 Curtis A. Jerome, 58, of Walhalla, ND passed away Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND. A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Walhalla Lutheran Church, Walhalla, ND. Military rites will be provided by the U.S. Marine Corp Funeral Honors. Service will be streamed on the Askew Funeral Homes Facebook Page.
Curtis A. Jerome was born on May 8th 1962 in Cavalier, ND, the second of five children to Waldemar & Ida Melsted. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. Curtis grew up and attended school in Walhalla, ND. He enjoyed wrestling and football during his school years. Curt was quite excited with placing in the top three of a Walk-A-Thon held walking the distance from Cavalier to Walhalla. During his teen years, Curtis was employed by Ray’s Fairway. Curtis joined the USMC at the age of 18. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and Camp Pendleton, CA. He was trained as a Motor Vehicle Operator and Generator Operator. He earned his Rifle Marksman Badge, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and a Good Conduct Medal. Following an Honorable Discharge in 1984, Curtis served two years in the Marine Corp Reserve. Curt’s service in the military proved to be a great source of pride for him. It was during his military career that Curtis returned home to be united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Cindy Dumas. The following years spent with his one true love were described by him as “the most happiest times of his life”. Upon his return home from the military, Curt was employed with the construction of the Walhalla Ethanol Plant. He then moved to Grafton, ND where he was employed by the State School. Later, he moved to Grand Forks where he attended the EGF AVTI and earned his Diploma in Parts & Service. Curtis had an extensive employment record working for various construction and labor companies. Curt enjoyed his time with Hogenson Construction in Western ND constructing elevators. He also worked at Tarnel Trailers in Walhalla. He loved to travel and camp and enjoyed hunting with his brothers, Steven and Craig. Curtis held a strong work ethic while his body held out and allowed this of him. During Curt’s entire life, he held close relationships with many of his family members. Several of his cousins’ children as well as his friends’ children fondly referred to Curt as “Uncle Curtis”. Curt was a relied upon babysitter and he absolutely loved it. Curtis possessed a great love for all animals. Special to his heart were Shadow and Misty, his cats and Levi and Shiloh, his dogs. He had a deep passion to own horses. Curt also enjoyed the compassion and loyalty of close-knit friendships over the years. He held many, but two stand out for their commitment and longevity, Tork and Scot. They meant the world to Curtis; he cherished these friendships. Curtis loved his family deeply, not just his immediate but his extended as well-his uncles, aunts and cousins. They all held a special place in his heart. WE LOVE YOU WITH ALL OF OUR BEING AS WELL, CURTIS. Those left to mourn are his parents: Waldemar and Ida Melsted of Walhalla, ND. Brothers: Marlin (Michelle) of Bossier City, LA., Steven and Craig of Walhalla, Sister: Rita (John) of East Grand Forks. Nephews: Johnathon & Michael of Bossier City, LA., Brandon of Valley City, ND. Niece: Erin (Jordan) of Grand Forks. Great nephews: Nolan & Graden of Grand Forks. Also, his entire family, both near and far.
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 Gloria J. Becker, 59, of Cavalier, ND, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2020, at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Brigid of Ireland Catholic Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Monday, June 15, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND. For people attending social distancing and a mask are recommended.
Gloria was born December 16, 1960 in Cavalier, ND, to Raymond and Jean (Lucier) Cook. She grew up Svold and Backoo area and graduated from Walhalla High School in 1978. She worked at Motor Coach Industries for over 30 years and retired in April of 2018. On September 27, 1997, Gloria married Randy Ostlie in Langdon, ND. He passed away on January 11, 2006. On November 2, 2006 Gloria married Dean Becker in Cavalier, ND. He passed away on April 13, 2018 . Some of the things she enjoyed were gardening and crafts. Gloria is survived by her siblings: Bill (Jeanette) Cook, New Salem, ND; Pat (Carol) Cook, Baudette, MN; Tom Cook, Walhalla, ND; Pam Cook, Walhalla, ND; Glen Cook, Cavalier, ND; and Lori (Bryan) Kalis, Walhalla, ND; she was also survived my several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and nephew, Bryon Kalis.  Edna M. Bellerud, age 85 of Park River, ND passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at Valley Senior Living of Grand Forks, ND.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at Memorial Park Cemetery of Park River. There will be a visitation time one hour prior to the service at the cemetery. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and masks are encouraged.  Wallace J. Lafferty, 68, of Walhalla, ND passed away Thursday, June 4, 2020 at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital, Cavalier, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, June 8, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday, June 7th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. rosary service at church. Social distancing and use of mask suggested.
Wallace J. Lafferty was born November 11, 1951 at Walhalla, ND to Earl and Marlene Lafferty. He grew up and attended school at Walhalla. Wallace then worked for Mayo Construction and local farmers. He then spent 24 years working for the Pembina County Highway department. Fishing and hunting were some of his favorite past times. On June 13, 1981, Wallace married Cecilia M. Dumas at Cavalier, ND. She survives him as do his siblings: Debra (Keith) Burt, John (Marlene) Lafferty, Doris (Mark) Greenwood, Todd (DeVaughna) Lafferty, Kelvin (Joyce) Lafferty, and Bradley Lafferty. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents and grandparents.  Helen Annette Votava Holt went to be with her Lord and Savior Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. She was 94 years old.
Helen was born to Leona and Joseph Votava in rural Vesleyville, North Dakota. The family moved into Grafton when Helen was a young girl. She attended Grafton schools, and obtained her GED later in life. Helen was extremely proud that she went on to teach the GED classes for several years. Helen married Frank Holt in 1943 and they farmed and raised their six children together. Helen enjoyed working in the yard and vegetable garden at the farm. She loved dogs and had a special relationship with each of them, even sleeping beside them in the shop when they were sick. In the fall Helen could be found raking leaves and especially loved burning them! She loved to cook for her family and everyone looked forward to her meatballs, pancakes, and bohemian dumplings, but her specialty was lefse. Helen lived at Leisure Estates assisted living for several years in later life, where she became fast friends with her neighbors and always kept the staff laughing. Helen loved all the staff and the family is grateful for the loving care given to our mother. She loved to tend her flowers and watch birds in her bird feeders. When Helen turned 90 she was so proud to have many of her kids and grandkids at her side. Helen was a member of Grafton Lutheran Church most of her life. She was a Sunday School teacher, participated in circles, and most recently was an avid quilter and lefse maker. Helen is survived by six children: John (Sharon) Holt, Dearborn, Michigan; Karen (Tom) Daley, Wausau, Wisconsin; Judy (Walt) Vollmers, Bismarck; Tim (Kandie) Holt, Grafton; Lop (Cynthia) Holt, Grafton, and Jen (Tony) Enriquez, La Grange, Illinois. Also surviving are sixteen grandchildren and twenty-five great grandchildren, plus Swedish exchange students Helen and Louise Nordlund. Helen’s legacy of love and faith will live on through her family and all who knew her. A celebration of Helen’s life is planned for a date to be determined.  Vivian Collette-Secrist, age 86 of Grafton, ND passed away on Monday, June 1, 2020 at her home in Grafton.
Vivian Grabanski was born October 1, 1933 in Grafton, ND the daughter of the late Anton and Frances (Slominski) Grabanski. She attended rural school in Acton Township. Following her education she worked for the Herberger family in Grand Forks. Vivian was united in marriage to Merlyn Collette on September 3, 1951 in Warsaw, ND. The couple lived and farmed in the Grafton area until moving to Grafton in 1991. Vivian was a devoted farm wife and worked alongside Merlyn on the farm and raising their four children. They enjoyed wintering in Arizona for 40 years. Merlyn passed away on March 13, 2007. Vivian married Ken Secrist on June 29, 2013 in Grafton, ND. The couple spent the winters in Arizona and summers in Grafton. Vivian was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and Altar Society in Warsaw and the Grafton American Legion Auxiliary. She is survived by her husband, Ken Secrist, Mesa, AZ; her children: Sheryl Lessard, Chandler, AZ; Avis (Wayne) Lessard, Grafton, ND; Corrine (Wayne) Antonson, Farmington, NM and Dale (Brenda) Collette, Grafton, ND; nine grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and siblings: Merlyn (Delores) Grabanski, Grafton, ND and Audrey (Duane) Paschke, Oslo, MN. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Merlyn, brother, Earl Grabanski and sisters, Evelyn Feltman and Alice Sevigny. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, June 5, 2020 at 10:30 AM at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church of Warsaw, ND. Visitation will be from 9-10 at the church Friday morning. Interment will be at the St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and masks are encouraged.  Vincent Earl Rambeck, 95, of Hensel, ND, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 21, 2020, at the Lutheran Sunset Home, Grafton, ND.
Vince was born to Irving and Esther Rambeck at Reynolds, ND on October 26,1924. He was one of six children, all the rest whom preceded him in death. His family moved from Reynolds, ND to rural Hensel, ND in 1942. Shortly after moving to Hensel, Vince was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in the European Theater. He was a part of General Hodges 7th Army and later in General Patton’s 3rd Army. While serving in combat he was awarded the Bronze Star. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to the farm near Hensel where he farmed for the remainder of his life. On November 12, 1949, he married Elin Erlendson and together they raised five children. His faith, his family, and his farm were the things he treasured most. As well as being preceded in death by his siblings and parents, he was also preceded by his wife, Elin and all her siblings and her parents, and also by his son-in-law, Gene Benson. He is survived by his daughters: Olivia (Jim) Castro, Alice Rambeck, Beth (Bill) Kemp and sons: Doug (Kathy) Rambeck and Neal (Barb) Rambeck, as well as 13 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cavalier Cemetery, Cavalier, ND. Social distancing is encouraged as well as wearing a mask. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Cavalier Evangelical Free Church or charity of donors choice.  Marlene Bates, 85, of Drayton, North Dakota passed away on May 20, 2020 in Fargo, ND with her family by her side.
Marlene was born August 19, 1934 to Mildred (Talley) and Herman Mosolf and spent her her life in the Bowesmont and Drayton areas until her elder years. Marlene attended country school in her youth often riding on horseback or in horse drawn carriages. She attended Drayton High School and graduated in the class of 1952. She worked as a young woman at the local clothing store as well as the Drayton State Bank. She married Donald Bates, the love of her life in 1955 and they were married 65 years. Marlene’s life’s work was her family. She would sew her children’s clothes, bake delicious pies and deserts and make sure tasty meals were ready for Donald when he came in late from the field and take full course meals to the farm during the busy harvest season. She also would work a seasonal job on a potato harvester and later enjoyed working for the Drayton School as a cook. Marlene was very socially active in the Drayton community and her church, holding offices in the Lutheran Woman’s Missionary League, Weight Watchers, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Drayton Senior Center. In her later years Marlene and Donald lived in the Tisdale Apartments where she could be found putting together numerous jigsaw puzzles, or at the Senior Center playing cards or Bingo. Marlene loved seeing her family grow and as her children left home for college and eventually had their own families the children and grandchildren could always count on a “grandma” package full of interesting goodies and her famous bars. A voicemail from Grandma Marlene was always a news bulletin about all the goings on in Drayton as well as lots of love. Marlene loved her life and friends and it was a difficult decision to leave her beloved home when it became necessary that she and Donald would need more care. They made their home in Grand Forks and eventually Fargo to be closer to family. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Aldon, Marvin, and Kenneth, sisters Florence, and Lois and daughter Linda. She is survived by her husband Donald, sister Delores, children Nina Hanson (Clint), Carol Benson (Lyle), Jefferey Bates (Michele), and Suzanne Johnsen, eleven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. She will be sorely missed and remembered lovingly by all. A visitation for Marlene will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 23, 2020 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a private family funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Drayton City Cemetery at 12:00 following the service. Rev. Bernhard Seter, presiding; Sheila Weinleader, organist. Casket bearers will be Clint Hanson, Lyle Benson, Elliot Bates, Rick Bustrom, Alan Libbrecht and Tyler Cunningham. The family requests masks be worn to protect those who are the most vulnerable. In lieu of flowers Marlene’s family request that memorials be given to the Drayton Senior Center.  Raymond O. Sevigny, 98, of Grand Forks, ND passed away Saturday, May 16, 2020 in Kittson Memorial Health Center in Hallock, MN.
Raymond was born in Oakwood Township in Walsh County, North Dakota on August 24, 1921 the son of Leon and Clara (Dumas) Sevigny, oldest of 11 children. He attended school at St. Aloysius Academy in Oakwood, ND through the 7th grade, to work on the family farm. His education did not stop him from helping his children and grandchildren with their schoolwork especially Math. He worked as a farm laborer, soldier, railroad, hauled coal, machinist, and furnace repair. On November 13, 1947, Raymond married, the love of his life just short of 63 years, Sophie Silewski at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Warsaw, ND. They lived in Grafton, ND, Brook, MN, Vesleville, ND, and the majority of their life together in Grand Forks, ND. Having 7 children together. Raymond entered the United States Army in the fall of 1942. He completed his basic training at Fort Snelling, MN and then was stationed Fort Sill, OK, Fort Mead, MD, and Camp Young, CA. In November 1943, he went overseas to Sydney Australia and later was stationed in Milney Bay New Guinea. Attached to the 3748th QM Truck Company, he was responsible to deliver and carry supplies, and patients to the ships to send them home after combat injuries. Ray returned to the states on January 13, 1946 to Camp Stoneman CA, Fort Louise, WA and then HOME. He was a Technician 5th grade during WWII serving from 1942 to 1945. After the military, Ray worked for Peavey Elevator in Grafton, on a farm for Thomas Silewski for one year, Then Bill Suda and the Railroad. In 1955, he began working for Vilandre Fuel and Heating in Grand Forks. He retired in 1985 after 30 years of employment. Ray was a member of the St Michael’s Catholic Church for many years the American Legion Post 157 for 56 years and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 for 45years. He enjoyed the outdoors especially fishing with his family, traveling around in “their bus” and later a Winnebago, woodworking, gardening with his wife, Sophie, playing cards, dice, loved to polka, playing harmonica, that was enjoyed by everyone, and board game. His most cherished moments were spending time with his family. He went to Washington, DC in October of 2019 with his eldest granddaughter with Honor Flight, Was honored At the UND Veterans day program 11-2019 as a representative of the Wold War II. He is survived by his children, Rosalia Ann (Gerald) Ray, Forada, MN; Marlene Marie (Thomas) Dowdle Hallock MN; Patricia Mae (William) Kirkeby Thief River MN; Timothy Robert Grand Forks ND, Thomas Raymond (Dorthy), Grand Forks ND; Frank Allan and Arnold Joseph (Therez)Grand Forks ND; 32 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild on the way, 3 step-grandchildren, 3 step great- grandchildren; a sister, Edith and a brother, Wilmer, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon(1986) and Clara(1984), his wife, Sophie (2010); sisters, Irene (2017), Alfred Adelore (1927), Alfred Edward(1955), Olivine Lucille (2018), Rene Earnest (1929), Eva Mae (2009), Helena Regina (1988), and Amelia Aurelia (1936); sons-in-law, Paul(1979), and Rylan Sevigny (2014), and many others. Mass of Christian Burial: St. Michael's Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.. Burial: Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND. Military Honors: Accorded by members of the American Legion Post 157, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 and the North Dakota Army National Guard.  Agnes M. Lessard, age 98 of Grafton, ND passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.
Agnes M. Collette was born December 18, 1921 in Oakwood, ND the third child of Arthur and Marie (Campbell) Collette. She attended St. Aloysius Academy in Oakwood, ND. Following her education she took the civil service test and went to work in Washington, DC during World War II from 1942-1945. Agnes was united in marriage to Maurice Lessard on June 29, 1945 in Sioux City, IA. The couple moved back to Grafton following Maurice’s military service where they farmed and raised their family. Upon retirement the couple spent the winter months in Mesa, AZ. Maurice died in October 12, 1992 and Agnes continued to live in Mesa until moving back to Grand Forks, ND and later the Lutheran Sunset Home in Grafton. Agnes is survived by her children: Jolene (Kurt) Stiver, Niles, MI; Wayne (Avis) Lessard, Grafton, ND; Lloyd (Debbie) Lessard, Cherry Valley, CA; Bruce Lessard, Grand Forks, ND; Darryl Lessard, Grand Forks, ND; Douglas (Kate) Lessard, Houston, TX; 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and siblings: Joyce (Roman) Lessard, Grafton, ND, Roland (Elaine) Collette, Grafton, ND; Frances Schuster, Grafton, ND; Carol (Terrance) Gallagher, Tumwater WA; sister-in-law, Lorna Collette, Grafton, ND. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings: Romeo Collette, Margaret DeMers, Kenneth Collette, Maurice Collette, Juliette Lessard and grandson, Andrew Lessard. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 20, 2020 from 9-10 AM at St. John’s Catholic Church. Social Distancing guidelines will be observed and Masks are required. Private family funeral services will be held on Wednesday with interment at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. A video of the funeral will be available by clicking on Agnes Lessard’s obituary on the Tollefson Funeral Home website. |