time gunsmithing and reloading shells. Then, in his middle years, Glenn enjoyed gardening, welding and every kind of farm repair work as well as cooking many family Sunday dinners on the charcoal grill. Glenn was an avid woodworker all his life; from building models when he was a child, to building a home for his family, to becoming a cabinet maker at Bakke Homes. Many area homes have cabinets built by Glenn. Glenn loved farming, but was happiest when his whole family was working in the field with him. He loved constructing stained glass windows and lamps, but was happiest when working on them together with his wife Donna. In his later years, Glenn loved creating wood carvings, many of which earned blue ribbons at the Walsh County Fair, but was happiest when he was carving them for people he cared about. Many people have shared that the hallmark of Glenn’s life was his kindness and appreciation for others. Glenn is survived by his children: Gary (Lucinda) Haug, Minneapolis, MN, Connie (Jack) Shull, Rome, Italy, and Stuart Haug, Hackensack, MN; grandchildren: Christian (María López-Obrero) Shull , Catherine (Enrico Zito) Shull, Julie (Jeremy) Day, Brandon (Alissa) Haug, Eli Haug, Kristina Haug, Kostya Haug and Katya (Robert) Grissom; ten great-grandchildren: Austin, Alex, Adam and Parker Day, Cohen and Aiden Haug, Megan and Madilyn Grissom, Marquis Bankhead, and Maia Rice; sisters: Irma Gemmill, Grand Forks, ND and Anne Puppe, Cavalier, ND; and sister-in-law Lorna Haug, West Fargo, ND. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, wife Donna, brothers Norris and James Haug, brothers-in-law Floyd Gemmill and Earl Puppe, sister-in-law Doris Haug, and great-grandson Dominic Rice. Glenn's family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of the Park River Good Samaritan Center and First Care Health Center of Park River for their compassionate care and kindness. A private graveside service will be held at Odalen Lutheran Cemetery of rural Edinburg. A memorial service will be held summer of 2021.  Dawn R Wosick, age 65, of Minto/Warsaw, ND died Friday December 11, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loved ones after a short battle against cancer. A private family service was held at St. Stanislaus Church in Warsaw, ND with inurnment at the St. Stanislaus Cemetery on December 15th, 2020.
Dawn was born on February 24, 1955 to Robert W. Oihus & Dorothy (Helland) Oihus in Grafton, ND. She graduated from Grafton High School in 1973 and went on to North Dakota State University to pursue a degree in Nursing. Dawn was united in marriage to Lynn McGuire in 1974. After the birth of her twin daughters, Jennifer & Rachel, Dawn returned to NDSU to complete her associate degree in Registered Nursing, graduating in 1979 with induction into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. She then received a Bachelor of Science degree in Registered Nursing from Moorhead State University in 1996 with induction into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Her lifelong career of serving others as a Registered Nurse in Grafton included the Lutheran Sunset Home, Life Skills and Transition Center and finishing her career at the VA Clinic, retiring from nursing in 2017. In 2009 she was united in marriage to George F. Wosick at St. Stanislaus Church in Warsaw, ND. Together they planned and built the home of their dreams where Dawn was able to spend her last days with George and her family. Dawn’s hobbies included sewing, crocheting, china painting, reading, quilting, gardening, canning, baking, yard work, cooking for the masses with ease and effortlessness, traveling the world with George and spending time with her grandchildren. Dawn’s ability to learn any new skill with patience, determination, and perfection was evident by her ever-expanding list of hobbies and interests. Dawn is survived by her husband George of Warsaw, daughter Jennifer (Chris) Thompson of Grafton, ND, daughter Rachel (Chad) Gunderson of Hutchinson, MN. Father, Robert W. Oihus (Betty Machart); brother Robert L. (Julie) Oihus of Grafton, Sister Ann (Doug) McCann of Grafton, Janice Oihus of Beulah, ND and Jodi (Larry) Stockert of Mesa, AZ. Grandchildren: Ella, Anders, Mae & Ruth Thompson, Grafton, ND; Amanda, Nathan, Cody, Mark & John Gunderson of Hutchinson, MN. She was preceded in death by her mother Dorothy, brother Scott, grandparents Ludvig & Mabel Helland and Alfred Oihus, mother and father in-law Richard and Eleanor Wosick, and companion, confidante and fur friend of 19 years, Cookie. Dawn was loved and respected by all who knew her. She will be remembered for the many lives she touched through her years of service & dedication to others. The funeral service will be live streamed at 10 am on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 on Tollefson Funeral Home’s Facebook page or can be viewed at a later date on Tollefson Funeral Home’s website. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to George Wosick at 15870 63rd St. NE, Minto ND 58261. All memorials will be forwarded onto a cancer research foundation of the family’s choice.  Ruth E. O'Hara, 93, of Langdon, ND, formerly of Glasston, ND, passed peacefully with her daughter Jodi by her side, on Monday, December 7, 2020 at Maple Manor Care Center. Ruth Eleanor Olson was born August 29, 1927, in Hamilton Township to Clarence and Mae (Rodgers) Olson. She grew up on the family farm in the Hamilton Township area. Ruth was united in marriage to John L. O'Hara on December 26, 1945. They lived and raised their family on a farm near Glasston, ND until John's passing in 1996. She then relocated to Milton the Winter of 1996 and remained there until 2013 when she then became a beloved family member of Maple Manor Care Center. Ruth enjoyed spending time baking pies & donuts, knitting, crocheting, sewing and gardening. Later in life she enjoyed playing cards and checkers, she loved reading the Cavalier and Grafton newspapers, going on car rides, and reading cards from all her loved ones. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and had a special place in her heart for all babies. Ruth was also a member of the Glasston United Methodist Church. Ruth is survived by her children, Jan Johnson, of Grafton, ND, Jolene (Kenneth) Tollefson, of Milton, ND, Joann (Norval) Staples, of Hamilton, ND, Robin (Nong) O'Hara, of Milton, ND, and Jodi O'Hara & Tim Larson, of Milton, ND, her 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband John, Son Russell, and brothers Kenneth and Alvin Olson, and sisters Betty Forker and Vernice Thom and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Special thank you to all the staff members at Maple Manor Care Center, who made her last years there feel like she was a part of the family. She was truly loved and loved all members of Maple Manor. Ruthie will be greatly missed by everyone who has the privilege to know her. A public visitation will be held Saturday, December 12, 2020 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND. A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the Glasston Cemetery, Glasston, ND.  Alice M. Bogert, 97, Lankin, ND, passed away Sunday, Dec. 6th, 2020 in First Care Health Center, Park River, ND.
Alice M. Shirek was born May 25, 1923, in Walsh county, rural Lankin, ND, the daughter of Frank H. and Mary (Kalal) Shirek. Alice was united in marriage to Donald Bogert on Sept. 5, 1942. Don and Alice moved to Lankin in 1946 making their home in Lankin and celebrated 54 years of marriage. Donald died in 1996. Alice continued to live in Lankin. Alice was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and WELCA. She was a member of the Bosh/Ryba American Legion Post 157 Women’s Auxiliary and served as Historian for many years. Alice loved flowers and gardening. She canned fruits, vegetables and jellies. She was an excellent seamstress and baker. The most important part of her life was her family. She always went out of her way to support and help them. Grandma and Grandpa would always be there! Alice is survived by her daughter, Melva (Kenneth) Brend, granddaughter, Kathryn (Douglas) Wright, and grandsons Donald and David (Teresa) Brend; 9 great-grandchildren, Leann (Aaron) Humble, Allison Wright, Christian Brend and Abigail, Emilie, Jacob, Jayden, Adrian and Jackson Brend; 1 great- great-granddaughter, Irelynn Humble. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Alice was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald and brothers Joseph, Rudolph and sisters Agnes Dvorak, Grace Trenda and Marie Zika. A private family visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 11, 2020 with a grave side public service at 2:00pm at W.F.L.A. (Kosobud) Cemetery of rural Lankin. A Celebration of Alice’s life will be planned for the Spring of 2021. Date and time will be forthcoming when it is safe for family and friends to travel and gather to celebrate Alice.  Alan Taylor, 84, Garrison, died on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at a Garrison care center. Family memorial services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garrison. A public visitation will be held on Saturday from 9 to Noon at Thompson Funeral Home in Garrison.
Alan Charles Taylor was born January 28th, 1936 to Charles and Ruth (Vogel) Taylor in Cohasset, MN. He was raised in Grand Rapids, MN where he completed his freshman year of high school before moving to Devils Lake, ND in 1952 to finish his schooling. There, his family owned the local Coast-to-Coast store in which Alan worked. He graduated from Devils Lake High School in 1954 and made 1st Team All-State in basketball. Alan continued his education at Jamestown College where he played basketball and graduated with honors in 1958. He then received his Master’s Degree in Education at the University of North Dakota in 1964. Alan’s love for teaching and coaching led to a rewarding life pursuing the things he loved. His accomplishments in education and coaching football, basketball and track developed an impressive resume that many knew him for. More importantly, his friends and family remember him as a man filled with life and youth and he put a majority of that life and youth into his family. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and was not shy about sharing his pride. In return, his children and grandchildren adored and respected him very much. There love for him was really more than can be put into words. Alan enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing in North Dakota and Canada and also enjoyed a good competitive card game with family and friends at the Minot Moose Club. To say Alan was a sports fan would be an understatement. His love for the Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves was often displayed in the many conversations he had with people he knew or strangers he would meet in passing. Alan is survived by his wife Doris (Lindquist) Taylor; children Stacey (Jim) Broecker, Lakeville, MN; Brad (Robin) Taylor, Chisago City, MN; Kelly (John) Hoffner, Blaine, MN Lora (Chris) Bennett, Madison, WI; stepchildren Sheila (Mark) Guy, Minot, ND; Gina (Robert) Lock, Minot, ND; Troy (Lisa) Lindquist, Great Falls, MT; Scott (Nang) Lindquist, Denver, CO; 21 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and sister Eileen Ojakangas, Davis, CA.  Barbara C. Johnson, age 62 of Park River, ND, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Friday, December 4, 2020.
Barbara Kjorstad was born February 10, 1958 in Williston, ND, the daughter of the late Lynn and Jeanette (Durham) Kjorstad. She grew up and attended school in Williston, graduating from Williston High School and later graduating from NDSU in Fargo. She was united in marriage to Russell Johnson on July 19, 1980 in Williston, ND. The couple made their home in Park River where she worked as a medical technologist at St. Ansgar’s Hospital and later the Life Skills and Transition Center. She made the decision to quit working to be a stay-home-mom and raise the couple’s six children. Her faith was the most important part of her life, as she exuded the love of her Savior and Lord to all she met. She was a member of the Faith Evangelical Free Church of Grand Forks. She taught Sunday School for many years, and was a member of the Gideon’s Auxiliary and served on the board for the Pregnancy Help Center for many years. She enjoyed cooking, baking and cross country skiing. Barbara is survived by her husband Russell, Park River, ND, Alyssa Johnson, Grand Forks, ND, Seth (Angie) Johnson, Grafton, ND, Levi (Tierra) Johnson, Park River, ND, Julia (Will) Halverson, Fargo, ND, Jessica (Jonah) Lange, Fargo, ND, and Grace Johnson, Park River, ND; 1 brother, six sisters; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 10:30 AM at the Faith Evangelical Free Church of Grand Forks. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Service is open to the public. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. The service will be livestreamed on the Faith Evangelical Free Youtube page. Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery of Park River, ND. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Pregnancy Help Center of Park River or The Gideons International.  Sharon Hart, 73, of Cando, ND, formerly of Mosinee, WI, passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at the Towner County Medical Center in Cando. A celebration of life will be held in Mosinee at a later date.
Sharon was born on July 22, 1947 in Wausau, WI to Kenneth & Darlene (Dittmann) Boettcher. Sharon was raised in Mosinee and graduated from Mosinee High School in 1965. She then attended a Technical School to obtain a degree as a Healthcare worker. Sharon was united in marriage to Marvin Hart and to that union four children were born: Kenneth, Jeffrey, Kevin, and Lisa. Sharon moved to Knox, ND in 2002 and lived there for five years before moving to Cando where she remained until her passing. She worked at the Towner County Medical Center in Cando. Sharon was an avid “talker”. She received a Mortician’s Assistant Certificate and was involved in 4-H, was a Cub Scouts Den Mother, a committee member and fundraising coordinator for the Children's Miracle Network. Sharon also worked with the Wisconsin Professional Police Association for many years. Sharon was the freelance photographer for the Towner County Fair, a former Alderwoman and secretary at Knox Community Church, former secretary at Rugby VFW and member of Cando Lutheran Church. Sharon enjoyed being with family and friends, photography, reading, fishing, gardening, painting, traveling, 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, attending concerts, attending every activity a family member or friend was having, visiting lighthouses, feeding birds, flowers, sunrise and sunsets, and her cats: Kizzy, Katie, and Karly. Sharon always put God and her family first. Sharon attended her grandchildren’s soccer games and dance recitals. She had a great sense of humor and always tried to help people out. In 2019 she was able to visit Graceland, the home of Elvis. Sharon’s favorite color was yellow. Sharon is survived by her fiancé and life partner Barry Hause; children: Kenneth Hart, Jeffrey (Kelly) Hart, Kevin Hart, and Lisa Anders; grandchildren: Kellie Dodd, Rylie Hart, Brett Hart, Abigail Hart, Josie Hart, Maggie Anders, and Katrina Dehnel; two great-grandchildren, with one more due in the spring; brother: Dennis (Kathy) Boettcher; friend and partner in crime: Bonnie Schmitt; and many other family and many, many, many friends. Sharon was preceded in dearth by her parents, sister Rosann Boettcher and fur baby (cat) Kalie. |
ObituariesTo place an Obituary contact us at Archives
October 2024
Categories |
RSS Feed