Howard N. Ray, age 81, of Grafton, ND, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025. You could probably find him on the celestial golf course with his buddies, enjoying a beautiful day on the links, after driving by and checking the crops.
Howard Norman Ray was born on June 2, 1943, the son of the late Norman and Erlene (Morden) Ray. His birthday fell in June, the month celebrated with a pearl birthstone and a rose birth flower and also the names of his grandmothers, Pearl and Rose. He had one sister, Connie, whom he loved to pick on but also fiercely protected from the Pembina County boys. Howard grew up on farms near Glasston and Hamilton, ND, attending the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches in Hamilton. Howard attended country school at the Nevins District #90 schoolhouse until the 8th grade and graduated from Cavalier High School in 1961. He was active in 4-H and had a lifelong passion for anything to do with cars! He attended Mayville State College, graduating in 1965 with a BS degree in Education, Mathematics and Business. It was there that he met his future wife, Karen Sue Lien. They were married on March 4, 1967, in Fordville Lutheran Church.
After teaching math and business for 4 years in Hope, ND, and surveying land for ASCS, Howard joined the staff at Grafton National Bank in Grafton (subsequently First National Bank, Norwest and then Wells Fargo), starting a career in banking that lasted for 50 years. In February 2001, he took a big step in moving to First United Bank where he was named Vice President and Manager in 2009 and eventually elected to the Board of Directors. He retired in 2020 at the age of 77.
Howard was dedicated to his family, community, customers, and friends, and loved to drive around visiting and checking in on everyone, and looking at the crops. He was active in many community organizations over the years, including the Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, ND Bankers’ Association, Grafton Quarterback Club/Spoiler Boosters, Fair Oaks Golf Club, American Bowling Congress, Grafton School Board, Grafton Lutheran Church, and was on the board at the Lutheran Sunset Home. He enjoyed many years of camping at Icelandic State Park, Florian Dam, and Larimore Dam, and heading out to golf in Grafton, Larimore or anywhere he could find to hit some balls with friends.
Howard is survived by his wife, Karen, his children, Philip (Rachel) Ray, Heidi (Travis) Sanger, and Paul (Keeley) Ray, as well as his sister Connie (Jim) Voeller, sister-in-law Gloria Gustafson, and grandchildren, Rylan, Grace, Gabi, Keegan, Annika, Emily, Kaeden, Fallon, Arden, and Farrah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Erlene Ray, in-laws Hjalmer and Gladyce Lien, brother-in-law Harlan Lien, and aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Funeral services will be Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Grafton Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Grafton Lutheran church. Friends may also call at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Grafton Lutheran Cemetery in the spring. The funeral service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to the Lutheran Sunset Home, Unity Medical Center Foundation or Grafton Lutheran Church. An online guest book is available at: www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com

Arturo DeLaCruz, 67, of Grafton, ND passed away February 1st, 2025, at Lutheran Sunset Home.
Art was born December 9th, 1957 in Laredo, TX to Gregorio and Ninfa Gallegos DeLaCruz. He attended Joseph W. Nixon High School before joining the workforce as a diesel mechanic and truck driver. During his time in Laredo, he met the love of his life, Yolanda Rodriguez, where they eventually married in the spring of 1999. They then moved their family to Grafton, ND, where Art would start his work at Altendorf Trucking. In 2000, Art and Yolanda would team up to start Kids First Childcare.
Art could always be found in his sunglasses, cruising around town and chatting with anyone he met. His joy was providing for his family and any kid in town who needed a fresh meal or place to stay. Because of his Christ-like love, Art was a father figure to many in the community. He will be dearly missed, but we find comfort that he is now in the presence of the Lord. 
Art is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Chris DeLaCruz and Richard DeLaCruz.
He is survived by his faithful partner and wife of 36 years, Yolanda; daughters, Belinda Rodriguez of Tempe, AZ, Griselda (Oscar) Chapa of Laredo, TX, Bianca (Joseph) Lillo of Omaha, NE; sons Enrique (Miriam) Rodriguez of San Diego, CA, Saul Rodriguez of Atlanta, GA, and Arturo DeLaCruz of West Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Alexis and Angelise Rodriguez, Amelia and Olivia Rodriguez, and Anthony, Alayna, Oscar Jr., and Daniel Chapa.
A Celebration of Life and visitation will be held Saturday, February 8th at Faith Evangelical Free Church from 1PM to 4 PM. An online guest book is available at: www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com

Peggy Ann Niswonger, age 62, of Minto, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Valley Senior Living Center in Grand Forks, ND.
Peggy was born on June 16, 1962, in Grafton, ND, the daughter of the late Clarence and Isabel (Gerszewski) Niswonger. She graduated from Minto High School in 1980 and received her bachelor degree in teaching from Minot State University. She started her teaching career in Peerless, Montana, and then taught in Fort Benton, Montana, Pocatello, Idaho, and Yuma, Arizona. Peggy moved back to Minto in 2009, and most recently lived at Tufte Manor Care Facility in Grand Forks. She worked for the State School for a short time and then for Altendorf Trucking until her health started to decline. Peggy was a member of Degree of Honor and Benefit Bridge Club.
Peggy is survived by her brother Gary and sister Mariette (Melton) Flores; sisters-in-law, Gloria Niswonger and Mardell Niswonger; nieces and nephews: Chad Niswonger, Jonathan Niswonger, Melissa Yeakley, Megan Flores, Marlee Flores, Jason (Katie) Klava, Jeremy (Colette) Adamsen, Mandi (Jamie) Robinson, and her nephew Scott’s wife, Anita Niswonger. She is also survived by her godson, Gregory Korynta, her aunt, Betty Novak, several cousins, great nieces and nephews.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; sister, LuAnn Jacobson; brothers, Dale, William, and infant brother John; and her nephew, Scott Niswonger.
A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 10:30 AM, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Minto, North Dakota. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the service. Inurnment will be at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Minto, North Dakota, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Degree of Honor Scholarship Fund.

Cheryl V. Brandt
September 24, 1951 — January 26, 2025
Walhalla, ND

​Cheryl Virginia Brandt,73, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. Cheryl was born the eldest of eight children to Vernon and Olive Christine (Hiller) Bennett. She was born on the family farm near Walhalla. She attended Vang Country School and graduated from Walhalla High School. After high school she attended and graduated from Aaker’s Business College in Grand Forks, ND. 
Cheryl met Sidney Brandt in 1971. She caught his eye when she had a flat tire, and he was the young man at his family’s gas station in Grand Forks to fix it! He fixed her tire and asked her out once the job was done. The rest is history! They married in June of 1972, and they raised their three children in rural Walhalla. As empty nesters, they resided in Reynolds and Grand Forks before returning to the Bennett family farm near Walhalla.
Cheryl and Sid owned the Walla Lanes Bowling Alley and Walhalla Home and Building Center, and she also worked over the years as a secretary or bookkeeper at several businesses in Walhalla and Grand Forks.
Cheryl and Sid loved to travel, especially on cruise ships, visiting places like Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Europe. Together they traveled across the United States and Canada. She really enjoyed the Grand Canyon and the hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque. She also enjoyed planting flowers, crafting, playing cards with Lois and Arlan, and tending to more hummingbirds than she could count. She was a lover of all animals, and owned all kinds including dogs, cats, chinchillas, ducks, geese, and rabbits, just to name a few. She was an avid Fighting Sioux hockey fan, holding season tickets for many years. Together they provided a loving home for many foster children over the years.
Cheryl was a proud grandmother to 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. 
She was preceded in death by her parents and infant sisters Vicki Larae and Sheila Ann.
Cheryl is survived by her loving husband of 52 years; her daughters: Angela (James Day) Brandt of Devils Lake, Julie Brandt of Grand Forks, and Stephanie (Dale) Magenau of Manvel; her grandchildren: Mackenzie (Brendan Grover) Arens, Raquel (Jon) Bucklew, Colby and Andrew Magenau; her great grandchildren: Ryder, Kainen, and Henry; siblings: Ronald (Lauri) Bennett, Sandra Bennett, Susan (Charles) Hoggarth, Lorry (Tammerina) Bennett, and Holly Bennett; and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. 
A memorial service will be held at Walhalla Lutheran Church, Walhalla, ND on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. There will be at time of fellowship and lunch following the service. Internment will take place at Vang Cemetery in the spring. 

Deborah L. Rents
March 9, 1966 — January 25, 2025
Cavalier

​Deborah L. Rents, 58, of Cavalier, ND, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Wedgewood Manor in Cavalier, ND. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier.
Deborah L. Rents was born to Douglas and Patricia (Doyle) Rodvold on March 9, 1966, in Kellogg, ID. She grew up in Seattle, WA and worked as a nurse coordinator while there.
For the past 12 years she has resided in Cavalier, ND. Debbie enjoyed playing darts and listening to music, especially Michael Jackson.
Debbie is survived by her mother, Patricia Rodvold, Cavalier, ND; children, Candice Rents, Seattle, WA, Brice (Teresa) Rents, Seattle, WA, Kendall Church, Muskogee, OK, and Tajae Rents, Cavalier, ND; granddaughter, Bandit Church; and sisters, Corine Terry, Pamela Mcneil, and Stephanie Rodvold.

Howard J. Surerus
November 15, 1939 — January 23, 2025
Cavalier

​Howard J. Surerus, 85, of Cavalier, ND, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier. 
Howard James Surerus was born to Ernest Earl and Myrtle Emily (Ault) Surerus on November 15, 1939, in Cavalier, ND. He married Dorothea Kae Berg June 3, 1961, at her parent's farm near Doyon, ND. 
Howard was an avid hunter and spent many years in the construction business, building bridges across North Dakota. 
Howard is survived by children: Kristene (Whitefish Bay, WI), Kelly and Sherri (Lisbon, ND), and Kory (Cooperstown, ND); grandchildren: Melinda (Wahpeton, ND), Ernest and Shantelle (Rutland, ND), and Dannielle and Gunnar (Grand Forks, ND), and great-grandchildren: Eric, Theodore, Emeerah, Ollie and Maverick.

Matthew J. Houska, age 39 of Grafton, North Dakota passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at his home in Grafton.
Matthew Joseph Houska was born August 21, 1985 in Grafton, North Dakota, the son of Janice (Credit) Houska and the late Ronald Houska.  He went on to graduate from Grafton High school in 2006. He began receiving SEP vocational services at Friendship in 2006. Matt then moved into his own apartment in August 2011. He began working at All Seasons Laundry in April of 2018 where he was loved and adored by both his co-workers and staff. 
Matt received many awards, including a national award for his work as a pianist. He played the harmonica, guitar, saxophone, xylophone and keyboard. Matt's love of music was shared with the world through his two very own CDs. He was always eager to share his talent with us when asked to perform at CQL, NDACP, or any other function. Matt was the 2006 APSE Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner for his "Music By Matt" business. In 2007 he won the National APSE Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his musical talents. 
When Matt wasn't busy creating music he enjoyed bowling, board games, puzzles, going to church, where he was an Altar Server for many years and spending time with his friends and family. He was friendly, outgoing, and loved to joke with others.
Matt was an advocate for those with intellectual disabilities and was the 2009 Buddy Walk representative. Matt described himself on his social media as a "cool guy" and we could not agree more. One of his best friends was his cat, Buddy. He had a gentle and loving demeanor that will be missed by all. 
Matthew is survived by his mother, Janice Houska, Grafton, ND; brothers:  Clint Potulny, Fordville, ND; Todd (Delene) Potulny; niece and nephews:  Ashley (Paul) Tweten, Tyler Potulny, Austin Potulny, Tanner (Olivia) Potulny; great niece and nephew:  Ezra and Everley; his best friend, Buddy.  He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Houska (11/26/2024); his beloved grandparents:  Joseph and Valerie Houska and Freddy and Rosanna Credit; uncles: Larry Credit, Forrest Isaacson, Allen Groven, Phil Robinson and aunt Delores Robinson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton.  Visitation will be on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Inurnment will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in the spring.

Magnus "Mike" Olason
May 3, 1930 — January 22, 2025
Cavalier​
​
Magnus “Mike” Olason, 94, of Cavalier, ND, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at the Pembilier Nursing Center in Walhalla, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church in Cavalier. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at the Askew Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Magnus “Mike” Olason was born May 3, 1930, at Hensel, on the rural North Dakota farm. The son of Skapti and Elin (Magnusson) Olason. He attended the nearby Eastman School and graduated from Cavalier High School in 1948.
Mike joined the local National Guard in 1948, and the Army sent his Battalion to Nevada to work at the site of the Atomic Bomb testing. After that he returned home to work for Joe Mayo & Son. Having lunch at the cafe he met the Love of his Life, Betty Scholler. They were married in Bathgate, ND on October 8, 1952. Mike took over the original family “homestead” farm the next spring. He never really “retired” from farming.
Mike was active in his community. He served on the Akra Township Board, Cavalier School Board, Hensel Elevator Board, Cavalier Elevator Board and the Vidalin Cemetery Board. Mike was proud of his “Icelandic” heritage and enjoyed visiting with everyone in his community.
Mike and Betty were married for 72 years. They traveled often to visit relatives and friends. They enjoyed many winters in Arizona and a “few” trips to the casinos in Vegas and other places. Mike was proud of his family and really enjoyed the visits with Grandchildren and Great grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Betty, children: Michael Olason, Douglas (Danielle) Olason, DeeDee (Scott) Vogsland, Brenda (Jon) Casey, grandchildren: Randy (Becky) Vogsland, Jeremy Vogsland, Michael (Amy) Vogsland, Krysta Casey Scholle, Jonathan (Ana) Casey, Joshua (Emily) Casey, Kyle Olason, Tanner Olason, Natalie Olason, great grandchildren: Everly Vogsland, Ellis Vogsland, Oliver Vogsland, Aiden Vogsland, Alexys Scholle, Luke Scholle, Alain Villa-Cazarin, Skylar Casey, Jackson Casey. Also surviving are his siblings: Dennis (Ann) Olason, Sally Cooper and sisters-in-law: Leona Olason and Carol Scholler.
Mike was proceeded in death by his parents, siblings: John, Matt, Mary, Steve, Polly and Harold, Betty’s parents; John and Bernice Scholler; in-laws: Tom Cooper, Lois Olason, Larry Freeman, Willard Freeman, Thelma Olason, Laverne and Dorothy Scholler, Larry Scholler and Marvin Scholler.

Paul E. Torgerson, age 90 of Park River, ND, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at the Park River Good Samaritan Center.
Paul Elvert Torgerson was born in Fairdale, ND on October 28, 1934 to Clinton and Verna (Overbye) Torgerson. He served in the US Marine Corp from 1955-1958, stationed in Okinawa. Following his service he worked at Polar Telephone Company as crew foreman. While working for Polar he met and married Joyce Espelien. They had two children, Larry and Patty. Joyce passed away on August 8, 2022.
In 1969 he opened Paul’s Service, later renamed Torgerson Oil. During his 35 years in the service station business he was proud to have given many high school students their first job and taught the majority how to count change.
After retirement from the service station business in 2004, Paul, who couldn’t sit idle, converted an old granary into a cabin at the Espelien farm for his family and friends to enjoy.
Paul was a member of the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and the Park River American Legion Post #147.  He was also a former member of the PR Jaycees, PR Ambulance and PR Fire Dept, serving as chief for 3 years, and the Park River City Council.
Paul is survived by children: Larry Torgerson and Patty Eidenschink; Grandchildren: Jessica (Sean) Gamlin, Brian (Kelsie) Torgerson, Melissa (Jack) Best, Jordan (Madison) Eidenschink. Great-grandchildren: Chase, Harper, Ava, Sunny, Esme, Rowan, Emmet, Otis, Declan, Emilie & Ryker. Siblings: Ellen Scott, Dave (Jane) Torgerson, Cathy (Roger) Fredrickson, Mary (Carl) Graves, Pete (Linda) Torgerson, Joe (Donnell) Torgerson, Fern Rath, and Becky Lueck.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, wife Joyce, brothers Jim & Henry and son-in-law Mike Eidenschink.
Memorial services will be Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Park River.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service.  The service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website. Inurnment with military rites provided by the Park River American Legion Post #147 and the US Marine Corps Honor Guard will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery in the spring.

Joseph J Kihne
December 4, 1982 — January 17, 2025
Devils Lake, ND

​Joseph J. Kihne, 42, of Devils Lake, ND, formerly of Cavalier, ND, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025, at his home in Devils Lake. Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Cavalier Baptist Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held for one hour before the time of the service at the church.
Joseph “JJ” Kihne was born December 4, 1982, in Cavalier, ND, to Barney and Wendy (Knutson) Kihne. He grew up in Cavalier and graduated from Cavalier High School in 2002. After high school, JJ attended Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, ND, where he studied criminology. JJ then started working at Spirit Lake Casino as a security guard and later became the chief deputy there. During this time JJ welcomed his daughter, Mataya.
JJ loved the outdoors including hunting and shooting, video games, spending time with family and friends, and he especially loved all animals.
He is survived by his parents: Barney (Deb) Kihne and Wendy (Greg) Truax; daughter, Mataya; brothers: Travis (Brandy) Nordstrom, Thomas Kihne, and Matt Bockheim; sisters: Sarah Bockheim (Eric) and Missy (Josh) Enerson; grandparents: John Knutson and Virginia Werman. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Dick and Freda Kihne, Caroline Knutson, and Marvin Werman; and uncles, Robert Kihne and Mike Kihne.