Eric Jacob Preston Corbet, age 17 of Brocket, ND, passed away on the evening of April 30, 2019.
Jake was born to Eric Corbet and Tammy Skalicky in Shelton, WA on March 4, 2002. He gained Curtis Skalicky as a second dad in 2006.
Jake was always making people smile, whether it was his friends, family, or classmates; he loved giving people a reason to laugh. He brought joy and kindness into the lives of those around him.
Jake is survived by his parents: Curtis and Tammy Skalicky, Brocket, ND; his siblings: Emma and Margee Corbet of Fargo, ND and Joseph Skalicky of Brocket, ND; his grandparents: Larry and Margaret Powell of Sequim, WA, Gerald Skalicky of Moorhead, MN, and Edna Corbet of Moorhead, MN; aunt Terra Powell, Briarwood, WA, aunt and uncle LaDonna and Dave DeLaune, Chandler, AZ and aunt and uncle Jon and Cori Powell, Tacoma, WA. He is also survived by cousins: Melaina Powell, Yakima, WA, Brett Powell, Missoula, MT, Brock Powell, Butte, MT and Alaura DeLaune, Seattle, WA. He was preceded in death by his dad Eric Corbet, his grandma Dorothy Skalicky, his grandpa Wendall Corbet and cousin Mitchell DeLaune.
Memorial services will be Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the Lakota Lutheran Church of Lakota, ND. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. 1-800-273-8255.

Doris Biliske Otto age 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 5, 2019 at First Care Health Center in Park River, North Dakota.
Doris Margaret Carlson was born along with her twin brother, Don, on March 11, 1931 in Walhalla, North Dakota to Harry E. and Alpha (Olson) Carlson.
Doris grew up and attended grade school in Concrete, ND. She graduated from Cavalier High School and attended teacher’s college in Valley City.  She taught at the Eastman country school in rural Akra for a short time.
Doris was united in marriage to Mike Bjornson in Concrete on December 24, 1950.  Doris and Mike were blessed with two children, Devin and Cindy.  Mike passed away from cancer in 1962.  Doris soon suffered another devastating loss when young Devin drowned in 1963.
Despite her heartaches, Doris always found the joy in life and was joined in marriage to Gordon Biliske on July 1, 1963.  Doris and Gordon made their home on the farm near Hensel for the next 28 years.  Along with daughter Cindy, Doris and Gordon welcomed a son, Dennis, in 1967.  Doris was a hard working energetic farm wife that took pride in her combine and the amount of acres that she harvested with it.  In addition to her combining skills, she was a talented seamstress & cook.  She made enough sandwiches, cookies, lefsa and Icelandic Vinarterta to qualify her for the Hall of Fame many times over.
With Gordon’s passing in 1992 Doris embarked on a new career working alongside her son, Dennis as an auction cashier.  During this time, she was an important part of Dennis’ auction career & met hundreds of people; many that continue to ask about her decades later.
In answer to our prayers in 1996 the Lord sent an angel into our lives.  On June 29,  Doris & Austin (Mick) Otto of Crystal, ND were united in marriage.  Austin and Doris made their home at the Hensel farm for nearly 21 years.  They spent several winters in Arizona and traveled the U.S. on numerous tours.  They gardened, canned and baked in commercial quantities keeping their children’s and grandchildren’s cupboards and freezers full.
In late 2015, Doris and Mick moved to Park River.  They remained active attending family functions and events throughout the region.  Doris made friends everywhere she went, young and old alike.  Family was her greatest fulfillment and the addition of three Great Grandsons in recent years brought her great joy.
Doris is survived by her husband Mick; daughter, Cindy (Tom) Barrett of East Grand Forks, MN; son Dennis, (Sue) Biliske of Hensel, ND; grandsons: Thomas and Tyler (Nicole) Barrett, East Grand Forks and Jake Pryor, Grand Forks; great grandsons: Finn, Rhys and Tucker Barrett; sister, Betty Lesher of Cavalier, ND; sister in law, Eunice Carlson of Rockville, MD; sister in law, Eleanor Biliske of Kent, WA; sisters in law, Lorraine Schroeder and Willis Busse of Cavalier; several cousins, nieces and nephews; extended family Earl and Linda Otto; Louise Dryburgh; Margery and Garreth Kavlie; David and Tami Otto and their children and grandchildren.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Alpha Carlson; husbands, Mike Bjornson and Gordon Biliske; son, Devin Bjornson; brothers, Don and Allen Carlson; sisters in law, Jeanette Carlson and Delores (Toots) Carlson; brothers in law, Harry Lesher and Willard Biliske; and granddaughter, Chelsey Pryor.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 6:30 PM Friday, May 10th at the Crystal, ND United Methodist Church with a prayer service to follow.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 11th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, rural St. Thomas, ND.
In Lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Borg Memorial Home in Mountain, ND or the Pembina County Historical Society.

On Saturday, May 4th, 2019, John K. Dietrich, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 80. Funeral service will be held Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 8th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Cavalier. Memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley, Altru Hospice, Cavalier, or Trinity United Methodist Church, Cavalier.
John was born March 8, 1939 in Drayton, ND, to John and Kathleen Dietrich. He grew up on the farm and attended school in Glasston and St. Thomas, ND. On August 6, 1961, he married Fredricka (Fritzie) Letzring. They raised their son, Michael, on the same farm that John grew up.
John proudly farmed for over 40 years and would occasionally drive buses and over-the-road trucks for friends. After retirement from farming, he enjoyed helping other farmers and friends in the area. John served in the Army as a helicopter mechanic and was a member of the local American Legion. John loved his family, loved his friends, and loved the Lord. He was a member of Glasston and Trinity United Methodist churches.
John was preceded in death by parents and two sisters: Janet and Jeanette. He is survived by his wife Fritzie, son Michael, daughter-in-law Julie, two grandsons, Evan and Daniel, his sister Donna, and nieces and nephew.

Finnbogi “Finn” Abrahamson, 90, of Akra, ND passed away to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at his home with his loved ones by his side. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the Pembina County Meals and Transportation Center formerly Cavalier Senior Citizens Center in Cavalier. There will be a short service with military honors at 2:00 p.m. with an open house to follow.
Finnbogi was born on April 28, 1928 in Akra, ND, the son of Einar Olafur and Helga (Gudmundson) Abrahamson. He was a lifelong resident of Akra and proud of his Icelandic heritage and community.
Finn attended elementary school at the Akra country school. He graduated from Cavalier High School. In his early years, he looked after his mother and siblings after the death of his father. He was drafted into the Army during WWII as a Private First Class. After two years of being stationed at Churchill, Manitoba, he returned home to Akra. Finn worked as a carpenter his whole life, owning Abrahamson Brothers Construction with his two brothers, Edmond and Einar. He was well known for his knowledge of construction, fine woodworking, building many businesses and homes throughout the region.
Finn enjoyed hunting, especially “coon hunting.” Having raised and trained many fine quality black and tan coon dogs. He was a life long member of the  Tongue River Masonic Lodge #22, Cavalier , and the Lavern J. Thompson American Legion Post #11, Cavalier. He donated his time and effort into the making of Icelandic State Park to which he donated the Akra Hall so everyone can have a place to go to while at the park.
He leaves his wife of 58 years, Sally (Dickison) Abrahamson; daughter, Tana Marie Abrahamson (Farron Johnson); son, Finn Edward Abrahamson (companion, Linda Jones); daughter, Kristine Helga (Kenneth) Moberg; brother, Einar Abrahamson; sisters: Agnes Hagstom, Alrlene (Danny) Holen, and Aldis (Wayne) Pearson; sister-in-law, Karen Abrahamson; grandchildren: Travis Baker (companion Lora Voigt), Randy (Tawny) Baker, Nicholas Baker, Erik (Teletha) McDonald, Lovisa (Jacob) Hammock, Finn Bogi Abrahamson, Jon Abrahamson, Tressa (Geoff) Rempel, Micheala (Ben) Burling, Joseph Beaudoin (companion Kenzi Griffith), Emma (Kurtis) Silvernail;
Preceding him in death were parents, younger brothers, Jon Albert and Edmond; and sister, Alice Westra.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Icelandic State Park to honor his vision for the love of the park.


 

Alice M. Torgeson, age 92 of Fargo, ND and formerly of Grafton, ND passed away on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the Sanford Health Center of Fargo, ND.
Alice Margaret Murie was born November 6, 1926 in Langdon, ND the daughter of the late William J. and Alice (Seeley) Murie. After graduating from Langdon High school she taught school one year at Maida, ND. She attended Valley City State Teacher’s College and in 1947 moved to Grafton, ND to teach. On June 20, 1948 she married Paul A. Torgeson of Grafton, ND. The couple resided in Grafton until 1992 when they moved to Fargo.
While raising their family, Alice was very active. A Cub Scout mother, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, Mother Advisor of Rainbow Girls for several years; recipient of the Grand Cross of Colors and received an award presented by Cryptic Masons of North Dakota for her work with the youth. She served as E.L.C.A. President, on the church board, on the hospital board and Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star. She taught kindergarten classes at Grafton Lutheran Church. With her husband she was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels. After moving to Fargo she volunteered at Blood Services and helped at quilting at MessiahLutheran Church.
Alice is survived by her children: Paul “Pat” (Cynthia Sillers), Fargo, ND; Paulette (Bruce) Burke, Nisswa, MN; Kathy (Terry) Brower, Pocatello, ID; Jane Torgeson (Peter Doane), St. Cloud, MN; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 61 years and three brothers: William M; Robert and John Murie.


Memorial Services will be Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at Grafton Lutheran Church. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Grafton Lutheran Cemetery The family would prefer memorials to the Grafton Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice.

Sylvia Constance Brichnac, age 77 of Park River, ND, passed away Friday, April 26, 2019 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.
Sylvia Constance Reep was born April 28, 1941 in Lakota, North Dakota, the daughter of the late Sever Reep and the late Clara (Paulson) and John Kallestad.  She graduated from Michigan High School in 1959 and then attended Mayville State University.  Sylvia was united in marriage to James T. Brichnac on September 26, 1961 in Michigan, ND.  The couple lived in Whitman and then moved to Park River.  She began working at St. Ansgar’s Hospital and continued working there as it transitioned into First Care Health Center for over 50 years.  Jim passed away August 18, 1999.  Sylvia continued to make her home in Park River until the time of her death.
She was a member of the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Park River.  She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and friends.  She was a hard worker, liked gardening, watching birds, playing cards and always loved jokes.
Sylvia is survived by her daughters:  Lana (Waylon) Lietz, Park River, ND; Kelly (Brad Kovarik) Clemetson, Park River, ND; grandchildren:  Mathew, Kayla, Skylar and Cole; siblings:  Wayne (Marilyn) Reep, Bismarck, ND; Marian Hendrickson, McVille, ND and John Kallestad, Jr., Devils Lake, ND; sister-in-law, Gen Beck, Grafton, ND.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.  She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father, John Kallestad, Sr., husband, great grandchild, sister, Sandra Reep and brothers: Richard Reep, Jimmy Reep and Gene Reep.
Funeral Services will be Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Park River, ND.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery, Park River.

Cindy Lien, age 65, was called home to heaven on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 at Sanford Health Center in Fargo, ND after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.
Cindy was born in Park River, ND on June 24th, 1953 to Eugene and Millie Kelner. She attended Walsh County Agricultural School, graduating in 1971. She began her employment with St. Ansgars Hospital at the age of 13, where her love for the medical field grew. Cindy graduated with a degree in Medical Laboratory Science from North Dakota State University in 1975. She shared her Bison Pride with her stepfather Earl Marifijeren. Cindy married Richard Lien on June 14, 1975 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Park River, ND. They made their home in rural Hoople with a farming operation, and welcomed 5 children.
Cindy was an avid runner, completing 20 half marathons beginning at the age of 57. She loved to cook, bake, and spend time at the lake with her family. Cindy was a devout Catholic and devoted grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her children & grandchildren, they were the light of her life. She will be deeply missed by those whom her heart touched.
She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Richard Lien (Hoople, ND); children Kristin (Marc) Bye (Fergus Falls, MN), Karie (Michael) Currie (West Fargo, ND), Josh (Kirsten) Lien (Hoople, ND) and Jenna (Chris) Midgarden (Park River, ND); brother John (Nancy) Kelner (Mesa, AZ); and grandchildren Jadyn & Hanna Bye, Dane & Hale Currie, Calvin & baby Lien, and Millie & Collins Midgarden.
She is preceded in death by her son, Tyler Lien; parents Millie & Gene Kelner; stepfather Earl Marifjeren; and sister, Judy Brown.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, April 29, 2019 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Park River, ND. Visitation will be Sunday from 3-5 PM with a prayer service at 5:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call at the church on Monday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Park River, ND. Memorials are preferred to First Care Health Center or the St. Gianna’s Maternity Home.

Colleen Henrietta LaBerge of Shoreview, MN passed away on April 15, 2019 in Saint Paul, MN.
Colleen was raised in Adams, ND and graduated from Adams High School in 1953. After high school she spent two years working in Minneapolis, MN at Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance.   Colleen then moved back to Grafton ND where she worked at the Grafton National Bank. Shortly thereafter, she met Donald LaBerge and they were married at St. John’s Catholic Church in Grafton, ND on April 22nd, 1961.   Colleen and Donald were married for fifty seven years and raised their family together in Grafton. Colleen was also a longtime employee of the Grafton light department as a book keeper until retiring in 1995.   Colleen and Don had recently moved to Shoreview to be closer to their children and grandchildren. She is remembered by her family as a fun, loving and caring mother/grandmother/great-grandmother.   She had a strong Christian faith, enjoyed spending time with friends and family, playing cards, garage sales and casinos.
She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Esther Johnson of Devils Lake, ND, her sisters Dolores and Marilynn, her brother Allen, and her infant daughter Ann Marie. She is survived by her loving husband Donald, sons Tim (Victoria), Paul (Kristen), and Tom (Jennifer), grandchildren Alysha, Michelle, Elizabeth, Caleb, Wallace, Charles, Vanessa, and Victoria, and great-grandchildren August, Everly, and Harper.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7PM Friday, April 26th at Tollefson Funeral Home in Grafton, ND. Services on Saturday, April 27th at 10:30 AM at Saint John the Evangelist Church in Grafton. Luncheon following the service at the adjoining parish center.

​Lois G. Springan, age 89 of Hoople, ND, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2019 at the Park River Good Samaritan Center of Park River.
Lois G. Sigurdson was born August 19, 1929 in Mouse River, ND, the daughter of the late Emil and Sigrun “Runa” (Johnson) Sigurdson. She grew up and attended school near Gardar, ND. Following her education, she taught for a short time. She was united in marriage to Odin Springan on December 27, 1950 in Gardar, ND and made their home near Hoople. Odin passed away on March 31, 1995 and Lois continued to live in Hoople with her son Roger. Roger passed away in 2006 and she moved to an apartment in Mountain, ND until moving into the Park River Good Samaritan Center in February of 2008.
She was a member of the Park Center Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid of Hoople, as well as the Hoople American Legion Auxiliary. Lois was always busy sewing dresses for her daughters and shirts for her son.  Her daughters always had new dresses at Christmas and Easter.  She would take pictures of everyone in their new attire.  She taught Sunday school for many years and worked with Ladies Aid on sewing quilts for World Relief.  She loved gardening, growing vegetables to can and freeze.  She made the best homemade tomato sauce.   She crocheted afghans for each grandchild and her children.  She worked hard on the farm and would drive the combine at harvest time.
Lois is survived by her children: Deborah (Loren) Moe, Edinburg, ND, Denise (Robert) Thomasson, Gardar, ND, Alice (Stuart) Bailey, Sartell, MN and Brenda (Gary) Slaamod, Sauk Rapids, MN, 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, siblings: Cecil (Rose Adele) Sigurdson, Edinburg, ND and Paul (Ina) Sigurdson, Gardar, ND. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Cynthia, son Roger, grandson Jonathan, twin brother Lloyd Sigurdson, brothers: Steve and John Sigurdson and sister Emily Steinke.
Funeral services will be Friday, April 26, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Edinburg. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Park Center Lutheran Cemetery of rural Hoople.

Adeline Sevigny Colsen, 93, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning  April 13, 2019, at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks,ND.
Adeline was born September 2, 1925, in Lankin, ND to Ted and Annie (Skorgen) Lansing.  She was a gentle soul who found pleasure and contentment in simple things.  Caring and cooking for her immediate and extended family was her number one priority and brought her great joy.
Adeline moved to Grafton, ND and was united in marriage to Woodrow Sevigny on November 11, 1946. They had a son Lynus before Woodrow's untimely death in a tragic accident on August 14, 1948. On December 26, 1961 Adeline was united in marriage to Norman Colsen who then became the proud father to Lynus Sevigny.  "Fisk" Norman Colsen passed away September 23, 2015.  Adeline then moved into Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, ND.
One of Adeline and Fisk greatest enjoyments was raising garden vegetables for the residents of Grafton. They were well known for their corn, potatoes and pumpkins. Adeline's home always provided the gathering place for holidays and special occasions and her family always anticipated her cream chicken.
Adeline is survived by her son:  Lynus (Debbie)Sevigny, Grand Forks, ND; Special nephews and nieces,  Mick(Mavis) Sevigny and Dick (Rosemary) Sevigny, both of Grafton, ND; Joanie (Jerry) Seeklander, Bismarck, ND; Jill ( Bill) LeQuire, Omaha, NE; Lorrie Lansing, Grand Forks, ND and several great nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, sisters, Gladys Novak and Leona Sevigny; brother, Aldus Lansing.
The family would like to thank the staff at Valley Eldercare for the care and kindness they gave to Adeline during her time there.
Memorial services will be Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service.