Louis W. “Billy” Zola, age 89 of rural Oslo, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at his home near Oslo.
Louis W. Zola was born January 10, 1936 in Oslo, MN the son of the late William and Palagia (Paschke) Zola. He attended rural school at District 19 in Walsh County and graduated from Oslo High school in 1953. He was drafted into the United States Army and served from 1959-1961. He was in Missouri, New Jersey and Washington State. Following his discharge he returned home to farm with his father and brother and farmed until his death.
Billy was a member of the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church of Warsaw where he served as usher for many years. He was a member of the Oslo American Legion and the Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, spending time with family, especially if there was a project to help with.
He is survived by his nephews and niece: Jeffrey (Tammy) Zola, Grand Forks, ND; Susan (David) Cullinan, Eau Claire, WI; David Zola (Rebecca Green), Grand Forks, ND; Kenneth (Joette) Zola, Lino Lakes, MN; Alan (Penny Jo) Zola, Fargo, ND. Many great nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Harold.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church of Warsaw, ND. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the church cemetery in the spring. Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.
An online guest book is available at: www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com

Dorothy Koester, age 73 of Grafton, ND passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at her home in Grafton.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 10:30 AM at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Interment will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to the St. Gianna’s Maternity Home in Warsaw, ND.

Jaqueline "Jacki" Kuehnel, 61, formerly of Glasston, ND passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Memorial service will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Methodist Church in Cavalier. Visitation will be held one hour before the time of the service at the church. Online guestbook and full obituary available at www.askewfuneralhome.com 
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Sharon K. Sullivan, age 77 of Minto, ND, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.
Sharon Berlin was born March 22, 1948 in Fargo, ND, the daughter of the late Jerome and Lillian (Sullivan) Berlin. She grew up in Lisbon for a short time before moving to Grand Forks. She attended school in Grand Forks and later attended the Moorhead Area Vocational and Technical Institute. In 1986 she met Charlie Hermann and the couple made their home in Georgetown, MN for many years before moving to Grand Forks in 2001 and then Minto in 2005.
Sharon enjoyed gardening, canning, mowing the lawn, raising animals and spending as much time as she could with her grandchildren. She was an Avon Representative for 20 years and loved serving her community and making sure they had everything they loved.
She is survived by the love of her life, Charlie Hermann, Minto, ND; children: Cheri Skavlem and Michael Skavlem; five grandchildren: Brandon Wald, Jaydn Rosell, Chelsey Skavlem, Kara Skavlem and Britney Skavlem; six great grandchildren: Tyler, Bradley, Lily,Sage, Leon and Kase; her brothers: Mike Berlin and Steven Berlin.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Jerome Berlin, Lillian Berlin and Jim Berlin
Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery of Minto, ND in the spring.

Marilyn Susan (Augustin) Hall passed away peacefully surrounded by all her children and her loving husband of 50 years, Warren, on December 22, 2025.
Marilyn Augustin was born on July 8, 1952 in Grand Forks, ND to Milton and Esther (Schulz) Augustin. She was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Crystal, ND on August 17, 1952. She was later confirmed at St. John’s on June 19, 1966. Marilyn’s faith was lifelong and in her last days with us her trust in Jesus brought her peace.
Marilyn graduated from Valley High School in 1970. After high school she began nursing studies at the University of North Dakota. She was an active member of Delta Zeta where she made many life-long friends. She graduated from UND in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
On January 4, 1975, Marilyn married Warren Hall. They made their home in Hoople and celebrated 50 years of marriage this year. They worked on many house projects together. Marilyn helped Warren on the farm by driving potato truck, picking up parts, and giving rides between fields. Warren and Marilyn were blessed with five children and Marilyn was a diligent and caring mother to them.
Marilyn’s true calling was one of faithful service to others. As a nurse, she cared for many patients throughout her career. As a mother, she worked tirelessly to support all of her children’s diverse interests. She volunteered at church, school activities, and also as a 4-H leader.
She had many hobbies and interests. She loved making quilts and appliques, and most items were given as gifts or donations. She also loved flower gardening and baking. Her cookies were legendary among her children and their friends. She enjoyed snowmobiling with her family and especially with Warren. Marilyn started riding snowmobile at the beginning of her marriage to Warren and they enjoyed many adventures including their last snowmobiling trip in the winter of 2025.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Warren; her five children, Julie (Eric) Hall-den Boer, Sarah Hall, Kevin (Amy) Hall, Alicia (Brian) Harstad, Laura (Jonathan) Rieger; seven grandchildren, William, Margret, Jonah, Axel, Violet, Ivan, and Barrett; her siblings, Lee (Lesley) Augustin, and Jane (Dick) Horner. Marilyn is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and all who were touched by her caring and love. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Esther Augustin; and her nephew, Jeffery Augustin.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at the First Lutheran Church of Hoople, ND. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 5:00-7:00 PM. A prayer service will be held at 7:00. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Hoople City Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sanford Health Foundation for the Roger Maris Cancer Center, HIA Hospice, or Pregnancy Help Center in Park River, ND.
An online guest book is available at: www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com. The funeral will be recorded and available on the website as well.

Elroy Ordean Brandvold, age 80, of Edinburg, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, at Essentia Health Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, surrounded by his family.
Born on July 28, 1945, in Grafton, North Dakota, to parents Edroy and Ann (Rystad) Brandvold, Elroy lived a life rooted in family, hard work, and the community he loved. In 1963, he entered Wahpeton College of Science before being drafted to the United States Army, where he served as a military policeman and earned recognition as a National Defense Service Medal recipient and earned a sharpshooter badge.
On June 20, 1969, he married Vera Olafson at Gardar Lutheran Church. They had four children.
Life on the family farm was spent raising small grains, beef cattle and later dairy cattle. Following his years in agriculture, Elroy spent many years working as a heavy equipment operator.
In retirement Elroy loved to tinker in his garage. He made many bird houses that can be seen around town and enjoyed keeping the yard green and looking good. He was a fan of UND hockey, old TV westerns, gardening, driving the golf cart or Model-A Ford. A favorite activity was keeping an eye on the grandkids activities.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Vera Brandvold; son Chad Brandvold (wife Toni) and their daughters Kennedy and Hannah of Wyoming, MN; son Reed Brandvold of Minneapolis, MN; Son Ross Brandvold of Newport Beach, CA; daughter Jana Gudmundson (husband Chad) and their daughter Allison and son Adley of Mountain, ND; and many nieces, nephews and relatives.
Elroy was preceded in death by his parents, Edroy and Ann Brandvold; In-laws Johannes and Valgerdur Olafson; sister Mona Jean Harvey (Tom); brother Burvette Brandvold (Gloria); sister Colleen Shanahan (John); sister Audrey Bigwood (Lyle).
Visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Edinburg, North Dakota, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on December 30, 2025.
Elroy’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

​Carol H. Jallo, 90, formerly of Fordville, ND, passed away on December 15, 2025, peacefully with her family by her side at Valley Senior Living, Grand Forks, ND, where she resided since January of 2023.
Carol Henrietta Dahlen, the daughter of Henry and Caroline (Petrla) Dahlen, was born on July 15, 1935, on the family farm near Dahlen, ND. She was raised on the family farm in rural Dahlen with her three siblings. She was baptized and confirmed at Dahlen Lutheran Church. She graduated from Dahlen High School in 1953. She then attended Mayville State University for one year, majoring in education.
On September 19, 1954, Carol was united in marriage to Harold Jallo in Dahlen, North Dakota. Harold and Carol built a life on the Jallo family farm raising cattle, growing crops, and loving their three children. She was a devoted farm wife, working alongside Harold, she loved the land and appreciated the value of hard work. She was Walsh County’s Farm Woman of Year in 1988. Along with her milking cows and driving machinery, Carol was an amazing baker. She was well known for her kolaches and any visitor always received one, and sometimes a few for the road. In her free time, she enjoyed Hardanger embroidery, sewing, and assembling quilts with Quale ladies’ aid.
Harold and Carol were blessed with 68 years of marriage. Together they had three children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Throughout the years together they enjoyed traveling, playing cards, watching the Minnesota Twins, and square dancing. They were members of Polka Lover’s Klub of America, always eager to travel to the next Polka Fest. A highlight of Carol’s life was supporting her grandchildren throughout all their activities. She cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Carol was a member of the Lankin Auxiliary. For many years, she was a leader for the Buttercups 4-H Club. She was an active member of the Quale Lutheran Church, Quale WELCA, and a Sunday School teacher. Her faith was unwavering and brought her peace and hope during hardships and unimaginable circumstances. On her last earthly day, Carol found comfort from Psalm 23.
Carol is survived by her three children, Donald (friend Delilah) Jallo of Portland, ND, Darrell (Debbie) Jallo of Fordville, ND, Denise (Bradley) Becker of Inkster, ND; seven grandchildren, Jamie (Erik) Burken, Jessica (Taylor) Kelly, Travis Jallo, Jason Jallo, Kacie (Dominic) Capp, Kyle (Karina Whaley) Becker, and Kayla Becker; great grandsons, Orrin, Jasper, and Kashton Kelly, Emmett and Eli Burken, and Joseph Capp; sister, Dorcas (Lloyd) Schmidt; and sister-in-law Marge Jallo; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold; her brothers, Donald and Francis; her daughter-in-law, Nancy Jallo.
Carol’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Valley Senior Living on 42nd for the compassionate care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Quale Lutheran Church, the Lankin Auxiliary, or Valley Senior Living on 42nd.
FUNERAL SERVICES: 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Quale Lutheran Church of rural Fordville, ND.
VISITATION: One hour prior to the service in the church.
INTERMENT: Quale Church Cemetery.

Edward Stremick
February 25, 1931 — December 13, 2025
Walhalla, ND

Edward Stremick, 94, of Walhalla, ND, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held for one hour before the time of the service at the church. 
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Full Obituary to follow. 

George A. Wysocki, age 97 of Grand Forks, ND passed away Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Lutheran Sunset home in Grafton, ND.
George Wysocki was born October 15, 1928, in Pulaski, Township in North Dakota, the son of the late George and Sophie (Gudjates) Wysocki.  He attended Miller School District 123 in Ardoch Township up to 8th grade.   After his schooling, he worked many jobs including the family farm and as a farm hand starting at age 12, picking potatoes and sugar beets by hand.   On April 11, 1951, he was drafted into the United States Army serving in the Korean War.  He fought in many of the major battles including, the Battle of the Punchbowl and Heart Break Ridge.  He was awarded the Infantry Badge, Korean and United Nations Service Badge and Ribbon, with two service stars.    Upon his honorable discharge from active military Service on February 10, 1953, he worked at the Minto Locker Plant, and was a carpenter for 40 years, retiring at the age 68.    He later came back to the workforce and worked for a few years at Retrax.  
He loved going hunting with his longtime friend, Lawrence Gerszewski and his sons, Roy and Wayne, playing horseshoes, playing pinochle, watching the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings, and following UND sports. He was a life member of the American Legion Post 201 in Minto, ND, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 in East Grand Forks, MN and the Polish National Alliance (PNA) Lodge of Minto for 75 years.  He married Georgian Hudacko Knaus on February 1, 1969 and have 3 children; Larry, Renae, and Steven.   
He survived by his wife, Georgian; a daughter, Renae Knaus; sons, Larry (Judy) and Steve (Mariana); 6 grandchildren, Jacob Collins, Nikita Elijah, Jacquline Knaus, Elizabeth Knaus, Nathaniel Wysocki, and Savannah Wysocki; 6 great-grandchildren; Letitia Chesinga, Aleana Westberry, Luke Wysocki, Addison Wysocki, Jaxson Collins, and Giovanni Knaus; a sister, Joan Dondoneau, Grand Forks, ND and many loving nephews and nieces.
 He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Cyril Wysocki. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the following: HIA Hospice, St. Michaels Catholic Church, The Warsaw Cemetery and Church Preservation Association, or the American Legion Post #201.
Mass of Christian Burial: 2:30 p.m.  Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in St. Michael's Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. prior to the liturgy in the church on Wednesday.
Burial: In the spring of 2026, at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Warsaw, ND.
Military Honors: Accorded at the time of burial. 

Maxine Wilkes, age 84 of Grafton, ND and formerly of Park River, ND, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025 at Edgewood Healthcare, Grand Forks, ND.
Maxine Osowski was born November 11, 1941 in Grafton, North Dakota, the daughter of the late Bruno and Stella (Ebertowski) Osowski. She attended school near Warsaw and graduated from Grafton High School. After her schooling she began helping her sister in Park River with her children and working at the bowling alley. Maxine was united in marriage to Paul Wilkes on June 19, 1965 in Grafton. The couple made their home in Park River where they raised their family. She worked at LSTC as a Direct Service Provider and then worked as the secretary at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Park River until her retirement. She moved to Grafton in 2022.
She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Grafton and a former member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Altar Society, Park River. She was a member of the Park River and Grafton American Legion Auxiliary and also served on the Park River Volunteer Ambulance Service. Maxine enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Women’s Bowling League and traveled for tournament bowling. She was also an avid Pinochle player. Maxine was a caregiver to all and was known to be the “neighborhood mom.” Her family was her world; she traveled extensively to see her children and grandchildren, watching their many activities and sporting events.
Maxine is survived by her children: Endora (Jeff Blanchard) Wilkes, Grafton, ND; Patrick (Nikki) Wilkes, Rock Lake, ND; Sandra (Paul Stigaard) Wilkes, Seattle, WA; Sarina (Greg) Hankins, Lucas, TX; grandchildren: Dacotah and Joshua Blanchard, Colten, Carson and Kyleigh Wilkes; great-grandchildren: Carter Wilkes and Krue Lunday; brother, Ernest (Karen) Osowski, Grand Forks, ND. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul, sisters: Sarah Nice, Esther Narlock, Beatrice Houdek, Louise Sevigny, Joanne Babinski and three infant siblings.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 12, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Grafton, ND. Visitation will be Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Park River in the Spring. Maxine’s funeral will be livestreamed on Tollefson Funeral Home’s website. In Lieu of Flowers, memorials are preferred to the Park River Ambulance Service or the Park River Pregnancy Help Center.