Leona R. Ebertowski, 100, of Minto, ND passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Valley Senior Living on Columbia in Grand Forks, ND.
Leona Rose Kamrowski was born on January 22, 1924, in Walsh County, near Minto, ND, the daughter of Vincent and Helen (Osowski) Kamrowski.    She grew up on the family farm and attended St. Anthony’s Academy in Warsaw, ND.  Leona married Theodore “Ted” Ebertowski on June 1, 1943, in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Warsaw.  Ted and Leona farmed near Warsaw and Leona devoted her life to being a mother and homemaker.  Theodore preceded her in death on January 27, 1994.
Leona enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, reading, vegetable and flower gardening, playing cards, baking brownies and bread, and playing Bingo. She was a devote Catholic and a long-time member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Warsaw.  She was a member of the St. Stanislaus Church Choir, the Sacred Heart Society, the Altar Society, and the Polish National Alliance.  Also, she was a member of the community card club, bowling club, and the Senior Citizen’s Club.
She is survived by her sons, David (Janet), Duane (Carol), Grafton, ND, Darren (Jenny), Waseca, MN; her daughters, Winnie (Gregory) Stoltman, Grand Forks, ND, Judy (Dale) Plutowski, Minto, ND and Norleen (Burel) Lane, Apple Valley, MN; 22 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents her husband, Ted; a son, Donald; a great-grandchild, Alivia Plutowski, brothers, Henry Kamrowski and Edward Kamrowski; sisters, Sabina Johnson, Irene Wesolowski, Sylvia Kuznia, Lucille Kukowski and Bernice Kuznia. 
The family of Leona wish to thank the staff of Valley Senior Living, especially the Almonte Unit, for the loving and compassionate care given to her.
Mass of Christian Burial:  10:30 a.m. Friday, October 11, 2024, in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Warsaw, ND.
Visitation:  One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Friday.
Burial:  St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery, Warsaw, ND.

Irene S. Hodek, age 93 of Park River, ND passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the Park River Good Samaritan Center.
Irene S. Kovarik was born January 2, 1931 in rural Lankin, ND the daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Shirek) Kovarik. She attended schools in Latona Township.  Irene was united in marriage to Eugene Hodek on September 23, 1953. The couple lived and farmed near Brocket, ND until his death in 1987.  She moved to Park River in the mid-2000’s. 
Irene was a member of the Lankin American Legion Auxiliary.
She is survived by her sons: John of Roosevelt, MN and Gary (Misty) Hodek, Cedar City UT. 
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Eugene. 
Graveside services will be Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 1:30 PM at the Kosobud Cemetery, rural Lankin, ND.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Chad Demers, 33, who left this world peacefully with loved ones by his side on October 3, 2024. Chad was born in Grafton, ND, on November 15, 1990, to his loving parents, Guy and Susie Demers, who provided him with unwavering support in all his endeavors. He graduated from Grafton High School in 2009, where he excelled in football, hockey, and baseball, forming lifelong friendships along the way. Before completing his senior year, Chad left to pursue his passion for hockey, joining the Fargo Force, where he played for three years.
Chad continued his hockey career at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, playing and serving our country from 2012 to 2015. After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 2015, he married his high school sweetheart, Danika (Carpenter), on July 11, 2015. They moved to Los Angeles, where Chad was stationed at the Los Angeles Air Force Base and served for three years.
In 2018, while serving as a captain in the United States Air Force, Chad was medically discharged after being diagnosed with brain cancer. He faced this challenge with unmatched courage and tenacity, battling the illness for over six years. Despite his illness, Chad lived life to the fullest, making the most of every moment with his family and friends.
Chad’s dedication to hockey extended beyond playing, as he became an inspiring coach to many young men. His knowledge of the game was profound, and his love for coaching was undeniable. Chad spent three seasons coaching the Fargo Force, one season at the Air Force Academy, and returned to the Fargo Force for another year before coaching his final season at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. His impact on his players was immeasurable, and he was admired for his infectious personality and ability to connect with everyone he met on and off the ice. 
Chad and his brothers shared a unique bond. Despite the distance between them, they always stayed in touch. They could talk endlessly about hockey and baseball, never missing an opportunity to critique each other. 
Above all, Chad was a family man. His three children, Beau (6), Thea (4), and Ella (2), were the light of his life. No matter what he was going through, he always found the strength to play with them and create lasting memories. Chad was also known for his deep love for his wife, Danika, and his entire family, who were his unwavering support throughout his journey. As a family, they enjoyed spending time together, whether traveling, attending sporting events, embarking on outdoor adventures, or just playing outside. His three children will always be reminded of the wonderful memories they shared with their Daddy. 
Chad leaves behind his wife, Danika, and their children Beau, Thea, and Ella; his parents, Guy and Susie; his brothers, Tommy (Nikki) of Woodland Park, CO, and Joey (Jade) of Grafton, ND; grandparents: Maxine Larson, Don and Alice Demers, all of Grafton, ND; his in-laws, Jeff and Renae of Thompson, ND, Tanner (Julie) of Maricopa, AZ, Brenna (Brandon) of Thompson, ND, and Shaylee of Thompson, ND; his nephew, Braylon, and nieces, Lola and Adley, as well as numerous friends and loved ones. Preceding him in death were his Grandpa Charlie, a special Uncle Dale,cousin Brad, and Grandma Clarabell Demers.
Chad touched the lives of all who knew him, with his kindness, his love for sports, and his genuine ability to make others feel special. He was always up for a call to catch up or a trip to explore new places. His memory will forever remind us that the greatest achievements in life are the strong connections we share with others. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Funeral services will be Monday, October 7, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Grafton High School Gymnasium.  Visitation will be Sunday from 3-6 PM, with a prayer service at 6:00 PM at the Grafton Lutheran Church.  Friends may also call at the school for one hour prior to the service.  The funeral service will be livestreamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website for those unable to attend.   Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the US Air Force Honor Guard.  Interment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery of Oakwood, ND.

Terry L. Lucier, 79, formerly of Walhalla, died peacefully at his home in Grand Forks, ND, on Sunday, September 29, 2024.

Terry was born on March 14, 1945, to George and Albena (Longtin) Lucier, in Walhalla, ND. He graduated from Walhalla High School with the class of 1964. Terry earned his teaching degree from Mayville State University and began his career in Lakota, ND. He met his wife to be, Joline Brossart and they were united in marriage on July 10, 1971, in Lakota. A couple years later Terry’s career brought he and his family back to Walhalla. It is no mystery to all that knew Terry, his passion for sports pulled him into coaching, including all ages of baseball, wrestling and football. He loved his student athletes and appreciated nothing more than helping them work toward their potential. His coaching/teaching passion along with a roaring voice that could silence a gymnasium earned him a nickname as “The Bear” which he carried proud his entire lifetime.
In his retirement, he revered stories about his past teams and their accomplishments, especially his 1983 Walhalla Football Team. His family was always dear to his heart, but all the athletes he coached throughout the years were truly a close second. Terry also enjoyed trips to the casino and as he said, “never lost.” He enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s events and never missed a family event. Terry was an avid Vikings and Twins fan. He wore a tough outer shell and had a boisterous personality, yet he was always a kindhearted man that was always there for his family when he was needed. Terry was a loving husband, father and grandfather that will be missed by all he knew.
Terry is survived by his four sons, Cole Lucier of Buffalo, MN, Beau Lucier of Mankato, MN, Luke (Dana) Lucier of Chippewa Falls, WI, & Sam Lucier of Grand Forks, ND; three grandchildren, Brody Lucier, Riggins Lucier and Isaac Lucier; former wife, Joline Lucier of Cavalier, ND; nieces, Randi (Mike) Smith and Robyn (Mike) Nugent of Moorhead, MN; the Plonsky family in the Montgomery, MN area; along with many other loving family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Lucianne and Connie; and brother, Rodney.
The visitation will be on Wednesday, October 2 nd , from 5 – 7 p.m. at Askew Funeral Home in Walhalla. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 3 rd at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Walhalla with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. The interment will be in St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Walhalla.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Walhalla Public School Athletic Department.

Virginia Hatlestad, age 94 of Adams, ND passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.
Virginia N. Schultz was born March 18, 1930 in Marion, SD the daughter of the late Julius and Sarah Schultz. The family moved to the Lake Bronson, MN area in 1937. Virginia graduated from Karlstad Public School in 1948 and went to work as a nurse’s aide at the Grafton Hospital where she met her future husband, Donald Hatlestad.  They were married July 22, 1950 at the Jupiter Mission Church of rural Kennedy, MN and made their home in Adams, ND.  Don passed away on March 21, 2004. Virginia moved to the Good Samaritan Center in Park River and has lived there for the last 11 years. 
Virginia was an active member of the Adams Mountain Lutheran Church and WELCA. She retired from the Grafton State School after 16 years of service. She enjoyed baking, gardening, crocheting, sewing and painting. 
Virginia is survived by her children: Marnell Hatlestad, Valerie (Bill) Thornton, both of Greensboro, NC and Laurel Hatlestad of Grafton, ND.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister, Betty Clark.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Visitation will be held for one hour piror to the service at the funeral home.

Nancy Anderson
June 14, 1958 — September 22, 2024
Cavalier

​ It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Nancy (Steenerson) Anderson, 66, of Cavalier, ND, on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Encompass Health-Altru Rehab Hospital in Grand Forks. Her heart, which spent a lifetime pouring out love and dedication to others, simply decided it could not keep up with all she still had left to do.   Nancy was born on June 14, 1958, to parents Margery (Cochran) and Marlin Steenerson of Drayton. She cherished a childhood filled with lifelong friendships and the warmth of a supportive family. She made it her early life’s project to to manage two crazy brothers and a taga-long little sister. 
   Nancy graduated from Drayton Public School and immediately went to the University of North Dakota to pursue her dream of becoming a special education teacher. Nancy then spent a majority of her adult life working in special education, guiding countless students toward graduation with patience, understanding, and a hearty dose of humor. She had a remarkable gift for seeing the potential in every student, and many of them achieved things they never dreamed possible, thanks in no small part to her steady encouragement. She never sought the limelight but was the guiding light for so many who passed through her classroom. 
   Nancy met the love of her life, Dan, at a “social event”, and according to Dan, it was love at first site. Nancy always joked that it wasn’t quite first site for her, but he was very persistent, and she finally gave in to his quick wit and charm. They married on August 20, 1983. For over forty years, they built a comfortable life filled with travel, friends, family, joy, laughter, and endless love. 
   In their early years, Nancy and Dan loved to travel, exploring new places and making lasting memories. But as time passed, they found equal happiness on their farm, gardening side by side and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Nancy lived vicariously through the adventures her siblings recounting, relishing every story and imagining herself part of the escapades. She always had a way of finding joy listening to the laughter of others. Though Nancy has left us too soon, her legacy lives on with her loving husband, in the students she uplifted, the family she cherished, and the many lives she touched along the way. May her heart, which worked so tirelessly to care for others, finally find rest. 
   She will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Nancy is preceded in death by her mother, Margery (Cochran) Steenerson, her father, Marlin Steenerson, her big brother, Bob Steenerson, (all of Drayton), and her nephew, Travis Gierszweski (Grand Forks). 
   She leaves behind her ever-faithful and loving husband, Dan Anderson of Cavalier, brother Tom Steenerson (Doreen), Grand Forks, sister Barbie Steenerson (Drayton), and numerous nieces and nephews.    
   Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Drayton United Methodist Church in Drayton, ND. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier. 

Minnie H. Cole was born January 11, 1936 on the farm near Bechyne, ND, the daughter of Josephine Mary (Bina) Bosh and William Frank Bosh. Minnie was the 10th of 11 children and was the first in her immediate family to graduate from high school, Lankin High School Class of 1954.
Minnie was 6 years old when her mother died and tragically lost her father when she was 12 years old.   Minnie met Dennis Cole at a wedding dance in Lankin.  They were married on November 8, 1954 – they would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary later this year.  Minnie & Dennis lived in Park River on the family farm and were loving parents to Brenda, Joan, Suellen & Dennis Jr.
Minnie was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when she was 36 years old but never complained despite multiple surgeries. Minnie was an excellent homemaker, cook & baker (especially kolaches). She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Park River, St. Mary’s Altar Society where she held numerous offices and also taught religious education.
In her later years, Minnie & Dennis enjoyed traveling to casinos with her extended family.  Family was the most important part of her life and she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Minnie is survived by her husband, Dennis; children: Brenda Lang, Harvey, ND; Joan (Merle) Larson, Adams; Suellen (Stuart) Brunsvold, Park River and Dennis (Trisha) Cole Jr, Park River; grandchildren: Jessica (Bob Rotzien) Tipton, Tyler (Jessica Wilcox) Lang, Amanda (Robert) Goll, Elizabeth (Brett) Jacobs, Cole (Carmen) Larson, Beau Brunsvold (Katelynn Smedley), Peyton (Austin) Markel, Gracyn Cole, McKenna Cole, 14 great-grandchildren, sister: Genevieve (Ralph) Miller, sisters-in-law: LaVerne Bosh, Norma Maxwell & Marie Cole, as well as numerous nieces & nephews.
Minnie was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Chuck Lang, grandson-in-law Darnell Tipton, siblings: William (Georgia) Bosh, Barty Bosh, Florence (Ray) Jelinek, Leo Bosh, Marcy (Herman) Capouch, Josie (Bill) Brodina, Herman (Judy) Bosh, Dorothy (Bruno) Novak,  & Marian (Albert) Capouch; sisters & brothers in-law: Harvey (Naomi) Cole, Dorothy (Norbert) Libby, Evelyn (Theron) Bowen, William (Erna) Cole, Willane (Roland) Ulstad, Duane (Juliann) Cole, Norman Cole Jr, Hilliard Maxwell and Barbara (Myron) Kalgard.
Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, September 20th at 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Park River with visitation one hour before the service.  Inurnment will be at Calvary Cemetery of Park River. 

Peter J. Hunter, age 69 of Park River, ND, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks.
Peter was born July 27, 1955, the son of the late Willis “Cy” and Vera (Braun) Hunter.  He grew up and attended school in Park River, graduating from Park River High School.  He went on to attend NDSCS in Wahpeton.  Following his education he returned to Park River where he was united in marriage to Carolee Ellingson on May 17, 1980.  The couple made their home and raised their family in Park River. Carolee passed away in 2003 and he was later married to Laura Jelinek until 2018. He worked several jobs in the area, most recently for American Crystal Sugar.
He was a member of the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Park River and a former member of the Park River Fire Department.
He is survived by his children: Carissa Hunter, Caylee (Brent) Ellingson, Carter (Madison) Hunter, Cadyn Hunter, all of Grand Forks, ND and Callan Hunter, Eugene, OR; 4 grandchildren; brother Mark (Dena) Hunter, Denver, CO; as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carolee and daughter Caiya.
Memorial services will be Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Inurnment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery of Park River.

Terry R. Johnson, age 60, of Grafton, ND, formerly of San Francisco, CA, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND.
Terry was born on August 20, 1964 in Grafton, ND to JoAnn (Misialek) West and Louis “Louie” Johnson.  He was a graduate of Grafton High School class of 1982.  After graduation he attended college in Crookston, MN before enlisting in the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Conolly in Norfolk, VA.  Following his discharge from the Navy he worked in landscaping in Kansas City and Florida before moving back to Grand Forks where he worked for Simplot.  He then moved to San Francisco.  Due to a fall in 2018 from a five story building where he sustained several injuries, he returned to Grafton to live under his mother’s care.
Terry was an avid card player and loved all things sports.  He was most passionate about hockey and football.  His favorite teams will always be the ND Hawks and the Minnesota Vikings.  During his childhood while playing hockey, Terry and his team won the State PeeWee “76-77” and State Bantam “78-79” hockey tournaments.
Terry was a member of the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Grafton.  He was a strong believer in his Lutheran faith and would often quote passages and verses from the bible.  He loved listening to music, and doing activities with family.
Terry is survived by his mother JoAnn; father Louie; sister Tammy (Daniel) Schaf; sister Natalie (Ron) Slominski; son Andrew; three nephews: Ryan and Blake Schaf, Devin Slominski; two nieces: Autumn (Zach) Bowers and Lani Slominski; four great nephews: Kayden, Jhett, Axel, and Ace; and two great nieces: Karlene and Alaska.  He was preceded in death by his beloved parent Mort West and step-mother Joan Johnson.
During his final days, he was cared for by Hospice of the Red River Valley and the staff of Valley Transitions.
Private family viewing will take place on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 9:30 AM with service to follow at 10:00 AM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Interment will be at the Grafton City Cemetery.

Dean Delong Markel, 90, of Hoople, North Dakota, passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Hoople, ND. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. 
Dean was born August 9, 1934 on the family farm near Hoople, ND the son of Albert and Cora (Porter) Markel. He grew up in the Hoople area and graduated from Hoople High School. Dean started farming upon graduating from high school. He had a real passion for his crops and cattle. On January 29, 1954, he married Wanda Carew, the love of his life, in Glasston, ND. Dean and Wanda were inseparable, and the only time they were every apart was when Dean went on a fishing trip with his son-in-law Roger. They had 2 children, Debra and Robert. For the first several years of their marriage, they wintered in California where he worked at Boeing Aircraft. Later in life, he and Wanda wintered in Fort Myers, Florida, and Arizona. He also loved his 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Always willing to teach them about the farm, go on countless tractor rides, take them to town for a treat at the cafe, and spending time with them at their place on Lake Melissa or their winter home. He was a life-long member of the Hoople Methodist Church.
He is survived by his children: Debra (Roger) Blair, West Fargo, ND and Robbie Markel, Hoople, ND, grandchildren: Corey Blair, Shawn Blair, Chris (Kara) Blair, Cody (Becky) Blair, Larissa (Jordan) Lindtwed, and Austin (Peyton) Markel, great-grandchildren: Sam Blair, Colton, Loella, and Xander Blair, Quintin, Rowan, and Flynn Blair, Luna and Lola Lindtwed. Also surviving are his siblings: Shirley Grinager, Albert Markel Jr., Donnie Markel, and Ruth Jackson.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Cora, and his wife of 68 years, Wanda.