Isabel Yvonne Hartje
September 6, 1924 — December 13, 2024
Formerly of Hensel

​Isabel Yvonne Hartje, formerly of Hensel, ND, passed away peacefully at the age of 100 on December 13, 2024, in Rapid City, SD. A service celebrating Isabel’s life will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Brigid of Ireland Catholic Church in Cavalier, ND, with interment following at St. Brigid’s Cemetery.
Born on September 6, 1924, to Eugene and Alma Longtin, Isabel grew up on the family farm in Leroy, ND. She graduated from high school in Walhalla and briefly taught in a country school before contributing to the World War II effort as a Rosie the Riveter in Minneapolis.
On November 29, 1945, Isabel married Irwin Hartje in Leroy. They made their home in Hensel, ND, where they raised six children, operated a general store, and where Irwin served as postmaster. In retirement, they moved to Cottonwood, AZ, in 1988 and later to Rapid City, SD, in 2001. For the past six years, Isabel was a resident of Peaceful Pines Senior Living in Rapid City.
Isabel enjoyed a wide array of crafts including knitting and crocheting, loved playing cards, and cherished spending time with her family—especially her grandchildren as they grew. She was a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Rapid City.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 60 years Irwin; her brothers Alvah and Dwight; and her sister Evelyn. Grateful for having shared her life include her six children: Danne (Zelda) of Cavalier; Marcia (Doug) Hall of Mesa, AZ; Robert (Mary) of Rapid City, ND; Tracy (Mark) Seitz of Jamestown, ND; John (Lynn) of Sheridan, WY; and Roxan Kautz of Gilbert, AZ.
She is also survived by fifteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Isabel's legacy of love, warmth, and resilience will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Thomas G. Kram
November 27, 1934 — July 8, 2025
Langdon

Thomas G. Kram, 90, of Langdon, North Dakota, passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Maple Manor Care Center in Langdon. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Alphonsus Parish Center in Langdon. Visitation will be held one hour before the time of services.
Thomas G. Kram was born November 27, 1934, in Langdon, ND to Samuel and Beatrice (Marcotte) Kram. He grew up in Dresden, ND where he attended grade school After graduating from St. Alphonsus High School in Langdon, he attended North Dakota State University. Tom then returned to Langdon, where he farmed with his dad before taking over the farm. He was also a co-owner of the Premix Cement Plant south of Langdon. Things he enjoyed were flying after obtaining his private license, playing blackjack and trips to the casino in Devils Lake, and his coin collection.
He is survived by his sister, Geraldine Schneider, Fargo, ND, nieces and nephews: Mike Kram, Colleen Rinas, Tom Kram, Pat Kram, Mary Feil; Cal “Brent” Crockett, Kent Crockett, Mary Barnes, Kathy Knieriemen, Greg Crockett; Susan Woodley and Carolyn Long, and several great nieces and nephews.
Preceding Tom in death were his parents, Samuel and Beatrice, brother, Ronald Kram, sister, Rita Crockett, and two infant brothers.

Wayne J. Littlejohn, age 75 of Oakwood, ND passed away in his home on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Wayne J. Littlejohn was born Nov. 13, 1949 in Drayton, ND the son of the late Keith and Joan (Clifton) Littlejohn. He graduated from St. Thomas High School and attended UND for two years. He enlisted in the United States Army and served in Vietnam from 1969-1970 as a radio tech. Following his discharge he returned to St. Thomas and worked farm labor and construction. He moved to Minneapolis MN and went to school for Biomedical Equipment Tech. Following his education he moved to Minot, ND and worked for GE as Equipment Tech for several states. He later moved to Fargo and worked for DMS doing similar work. He moved to New Orleans and worked there for a time before moving to Detroit Lakes, MN where he taught Equipment repair at the Tech School. He retired at age 62 and moved to Oakwood, ND.
Wayne enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle and attended several Rallies in Sturgis, SD.
Wayne is survived by his siblings: Cheryl Littlejohn and Roger (Cindy) Littlejohn both of  St. Thomas, ND; his niece and nephew, Amanda and Ethan; his grandnieces and nephew: Quinn, Lincoln, and Reese. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Graveside services will be Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the St. Thomas City Cemetery, St. Thomas, ND.  Military rites will be provided by the Grafton and St. Thomas American Legion Posts and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.

Alan Crowston
November 20, 1947 — July 5, 2025
Cavalier

Wilfred Alan Crowston, known to most as Alan, passed away on July 5, 2025, at the age of 77 in Cavalier, North Dakota. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Lutheran Church in Cavalier. Visitation will be held one hour before the time of services at the church. 
Born on November 20, 1947, in Langdon, ND, he was the son of Wilfred and Dorothy (Dalsted) Crowston. Alan grew up on the family farm near Cavalier and attended Pleasance School in rural Cavalier before graduating from Cavalier High School in 1965. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1969 and a Master of Science in Botany in 1973 from North Dakota State University.
On May 10, 1968, Alan married the love of his life, Karen (Peterson) Crowston, in Fillmore, ND. They began their married life in Fargo before returning to Cavalier in 1973, where they would build a life rooted in family, hard work, and community. That same year, Alan founded AgTech Inc., a soil testing business he ran for 20 years. He also worked for 28 years with various contractors at the Cavalier Air Force Station. In 1989, he purchased additional land and took over the family farm, which he proudly operated for nearly three decades. Alan later worked as an Agricultural Specialist for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Pembina, retiring in 2012.
Alan had a deep love for farming, the outdoors, and the wide-open spaces of North Dakota. He found joy in hunting, fishing, and, above all, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Known for his sharp wit, quick quips, and easy laughter, he brought humor and warmth wherever he went. A passionate traveler, Alan explored much of the U.S. and Canada by road, ventured through Europe, and even journeyed above the Arctic Circle during his time working at the PAR site. He was always chasing the next adventure, and one of his most memorable was “The Kotchman Expedition”, a legendary road trip to Alaska with dear friends Skip Kotchman and Doug Herzog.
In recent years, Alan could often be found supervising farm activities from his golf cart, happily letting the grandkids take the wheel. He took great pride in his newest role as great-grandpa—a title he wore with a big smile.
Alan is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karen; children: Julie (Jay) Peterson, Sara Crowston, and Steven (Lizzie) Crowston, all of Cavalier, ND; grandchildren: Jenna (Jeff) Stith, Justine Peterson, Charlotte, Freddie, Winnie, Ted, and Gus Crowston; and great-grandchildren: Scarlett and Hazel Stith. He is also survived by his brother Darrell (Irene) Crowston and sister Penny (Jerry) Scheflo, brother-in-law, Ken (Bev) Peterson, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Waiting to welcome him is his beloved grandson, Janzen, whom Alan held close in his heart every day, and numerous loved ones.
Alan will be remembered for his warm heart, clever wit, deep roots in the land he loved, and his unwavering devotion to family.

Richard Wayne LaHaise was born and raised near Drayton, ND on December 10, 1953 to Joseph and Edith (Silewski) LaHaise.  He joined the ND Army National Guard on December 2, 1972, right after high school and was active until September 22, 1984.  He attended Fort Knox in Kentucky for his basic training and became part of the 957th Engineer Company Float Bridge.  In his 12 years of service, he was never deployed and only had to do service in North Dakota including the Flood of 1979.
After his military service, Richard worked at numerous businesses throughout Grafton.  He worked with Hanson Kopperud, Heritage Ford, Wilson Auto Parts, Marvin Windows and Home of Economy. He was united in marriage to Cecilia LaHaise on August 29, 1992.  Richard finally retired in 2021.
He had a love of cars and the races, especially NASCAR.  He loved camping with his wife and dog, bowling, spending time with family and friends, and he especially loved a good party with music and dancing.
Richard is survived by his wife Cecilia; children Melissa Grzadzieleski and Joey LaHaise; step-children: Darren Eng, Laura Kasprick, Barett Eng, and Ryan Eng; grandchildren: Kaylan, Mariek, and Hailey Grzadzieleski; step-grandchildren: Mason, Betsey, and Jager Eng, and Haley, Kylie and Jens Eng; siblings: Jerome and William LaHaise; brother-in-laws: Brian (Michelle) Janikowski, Todd (Roxanne) Janikowski; sister-in-laws: Myra Howard and Cathy Janikowski; as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Joanie; and brothers Duane and Robert. 
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Grafton City Cemetery.  Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.
​

Marlene E. Stremick
December 16, 1937 — June 27, 2025
Cavalier

​Marlene Eleanor Stremick, 87 of Cavalier, ND passed away Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital in Cavalier. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Brigid of Ireland Catholic Church in Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. vigil service at the church. There will also be a rosary on Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow mass at the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Walhalla, ND.
Marlene was welcomed into the world on December 16, 1937, to Otto and Wanda Schoenheit, in Neche, ND. In time, Marlene would become one of fourteen children in a family community of German descent. In her later teens and early 20’s, Marlene served her community by working at the Cavalier hospital. She married William (Bill) Stremick of Walhalla, ND on October 29, 1960. Marlene and Bill lived in the Svold, Cavalier, and Walhalla areas, eventually establishing a farm near Backhoo, ND, which remains with the family to this day.
Marlene enjoyed a simple life of service. In addition to her primary role as homemaker to a husband and 6 children, Marlene served her church by teaching catechism classes and contributing her time or talents to church events or ministry needs. She also dedicated her time attending to the needs of others through her work at the nursing home in Cavalier from 1985 until she retired in 2008.
Marlene is best remembered for her love of cooking, canning, and an appreciation for life’s simple beauties. A color filled sunset, flowers and birds of every variety and color, and time with her bible nearly every morning all speak to her desire to lead a simple and honest life. She was raised on hard work and commitment that was evident in every aspect of her life for as long as she was capable.
Marlene is survived by her children, Jason Stremick and Alan Stremick of Cavalier, Loren Stremick of Drayton, Cheryl Carpenter (Scott) of Battlement Mesa, CO, Nathan Stremick of Duluth, MN, Brian Stremick of Cavalier, grandchildren Joshua, McKenzie, and Jordin Carpenter; brother Howard Schoenheit; sisters Phyllis (Duane) Reck, Charlotte (Karl) Soderberg, Ruth Hall, and Anna (Dennis) Lammens.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband William Stremick, brothers: Robert Schoenheit, Arnold Schoenheit, Delbert Schoenheit, Gilbert Schoenheit, Ronald Schoenheit; sisters: Rita Schoenheit, Agnes (Henry) Klindt, and Alice Schoenheit.

Elizabeth “Betty” Cudmore, age 92 of Park River, ND passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at her home surrounded by family.
​
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, June 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Park River.  Visitation will be Thursday from 6-7 with a rosary and prayer service to follow at 7:00 PM at the church.  Friends may also call on Friday for one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery of Park River.

Milton Ellis Broe was born on October 18, 1943, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Melvin and Ellen Broe. He was baptized in December 1943 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Buxton, ND. At the age of 7, Milton transitioned from the North Dakota Children’s Home Society to the Life Skills and Transition Center in Grafton, where he would spend much of his life surrounded by a dedicated and compassionate community. He left this world peacefully, surrounded by those who loved and cared for him on June 21, 2025. 
From 1994 to 1999, Milton lived in Grand Forks, after which he returned to the Life Skills and Transition Center, where he remained until his passing. Throughout his life, Milton was known for his spirit, resilience, and the way he connected with those around him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Ellen, and his siblings.
Milton’s life will be honored with a memorial service at All Faith’s Chapel in Grafton on Monday, June 30th at 1:45 p.m. Inurnment will be at All Faith’s Cemetery of Grafton.
Milton will be remembered with affection and respect by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ronald David Kavli, 76, Minot, ND passed away peacefully on Christmas morning 2024 at home.
    Ronald was born on October 8, 1948, in Bottineau, ND, to Carol and Earnest Kavli, the second of three brothers. He was a beloved husband, father, stepfather, and a proud service member who dedicated his life to the United States Navy, it was his greatest achievement and brought him much pride and joy. While in the Navy he did Search and Rescue, and Aircraft Mechanics. Throughout his life, Ron Kavli was known for his love of the Navy, aircraft, mechanics, and racing. Ron would always talk to any service member he saw and thank them for their service. When given the opportunity he would talk about his love of search and rescue, and helicopters.
   In addition to his military service, Ron Kavli was actively involved in his community as a Legion Commander and District Commander, where he worked tirelessly to support veterans and their families by conducting many graveside ceremonies with the Legion. His unwavering dedication to service and leadership in these roles made a lasting impact in the lives of many.
   After retiring from the Navy Ron worked for Ted’s Garage in San Diego, CA before returning to North Dakota. He spent many years working at the Dahlen Farmer’s Elevator before moving to Minot where he worked at Acme tools.
   Ronald Kavli is survived by his loving wife, Joanne Kavli; brothers Richard and Steve (Sue); his children Aaron (Chrissie) Kavli, Tana (Rob) Rousseau, and Shannon Kavli, as well as his step-children Jenni Duncan, Jamie (Kenneth) McKinney, Joshua (Ginger) Duncklee, Christopher Duncklee, and Cosmo Duncklee. He was a cherished grandfather to Drake Kavli, Drew Kavli, Rowan Kavli, River Kavli, Ruben Duncan, Konrad Duncan, Holly Duncan, Mandy Duncan, Katie (Lance) Johnson, Jack (Charlie) McKinney, Lucas Duncklee, Emily Duncklee, Evelyn Duncklee, Myra Duncklee, Madison Duncklee, Sophia Duncklee and great grandfather to Jeremiah Johnson, and soon to be Theodore McKinney.
   Above all else Ronald Kavli loved being a husband and grandpa. 
   A memorial service celebrating Ronald Kavli’s life will be held Wednesday, June 18,2025 at 1 p.m. at the Dahlen Lutheran Church with an internment at the Middle Forest River Cemetery.
   In honor of his memory, the family invites all who knew him to come and share their memories.