 JoAnn Susan Ryba, 83 of Lakota, ND, formerly of Lankin, ND, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society-Lakota after a short battle with brain cancer.
JoAnn Susan Kotaska was born April 2, 1937, ten minutes after her twin sister Dorothy, to Lewis and Josephine (Kachena) Kotaska. She grew up in the Conway/Pisek area and attended the local township school until the eighth grade. She worked helping local families with babysitting, cleaning, gardening and milking cows. She worked at the Park River Hospital as a nurse’s aide before marrying James Frank Ryba on June 19, 1957 in Pisek, ND. They lived on the family farm near Lankin, ND where they raised beef cattle and small-grain crops and milked dairy cattle. She and James loved to work in their large garden and sold cream in Dahlen, ND to help support their family. With four children under the age of seven, JoAnn earned her GED in 1965 by taking correspondence classes. JoAnn organized a local 4-H club where she proudly instructed over 146 girls and boys for over 46 years and received numerous achievement awards for her leadership roles. She served on the Michigan ambulance crew as a CPR Instructor, First Responder, and EMT for over 20 years ending in February 2004. JoAnn was also an active member for several state-wide and local organizations, including North Dakota Agri-Women Chair for 12 years where she delivered a gift basket to the first baby born after January 1 each year, American Cancer Society, Whitman Homemakers Club for 45 years, American Legion Auxiliary, Sts. Peter & Paul Altar Society, and Farmers Union. She held the position of secretary for the Kosobud Lodge since 2009 until her tumor diagnosis in June. She moved to Prairie Rose in Lakota in 2013 where she continued to garden and volunteer at the Good Samaritan Society-Lakota. She assisted residents with Bingo games and helped serve goodies to residents of Prairie Rose. JoAnn was always willing to lend a hand and give to others. JoAnn is survived by children, Kathleen (Larry) Brunell of North Attleboro, MA, Joseph (Darlene) Ryba of Lankin, ND, Karen (Keith Henningsgard) Ryba of Ardoch, ND, and Pamela Varnson Ryba of Lakota, ND; grandchildren, Matthew (Meghan) Brunell of Foxboro, MA, Stacy (Matthew) Yarnall of Sandwich, MA, Megan (Kyle) Hammond of North Attleboro, MA, Joseph (Trista) Ryba of Thief River Falls, MN, and Daniel (Briana) Ryba of Brocket, ND; great grandchildren, Grace, Emma, and Madelyn Brunell of Foxboro, MA, Cameron and Jacob Yarnall of Sandwich, MA, Brayden and Declan Hammond of North Attleboro, MA, Austin, Presleigh, and Wyatt Ryba of Thief River Falls, MN, and Tallie Ryba of Brocket, ND; and brother, Paul (Rosie) Kotaska of Grand Forks, ND. JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, James F. (2012); son, James E. (2019); parents, Lewis (1979) and Josephine (1993); siblings, Mary (Maresh) Hodny (2006), Lewis Kotaska (2008), Luella Kadlec (1995), and twin Dorothy Shereck (2017). The Funeral Mass will be held at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Bechyne, rural Lankin, ND, on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in the WFL Kosobud Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Friday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary & Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the Church on Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, JoAnn had requested that donations be given to the Kosobud Cemetery or Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Bechyne.
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 Marion K. Enerson, 97, of Hamilton, ND, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2020, at Wedgewood Manor, Cavalier, ND. Funeral service will be held Friday, August 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cavalier Presbyterian Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the church.
Marion Kathleen (née, Erickson) Enerson was born on January 13, 1923 at her grandparent's farm house near Ross, Minnesota. Her parents, George S. Erickson and Clara D. (née, Haaby) Erickson, were children of Norwegian immigrants who raised their seven children on a dairy farm outside of Roseau, MN. Marion was their first daughter and second child. She graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture, a residential high school in Crookston, MN. After high school, Marion was trained as a sheet metal worker at the Northwest Airlines modification center in St. Paul, MN where B-24 Liberators were modified for wartime use. She then enlisted in the Women's Army Air Corp where she served as a radio transmitter technician in Colorado Springs, CO. After the war, she went to beauty college in Grand Forks and in the summer of 1946 met Clarence (Bud) Enerson when she stopped at Frank White's garage in Hamilton for gas. They married on December 22, 1946 at her parent's farm, and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in December 2011. According to her children, Marion cooked a great pot roast, baked the world's best cinnamon rolls and canned peaches, pears and other fruits and vegetables every summer. She sewed dresses for her girls, took meals out to the field and hauled grain during harvest. She fixed the hair of many Hamilton ladies. She was proud of her old house and was constantly rearranging furniture. She took pleasure in her grandchildren and their activities, kept a diary for over 50 years and kept scrapbooks of Hamilton news. She did crossword and Jumble puzzles. She was an active 4-H leader and a member of Presbyterian Ladies Aide, Progressive Homemakers and Eastern Star. She got online 35 years ago and until the last few months followed her grandchildren's activities on Facebook. She had little fear and trusted in her Lord. Marion worked at the Pioneer Rest Home in Bathgate for many years and later as a nurses' aide at Pembina Country Memorial Hospital. She liked helping people and enjoyed the company of her co-workers. She has lived at Wedgewood Manor in Cavalier since 2015. Marion was preceded in death by her daughter Marcia, who died on February 29, 2012, and her husband, Bud, who died November 6, 2012. She is also predeceased by her brothers Everett Erickson and Donald Erickson and her sister Vivian Dvergsten. Survivors include her children: Rozanne (Howard) Junker (San Francisco, CA), Elaine (Myles) Martin (Reno, NV), Jody (Gary) Sharp (Hamilton, ND) and Norman (Lisa) Enerson (Grand Forks, ND). She has nine grandchildren: Faith Martin (Reno, NV), Paul Martin (Tasmania), Carla Gilbertson (Hamilton, ND), Madison Junker (Greeley, CO) James Sharp, (Minneapolis, MN), Joseph Sharp (Sacramento, CA), Ryan Enerson (Des Moines, IA), Tyler Enerson (Grand Forks, ND) and Bryce Enerson (Grand Forks, ND). She has seven great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Also surviving Marion is her brother, Clayton Erickson (Roseau, MN) and sisters Carol (Ronnie) Olson, (Wannaska, MN) and Linda (Gerald) Berg (Greenbush, MN). Her family would like to thank her kind caregivers and attentive staff at Wedgewood Manor, where she took great pleasure in BINGO, especially if she won! Memorials may be sent to the Hamilton Methodist Presbyterian Church (c/o Dorothy Robinson, Box 124, Hamilton, ND 58238) or Fraser Hall (online: Fraserltd.org or by mail: 2902 South University Drive, Fargo ND 58103) Marion was still waiting to see a woman elected President of the United States when she passed away on August 15, 2020, surrounded by her family.  Patsy L. Kemnitz, 88, of Cavalier, ND passed away peacefully holding Gerald’s hand on Saturday, August 8, 2020. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at the United Lutheran Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 11th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the United Lutheran Church. Social distancing and the use of masks are recommended.
Patsy was born February 18, 1932, on the family farm near Svold, ND, to Bob and Alpha Sturlaugson. She graduated from Cavalier High School in 1950 and attended Mayville State Teachers College. She taught two years at country schools. On August 3, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Gerald, at the Svold Church. Their special love lasted for 68 years. For 54 of those years, she worked alongside Gerald in farming, auctioneering, and baler sales. In 2016, they moved into Cavalier. They spent many winters in Mesa, AZ, where they made lasting friendships. Patsy served as a 4-H leader for 20 years and on the Pembina County Fair Board. She was a member of the Blue Ribbon Homemakers and a faithful Christian servant in the church and community. Patsy’s talents as a seamstress were well known. Pies, homemade buns, and cookies were a delight for her family and all who visited their home. Her greatest joy was her family. When the family was together, Patsy was her happiest. Patsy’s life was an example of giving, positivity, kindness and gratitude. Patsy looked for the best in everyone and everything. She always considered herself blessed. She is survived by her children: Darrell (Karen) Kemnitz, Kathy (Chuck) Fisher, Linda (Lynn) Paulson, Nancy (John) Jenson, and Duane (Shawnda) Kemnitz, 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and sister, Karen (Charlie) Clark. Preceding her in death were her parents, mother and father-in-law Ida and Alfred, and brother, Robert. Patsy’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and love to the caregivers at the Borg Home. They were her extended family.  Michael T. Brevik, age 72 of Park River, ND passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.
Michael Brevik was born December 14, 1947 in Minot, ND, the son of the late Herman and Hilda (Sundvor) Brevik. He grew up and attended school in Edinburg, graduating from Edinburg High School. He was united in marriage to Shirley Phelps on December 12, 1970. Following their marriage the couple made their home in Park River where he worked for Burbidge Seed and later Hankey Seed. Shirley passed away on August 9, 2000 and he continued to make his home there. He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Park River and the Park River American Legion Post #147. Michael is survived by his sons: Michael Brevik, Des Moines, IA and Aaron Brevik, Fargo, ND and 2 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirley and sister Louise. A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 7, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery of Park River. Masks are recommended and social distancing guidelines will be followed.  Laurence S. Simundson, 85, of Cavalier, ND, passed away Monday, August 3, 2020, at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital, Cavalier, ND. A graveside service will be held Friday, August 14, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Andvari Cemetery, rural Cavalier, ND. Social distancing and masks are recommended.
Laurence was born September 30, 1934, in LaMoure Township of Pembina County to Johannes and Antoinette (Klindt) Simundson. He grew up in LaMoure Township and attended the Hilltop Country School. Laurence graduated from Walhalla High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mayville State Teachers College, where he played football. He taught school in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. After teaching, he farmed in LaMoure Township and worked at American Crystal Sugar in Drayton, ND. Laurence enjoyed caring for his cattle and raised them until the time of his passing. He also enjoyed hunting in his spare time. He was a member of the Peters Lutheran Church, Svold, ND. He is survived by his brothers: Floyd Simundson, Shelton, WA, Dick (Lorraine) Simundson, Walhalla, ND, and Orville (Marlene) Simundson, Cavalier, ND. Also surviving are his nephews and nieces and their families. Preceding him in death were his parents and an infant nephew.  Charles E. Fuhrmann, age 75 of Adams, ND passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at the First Care Health Center of Park River, ND.
Charles E. Fuhrmann was born August 7, 1944 in Grafton, ND the son of Ervin and Florence (Gehrke) Fuhrmann. He grew up and attended school in Adams, ND. Charles was united in marriage to Pamela Johnson on June 9, 1962 in Adams, ND. The couple moved to Wahpeton, ND where Charles attended the North Dakota State School of Science for pre-engineering. He transferred to UND in Grand Forks and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. In 1966 the couple moved to Minneapolis where Chuck started working for General Mills in the cereal department. While at General Mills he enrolled in the Masters Program at Mankato State and received a Masters Degree in Business. The couple moved to Green Bay, WI and he worked for Pillsbury Foods in the research and development for vegetables. He later moved to Agrolink where he started the research and development department. Agrolink was later purchased by Birds Eye Foods. He retired from Birds Eye as a Vice President of Research and Development in 2004. The couple moved to Grand Forks to be closer to family. In 2010 they moved to Adams, ND. In 2018 Charles moved to the Lutheran Sunset Home in Grafton. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion in Lankin, ND. He enjoyed singing in the church choir and fishing. He loved to read and study history. Charles is survived by his wife, Pamela of Adams, ND, his children: Jennifer Fuhrmann, St. Louis Park, MN; Judd Fuhrmann, Big Lake, MN; his sister-in-law, Trudy (Dick) Anderson, Tuscon, AZ and two nephews: Jason and Rick. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Jeff. Memorial services will be Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 10:30 AM at the Adams Mountain Lutheran Church, Adams, ND. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, cloth face masks will be mandatory.  Richard N. Brown, 89, of Crystal, ND passed away Friday, July 31, 2020 at Aneta Parkview Health Center, Aneta, ND. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. the First Lutheran Church, Hoople, ND. Social distancing and the use of masks are encouraged.
Richard was born December 6, 1930 at Long Beach, California to Nathan and Mable (Johnson) Brown. He grew up in Long Beach and graduated from St. Anthony’s High School. Richard then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1953. After his discharge from the service, he became an electrician and worked in the greater Los Angeles area. He married Marietta Rostello and together they had eight children: Shirley, Carol, Richard, David, Kevin, Nathan, Timothy, and Susan. Marietta passed away in 1973. Richard then married Alva Axvig Luithle on May 16, 1974 in Long Beach. Alva had two sons: Jerry Lee Luithle and Jay Luithle. In 2005, Richard and Alva moved to Crystal, ND. Things Richard enjoyed were gardening, playing the piano, his grandchildren, and the Pacific Ocean. He is survived by his wife, Alva; children: Shirley, Carol, Richard, Nathan, Timothy, and Susan; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also survived by stepsons: Jerry Lee and Jay Luithle. Preceding him in death were his parents; first wife, Marietta; sons: David and Kevin.  Rory J. Schulz, Jr., of Grand Forks, ND, formerly of Hoople, ND, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at his home in Grand Forks. Private family funeral service will be held Monday, August, 3, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Hoople. A public visitation will be held in the Hoople Park following the funeral and burial.
Rory Joel Schulz, Jr. was born on January 7, 1987. He graduated from Valley High School in 2006. He was employed by Elkhorn Farms of Grand Forks. Growing up, Rory’s tough guy exterior couldn’t shadow his love of all things living: snakes, iguanas, dogs, and even his adopted kitten, Killer. That tough guy grew into a tough man—tough to sometimes deal with, tough to stay mad at, tough to not love, tough to forget. Often times short with his words, Rory demonstrated his love through his actions. Never could a person resist his smile, his quick hugs, or his shoulder rubs. Rory loved fiercely and protected endlessly. No matter his personal battles, he never let anything slide that hurt those he loved—whether on the playground or out in the world. Rory was a classmate, a friend, a son, a brother, an uncle, and he was loved. Rory was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Raymond and May Schulz; and his maternal grandmother, Rozella McKay. Rory is survived by his parents, Rory Schulz Sr. and Joan Buckholz; his siblings, Tony Buckholz and Alisha Schulz; his niece and nephew, Mallory and Calvin Latozke; and his significant other, Michelle Smith.  Richard Duane McConnell, 87, passed away in his home in Mesa, AZ, surrounded by his loving family and devoted wife, Gayle, who selflessly cared for him during his courageous battle with numerous illnesses.
Richard was born on December 13, 1932, to Leonard and Gudrun (Matthiasson) McConnell. At a very young age, Richard earned the nickname "Buster" which stayed with him throughout his life. Richard grew up on the family farm and graduated from Bowesmont High School. On October 25, 1953, he married the love of his life, Gayle Franks. In 1954, Richard volunteered for enlistment in the United States Army and served for two years as a tank commander. Richard was very proud of his military service and loved his country. While continuing to operate the family farm, Richard attended the University of North Dakota and graduated with his bachelor's degree and masters degree in accounting. He earned his Certified Public Accountant certificate and maintained a CPA practice in Drayton, ND. Richard also shared his accounting knowledge with his students over the years as a professor at Bemidji State College, the University of North Dakota, and as on off-campus professor for the University of Northern Colorado. Not only was Richard a farmer, CPA, and teacher, he was a musician. He found great joy in music (especially Dixieland) and played multiple instruments including the trombone, bugle, piano, and saxophone. He was a member of several bands, played at many memorial services, and was asked to play live "Taps" at several military services. Richard's additional accomplishments include: Pembina County Farm Bureau Director, ND Farm Bureau Director, Koda Bank Director, Kem Temple Shriner, member of the Masons, President of the Bowesmont Heritage Preservation, and the Bowesmont Cemetary Board. Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years Gayle; Children: Richard (Sharon) McConnell, Kris (Bennet) Tucker, and Rachel (Michael) Wittrock; Grandchildren: Brandon (Chasity) Drees, Kelly (Casey) McWilliams, Christian McConnell, Emily McConnell, and Ava Wittrock; 4 great-grandchildren: Ella and Porter McWilliams and Norah and Aubrey Drees; 3 brothers: James (Frances) McConnell, Bill (Ruth) McConnell, and Allen (Carol) McConnell; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his parents: Leonard and Gudrun McConnell and nephew Matt McConnell. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bowesmont Cemetery, Bowesmont, ND. Please bring your lawn chairs. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Shriners Hospital. Lunch will be served at the McConnell Family Farm following the service.  Richard (Rick) Ernest Sveen, age 71 died July 23rd, 2020. He was born on June 22nd, 1949, in Grafton, ND, the son of Ernest Sveen and Gudrun (Runa) Eastman Sveen. Rick attended Edinburg Schools until turning his efforts to helping on the family farm. Rick has born with a learning disability and worked hard through his life to manage it. He enjoyed working with the land as well as with both the dairy cattle and the beef cattle until he moved to Fergus Falls, MN for training in life skills and trade skills. Following the successful completion of his training he moved to the Fargo area where he lived and worked from the1980’s through 2010.
Richard spent many years living in Fargo within the group home system of Fraser Ltd from which he continued his involvement with work as well as various social and sport activities. This continued until a hip replacement surgery sidelined him and necessitated a move to a nursing level care home within the Fraser system. After Rick improved post-surgery, he again transferred within Fraser to another group home. Rick enjoyed his time at Fraser until he was hospitalized in Jan of 2019. This hospitalization proved to be the 1st of many in 2019 and 2020. Rick struggled with recurring infections until his death on July 23rd, 2020. Rick’s favorite pastimes included Bison football, Twins baseball and The Indianapolis Colts and the MN Vikings. He loved to attend in person or watch on TV and would banter with whoever was willing about why those teams might not be the “best team built”. Rick enjoyed visits to the farm in Edinburg and time with family. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Sveen and Gudrun (Runa) Eastman Sveen. He is survived by his siblings Judy (Dennis) Lunde, Boca Raton, FL., Randell Sveen, Edinburg, ND and Russell (Susan) Sveen of Carmel, IN., nephews Darrin Lunde (Boca Raton, FL) and James (Stacey) Lundy (Boca Raton, FL), Erik Sveen (Carmel, IN) and niece Madison Sveen (Carmel, IN) and one grandnephew Devin Lunde. Rick also enjoyed his familial bond with all his extended family and friends. He truly loved people. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM, Weds. July 29th at the Edinburg Trinity Lutheran Cemetery where Richard will rest next to his parents. |