 Eileen Marie (Diemert) Dunnigan, 84, of Grand Forks and formerly of Walhalla, ND died Monday, March 8th, 2021. Eileen joined our Lord in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family. Mass of the Christian burial will be held Saturday, March 13th, at 1:00 PM at the St. Boniface Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Burial will be at the St. Boniface Cemetery; burial will be held on a future date. Eileen was born January 6th, 1937 at Walhalla, ND to Henry and Mathilda (Furstenau) Diemert. She attended and graduated high school in Walhalla.
On November 9th, 1957 she married Ted Dunnigan in Minneapolis, MN. Eileen worked many years for Ray’s (Market) Super Valu, Jerry’s Super Valu, Barta’s and Duane’s. She worked for Walhalla State Bank, Walhalla Bean Company during harvest time, Walhalla Hardware, one of the pharmacies in Walhalla and she hoed beets and picked potatoes during her high school days. Most recently she owned and operated the Browsen House and then moved to Main Street Memories, both were her antique shops in Walhalla, ND. Her and Ted truly enjoyed the antique shops the most during their retirement. She enjoyed the people/patrons of her store. Eileen enjoyed her “Bingo” and going to the casino with all her girls. Mostly she enjoyed spending time with her family during holidays and family gatherings. She enjoyed her gardening and canning. Eileen is survived by her four daughters, Brenda (Dean) Tesmer, Rio, WI; Dori Dunnigan and Tracy Bjarnason (Terry Anderson) both of Grand Forks, ND, and Darcy (John) Bjorgo of Crookston, MN, five grandchildren, Cassie (Tom) Fahey and James Tesmer, Justin (Carol) Bjarnason, Stephanie and Matthew Bjorgo, three great-grandchildren, Prudence Moe, Olivia and Luther Bjarnason, sister, Darlyne Medin, brother, Lloyd Diemert, special family friend, Kris Wymenga. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted, her parents, her sister Anita (Kitty) Yeado, and her brother Dwight (Mickey) Diemert.
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 Gordon Edward Matejcek, age 84, of Lakota, ND died peacefully at the Nelson County Care Center in McVille ND on Saturday, March 6, 2021.
Born on May 8, 1936 to Edward and Geneva (Trenda) Matejcek at the family farm near Brocket, ND. He was the oldest of 5 children. Gordon attended the Sauter School through his 8th grade year. Gordon was a member of the US Army National Guard for 6 years and recently was given an honor for his service state side during the Korean Conflict from Senator Kevin Cramer. Gordon also owned and operated a Livestock Transport Truck for 12 years from 1960-1972. Gordon married Erma J. Steinmann December 15, 1961 in Lakota, ND. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. Together they raised three children on the family farm near Brocket. Gordon served on the Walsh County, Sauter Township, and the United Lutheran Church of Brocket boards for several years. Gordon was a lifetime member of the ELK’s Lodge in Devils Lake. Gordon continued to be very active in farming even after they moved to Lakota in the year 2000. His farming knowledge and hard work ethic have been passed down to the current 4th generation. Gordon is survived by his wife, Erma of Lakota; sons, Kevin (Kristi) Matejcek of Brocket, Kent (Stephanie) Matejcek of Brocket; daughter, Kimberly (Tim) Gathman of Kronenwetter, WI; grandchildren, Karlie (Bradie) Larson, Kamron and Karson Matejcek, Morgan (Anthony) Anderson, Cole Matejcek, Ashlyn (Ryan) Russell, and Garrett (Katie Zenk) Gathman; siblings, Mayvis (Sanford) Jallo of Mesa AZ, Doris (Robbin) McMorran of Lawton ND, and Larry (Susan) Matejcek of Gilbert, AZ; brother-in-law, Duncan Wallace of Mesa AZ; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Merle and Nancy Steinmann of Lakota, ND; and several nieces and nephews. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; mother & father-in-law, Leland and Jean Steinmann; and sister, Karen Wallace. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota, ND, on Friday, March 12, 2021 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held at the Lakota Cemetery on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. The use of facemasks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing will be required. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.  Florence G. Feltman, age 102, of rural Grafton, ND passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton, ND.
Florence G. Kasprick was born April 26, 1918 in rural Grafton, ND the daughter of the late Harry and Julia (Pokrzywinski) Kasprick. She attended rural school in Acton Township. Florence was united in marriage to Frank Feltman on Oct. 6, 1941 in Warsaw. While Frank served in Germany during World War II, Florence moved to Detroit and worked in a plant building airplane parts. Following his discharge the couple returned home and farmed in Acton and Harriston Township. Frank passed away on June 17, 1999. Florence moved to the Lutheran Sunset Home on January 6, 2021. She was a member of the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and Altar Society, the Sacred Heart Society, PNA, Prairie Senior Citizens and VFW Auxiliary. The couple enjoyed bowling and square dancing. Florence is survived by her sons: David (Mary) Feltman, Fargo, ND; Daniel Feltman, Oak Creek, CO and Merlyn Feltman, Grafton, ND; three grandchildren: Kristine, Roger and Greg Feltman and three great grandchildren. Florence was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Mary Lou and her sister, Lorraine Schuster. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 10:30 AM at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church of Warsaw, ND. Visitation will be Wednesday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery in the spring. Social distancing and face masks are encouraged.  Ray LeClerc, age 80, of Grand Forks, entered his eternal home with our Lord on Tuesday, March 2, 2021.
Born August 1, 1940, Ray was the sixth of eight children born to Alex and Mae (Schumacher) LeClerc, in Grafton, ND. His formative years were spent with school months in Devils Lake and summers farming outside of Drayton. He fondly recalled several years of custom combining throughout the Midwest before heading back to school each fall. He graduated from Devils Lake High School in 1958. In December 1961, Ray married Myrna Mae Anderson of Drayton. In May 1962, he graduated from North Dakota State School of Science in Civil Engineering. The two made their home in Grand Forks, where they raised their three daughters. Ray began a 33-year tenure for the City of Grand Forks in 1966, beginning in the Engineering Department and retiring as the Platting and Right-of-Way Officer. He was also a real estate broker, certified land surveyor, and in 2000, he was awarded the peer-nominated ND Professional Land Surveyor’s “Survey Excellence” award. Outside his professional life, Ray amassed a newsworthy collection of Schlitz memorabilia through his antiquing adventures. A farmer at heart, his great joy, though, was to putz on their farm on south Belmont Road. After 42 years together, Myrna passed away in 2004. In God’s gracious Providence Ray met Judy Anderson of Grafton and the two were married in 2012. They fit a lifetime of love into the eight years the Lord gave them. Ray was a longstanding member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Throughout his life, he lived out his faith through his gift of service, ever ready to lend a hand. His steady nature and reliable common sense drew others to seek his advice. He was, at his redeemed core, a God-honoring, hard-working, kind man of integrity. Ray is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter Kimberly (Dana) Young and their children Ashley (Andrew) Jacobson with Calvin, Lewis, Lucy, William, and Christiana; Seth (Joy) with Rosalie; Bryce (Caroline) with Lena; and Courtney; daughter Heide (Charlie) Becker and their sons Charlie and Noah; and daughter Holly (Dean) Ramsett and their daughters Peyton and Paige. He is also survived by brother Dale (Betsy) LeClerc, sisters Lillian (Gordon) Shafer and Rosalie (James) Ringstrom; as well as Judy’s family—Scott (Jayne) Anderson and Laurie (Mikael) Blackberg with Zane (Laura), Moriah, and Bethany. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Myrna, and second wife, Louella (Schumacher); siblings Beverly, Gerald, Ronald, and Warren; mother-in-law Steffie Gwiazdon, brother-in-law Charles Misialek; and Judy’s grandson, Jonah Borth. With grateful thanksgiving, Ray’s family acknowledges the exceptional care the staff of Valley Senior Living’s Hearthstone Village poured into Ray’s final seven months. Bless you for providing dignity in his last days. Thank you, as well, to Doctor Jon Allen, for his many years of care for and friendship with Ray. Services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1710 Cherry Street South, Grand Forks. A prayer service is planned on Friday, March 5, 2021, 5:00-7:00 pm with a 7:00 PM prayer service at the church, and a funeral service on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at 2:00 pm, with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at Memorial Park South, Grand Forks. Memorial suggestions: Immanuel Lutheran Church (www.immanuelgf.com), Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch (www.dakotaranch.org), Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).  John Arne Halvorson, 96, died Friday, February 26th, 2021 at his home in Mesa, AZ under the care of Hospice of the Valley along with family.
John was born to Tallak and Anna (Boreson) Halvorson on October 4, 1924 near Haley, ND. In 1936, the family moved to the Aneta area. He graduated from Aneta High School in 1943. John worked on several farms and then was hired by Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. when they came through the area putting up telephone lines in fall of 1943. In 1944, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. During World War II, he fought in the battle at Iwo Jima. He was shot and wounded during this battle on March 14, 1945. After recuperating in Hawaii and Guam, he was stationed in occupied Japan till his discharge in July of 1946. He returned to North Dakota and resumed his employment with Northwestern Bell where he worked various supervisor positions in Fargo, Wimbledon and Grafton before retiring in 1981. John married Grace Dunford on April 2, 1949 in Moorhead, MN. They lived in Fargo, Wimbledon and Grafton and in 1981 retired to Mesa, AZ. During their retirement, they enjoyed golfing, taking trips and being with friends and family. John was a past and present member of the VFW, American Legion, DAV, 40 et 8, Telephone Pioneers, Lions Club, Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, Wimbledon Volunteer Fire Department and Desert Sands Men’s Golf Club. He was a member of Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa, where he was an usher thru age 94. John is survived by his daughters, Sandra Burns and Sonia Misialek of Grafton, ND; Five grandchildren, Wade (Shirley) Burns, Grafton, ND, Shawnda (Duane) Kemnitz, Grand Forks, ND, Brent (Jen) Burns, Fargo, ND, Seth Misialek and Dylan (Emily Ammesmaki) Misialek, Grafton, ND; Five great-grandchildren, Blake Kemnitz, Zak Kemnitz, Danica Kemnitz and Grace Kemnitz, all of Grand Forks, ND, and Jayce Burns, Fargo, ND; Brothers-in-law, Wesley (Vivian) Dunford, Fargo, ND and Mesa, AZ, and Jack (Mary) Dunford, Sun City West, AZ and Coon Rapids, MN, along with many nieces and nephews. John was the last surviving member of his immediate family, having been predeceased by his parents; his wife; brothers, Harold, Bernard, Trygve (Art), Marvin and Roy; sisters, Ugda (Beatrice) Utterbach, Gunda Olson, Jenny Walker, Lillian Olson Browning, Cora Baker; son-in-law, Patrick Burns and many other relatives. Services will be held at 2pm on Friday, March 5, 2021 at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa, AZ, 85207, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Military Honors will be provided at graveside following the service. To attend the service remotely, you may click on the link below. Topic: Halvorson Family Service Time: Mar 5, 2021 02:00 PM Arizona Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82048345853?pwd=SkVwVkVobnBaYVE4VTA5ZU5KbEFDQT09 Meeting ID: 820 4834 5853 Passcode: 708238  Paul E. Johnston, Eddie to most, age 69 of Grafton ND passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at Unity Medical Center in Grafton, ND with his loving wife by his side.
Paul was born in Grafton, ND May 30, 1951 to Morley and Marjorie (Flaten) Johnston of Crystal, ND. He was raised in Crystal and graduated high school from Valley Public School in 1969. He attended Lake Region Junior College in Devils Lake, ND where he took classes in Automotive Mechanics and graduated in 1971. He began work as an Automotive Machinist at Wilson Brothers, Inc in Grafton, ND and was employed there for 28 years. He later worked at Grafton Auto Electric until health issues forced his retirement in May of 2016. He married Helen Olson, Edinburg, ND April 13, 1973 (a Friday the 13th day, which turned out very well) in Sioux Falls, SD. Together they settled in Grafton and raised two sons, Scott and Ryan, of whom they are very proud. Eddie was a perfectionist, and it seemed he could build or fix anything. He was well-known for his love of classic cars and locally famous for his knowledge. Every hot rod enthusiast in the area knew to call Eddie Johnston to answer any questions they had. Eddie of course, also had a hot rod of his own. A 1966 Chevy Impala, affectionately dubbed "The 66”. And on summer nights, if the sky was clear, and the conditions were just right, he might even take it for a cruise. With his family along for a ride, any trip in “The 66” would end with ice cream from West Side or Dairy Queen. He also loved basketball and spent many hours teaching the game to his sons in the driveway. He supported them in their music, as well. Eddie loved to listen to his boys play their guitars and sing, and he became just as interested in recording techniques and equipment as they were. It truly didn't matter what his boys were into. If they were interested, so was he. Eddie took pride in becoming just as well versed as them in any hobby or activity they were involved in . He loved his family and always told his sons that children were the meaning of life. He was a proud grandpa to Adaline, Riley, Kaylee, Samantha, and Alexis and took joy in watching them grow. When he couldn't see them in person, he stayed up to date by watching videos of their skating shows, recitals and other events. He never wanted to miss out on the important things. Eddie's patience, kindness and most of all his wisdom and guidance will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, sons Scott (Leah) Lake Stevens, WA, Ryan (Kim Rost) Grafton, brother Harold (Julie) Crystal, ND, sisters Eleanor (Terry) Taylor Aurora, CO, Norma Dooley, Bismarck, ND, Mabel (Joe) Prushek, Crosby, MN, Jill Sibley, Fargo ND and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Sheila Trontvet, FNP and the entire staff at Unity Medical Center for the care he has received throughout his illness, whether he was a hospital patient or being seen at the clinic. The care, kindness and respect to him and his family will never be forgotten. We would also like to thank Tamra Bauduin and Dr. Mangardich and staff of the Pulmonary Department at Altru in Grand Forks, and the YorHom staff for their delivering and training of supplies and machines. Funeral services will be on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. A walk through visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Social distancing and face masks are required. The service will be recorded and a video will be posted to Eddie’s obituary on the Tollefson Funeral Home Website. Inurnment will be at Grafton Lutheran Cemetery in the spring.  Travis Roy Peterson, 44, of Cavalier, ND, passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital, Cavalier, ND. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Walhalla, ND. Masks and social distancing is recommended.
Travis was born on September 11, 1976 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Travis worked for various businesses in the area. He was currently employed at American Crystal Sugar Company as a boiler house fireman. Travis had great joy in helping out on the family farm and excellent mechanical skills. Travis was beloved by many, everyone that crossed paths with him left with a smile. He was the joy of the group choosing others needs before his own. He enjoyed helping out at the family farm and anything outdoors. Travis’s family was the light of his life, daughter Sofie and Dawson kept him busy. Travis is survived by his mother Sharon, Sharon’s significant other Garth Tesmer, brother Matthew (Sarah, Mason, and Lauren) Thordarson. Daughter Sofie, son Dawson, and two half brothers, Dustin and Heath Johnson.  Harvey Allen Clark, 86, of Walhalla, ND passed away Saturday, February 6, 2021 at the Pembilier Nursing Center, Walhalla, ND. Funeral service will be held Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cavalier Baptist Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 10th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Walhalla Lutheran Church, Walhalla, ND. A webcast of the service can be viewed on the funeral home website following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Walhalla Ambulance Service, Walhalla Fire Department, Pembilier Nursing Center, Faith in Action or LOAN in Cavalier. Masks and social distancing is recommended.
Harvey was born May 21,1934, at Leyden, ND to James Henry and Lois Marie (Margerum) Clark. He attended the Leyden Country School until the 8th grade and graduated from Walhalla High School in 1952. In 1957, he married Evie Mae Syrup. They had four daughters: Debora Clark, DeLora (Steve) Stoa, Sherry Clark (Scott Erbstoesser), Shelly Bennett, and one son, Ronald (Carol) Clark. They have three granddaughters: Trisha (Chad) Enger, Kendra (Amr) O’Neel, Lacey Clark; three great-grandchildren: Caleb, Bella, and Leila. Also surviving are five step-grandchildren: Dain Girodat, Teryn Fetsch, Ryan (Jaclyn) Girodat, Oliver Girodat, and Ruby (Brenyn) Otto; five step-great grandchildren: Isabella, Rhyder, Sawyer, Bryggs, and Willa; and his sister, Mary Ridley, and numerous nieces and nephews. Harvey started his own construction company in 1957, Clark Construction. He served on the Walhalla City Council for 20 years, then as Mayor for 10 years. He also enjoyed driving truck, going for coffee, and visiting with customers and friends. He was known for the stories he would tell the grandchildren of his adventures on the farm where he was raised. Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers: Lewis, Richard and Kenneth and his sister, Grace Bakke.  Rita A. Zaharia, 85, of Neche, ND, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2021 at the Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND, surrounded by her loved ones. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 10th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. rosary and vigil service at the church. Masks and social distancing are recommended. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Pembina County Faith in Action. A webcast of the service will be available on the funeral home website following the service.
Rita was born December 13, 1935 to Ed and Jennie Carignan in Leroy, ND. She grew up north of Cavalier and attended the rural Crosby District 82 School. She met Nick Zaharia picking potatoes. They married October 6, 1952, settling on “The Old Demars Farm.” On July 15, 1953 Edward was born, followed by Mark on July 22, 1954. They then moved to what is called “The Home Place.” Billy was born June 5, 1958 and on July 10, 1959 Danny was born. Jimmy came along on June 30, 1961. October 6, 1962, on their anniversary, Tommy was born. December 30, 1964 Teddy was born. She always commented she was going to have 12 disciples. On May 11, 1969, Rita was surprised by who she expected to arrive as Johnny and instead Missy came along. She loved how people commented about “a girl after all those boys” until her last days. November 17, 1972, Julie came along to wrap up the nine kids. There was nothing Rita didn’t or couldn’t do as a farm wife, from milking cows and combining, to churning her own butter and gardening. She was known counties wide for her baking and cooking, specifically her fudge brownies. Rita loved Christmas especially baking and cooking to share. She could stretch a meal to feed a small army and often she did. The Pembina County Fair was the highlight of the year for Rita. She was well known for her high hair, jewelry, and class. Rita was an extremely talented artist and did Pysanky, Ukrainian Egg Painting, for many years. She was devastated when her shaking prevented her from painting. She always said she did her best praying while painting. The greatest legacy Rita leaves to this Earth was her role as Granny. She was Granny to everyone and loved by all. She treasured her time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always there for everyone and anyone who needed her, without being asked. Rita’s faith in Our Lord and Savior never wavered. Faith was the greatest gift she gave not only to her family, but to all who knew her. Rita sought comfort and consolation from Our Blessed Virgin Mother and a Rosary was always wrapped in her hands. Rita especially treasured her two pilgrimages to Medjugorje, the place where Our Lady has appeared. Rita is survived by her husband, Nick, Neche, ND; children: Mark (Joanne), Cummings, ND Billy (Lorrie), Owatonna, MN; Danny (Jessie), St. Mary’s, KS; Jimmy, Nashville, TN; Tommy (DesaRae), Pembina, ND; Teddy, Bathgate, ND; Missy (Scott), Grand Forks, ND; Julie (Chad), West Fargo, ND. Her grandchildren: John, Lisa, Jackson, Jacob, Mark William, Connie, Andy, Katrina, Sarah, Magdalen, Bridget, Luke, Genevieve, Caecilia, Chesley, Carly, Joseph, Joshua, Tyler, Brittany, Larissa, Alayna, Nicholas, Garret, Braden, and Michael. Great-grandchildren include: Emily, Courtney, Gracie, Johnnie, Levi, Layne, Naomi, Scarlett, Levi, Paige, Barrett, Joel, Cassidy, Hailey, Riley, Dutton, Grant, Lyda, and Blakely. She is also survived by her siblings: Doreen, Ronald, Louis, Jerry, Larry, Diane, Connie and Corrine and sisters-in-law, Mary and Ann, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; son Edward; great-grandson Thaddeus and brother Melvin.  Alyce Ann Stendahl, 76, Grand Forks, ND, passed away February 2, 2021 from cancer.
Alyce was born December 28, 1944 in Grafton, ND, the daughter of Lewis and Julia (Kubesh) Schanilec. She grew up on a farm near Vesleyville, ND and graduated from Minto High School in 1962. She married Noel Stendahl in 1963. They lived in ND, MN and AZ. Alyce worked as a waitress, in retail, banking and school food service, feeding the future until her retirement in 2008. She loved culinary and doing arts and crafts. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Grand Forks. Alyce is survived by her siblings, Mary Lou (Richard) Guzzo, Bessemer, MI, Daniel (Betty) Schanilec, Melrose, MN, Eileen (Alan) Bolek, Grafton, ND, Lorraine (Rodney) Riskey, Minto, ND, and many nieces and nephews. Alyce was preceded in death by her husband, Noel; her parents; brother, Robert; sister-in-law, Janet Schanilec-Schulze, and an infant sister, Marjorie. A private funeral service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks. |