Jack Wallace Thompson, 75 of Park River, ND passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks, ND with his wife Mary at his side. He was born May 24, 1951, and lived a life deeply rooted in family, farming, faith and the community he loved.
Jack grew up on the family farm and attended Mandt rural school for his first three grades. He graduated from the Walsh County Agricultural School in Park River in 1969, where he was active in hockey and football. He went on to attend North Dakota State University in Fargo.
A lifelong farmer, Jack took great pride in the land and in the farming way of life. He was also an avid outdoorsman and sportsman. He enjoyed curling and was proud to be a member of a state championship curling team. Hunting, fishing and trap shooting were among his favorite pastimes and many cherished memories were made outdoors with his family and friends. He also loved traveling with his wife Mary.
Jack had a special love for dogs. His beloved companions over the years included Brandy, Lucy and Louie, who held a special place in his heart.
Jack had a great sense of humor and loved to tease anyone he could. His quick wit, playful stories and friendly nature brought laughter to those around him and made every gathering more memorable.
Faith and community were important parts of Jack’s life. He was a lifelong member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Park River. He also served as a member of the Rural Fire Department Board and the local elevator board, giving his time and service to the community he called home.
Jack married Mary Osland on May 26, 1991. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his mother, Pud; siblings: Mary K. of Park River, Mark (Joni Lorenz), Park River, ND; John (Jane), Park River, Luke of Grand Forks, ND and Jane (Steve) Bjornstad of Walhalla. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his father, Wallace, brother, Fred; and sister-in-law, Shari.
Jack will be remembered for his love of family, farming, the outdoors and his dogs, and his community. He leaves behind a lifetime of friendships, memories and a legacy of hard work and service that will continue through those who knew and loved him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, August 17, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Park River, ND. Visitation will be Sunday from 4-6 PM at the church. A rosary and scripture service will be Sunday at 6:00 PM at the church. Friends may also call at the church on Monday for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at the Calvary Cemetery, Park River, ND.
In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to the Park River Ambulance, the First Care Health Center of Park River or the Humane Society.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Edward Allen Boura, age 68 of Grafton, ND passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks, ND after a 7-month battle with cancer. Ed beat the odds many times, but was unable to beat this one.
Edward was born May 15, 1958 in Grafton, ND the youngest son of the late Edward and Anna (Pesek) Boura Sr. He attended schools in Grafton. Ed met his wife Stacy Weiand in 1980 and they were together for 46 years. Ed worked as a mechanic for Simplot in Minto, ND and made many great friends. In 2008 he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident and spent over a month in the Hennepin County Hospital enduring many surgeries to save his leg. He developed an infection which was so severe he had to quit working.
Ed and Stacy had one son, Dylan who was the sunshine of Ed’s life. They had totally opposite interests. Dylan was all about sports, but they both respected the others interests. They never missed a track meet or football game.
Ed was an avid outdoorsman. He loved racing sleds, riding motorcycle’s, hunting and fishing. He was constantly tinkering in his shop reviving old snowmobiles, motorcycle’s, lawn mowers, golf carts, boat motors and the list goes on. He started going to swap meets looking for parts that were hard to find and established many great friends over the years.
Ed is survived by his wife, Stacy, Grafton, ND; his son Dylan of Grand Forks, ND; siblings: James (Mavis) Boura, Grafton, ND; Marie Boura, Grafton, ND; Joanne Anderson of Grand Forks, ND; his aunts: Josephine Johnson, Internation Falls, MN and Doris Pesek, Lawton, ND; nieces and nephews: Scott (Rikki) Boura, Cooperstown, ND; Dean (Sara) Boura, Drayton, ND; Brenda (Kevin) Sevigny, Grafton, ND; Todd (Andrea) Anderson, Thompson, ND and Becky Anderson, Crookston, MN. Several great nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Richard Anderson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, August 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Graton, ND. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.
An online guestbook is available at:www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com

George H. Gill, Sr. age 72 of Grafton, North Dakota, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton.

George H. Gill was born September 6, 1953 in Foley, Minnesota, the son of the late George E. and Marian C. (Muntifering) Gill. He attended and graduated from Foley High School. After his education he began driving semi-truck for Golden Plump and Peuringer. George was united in marriage to Sharon Nieland on September 19, 1987 in Dillworth, Minnesota. The couple moved to Grafton in 1994. After moving to Grafton, George drove for Tri-Campbell, worked at Marvin’s, Grafton Public Schools and drove for Altendorf Trucking until his health forced him to retire.
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George loved to spend time with his grandsons, visiting with his family, tinkering and maintaining his yard.
George is survived by his children: George Gill V, St. Thomas, ND; Ryan Gill, St. Thomas, ND; Megan (Matthew) Mohagen, Grafton, ND; grandsons: Juaquin, Jaime, Jayden and Brayden; siblings: Robert Gill, Cold Spring, MN; Kathy (Dave) Scapanski, Sauk Rapids, MN; Karen (Gerry) Moulzolf, Foley, MN; Kristine (Dave) Midas, Little Falls, MN and sister-in-law, Colleen Gill, Sauk Rapids, MN. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother David Gill.

George’s family would like to extend a special ‘thank you’ to Kenny Popiel for all of his help during George’s cancer journey.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at the St. John the
Evangelist Catholic Church, Grafton, ND. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at
the church. Inurnment will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Grafton, ND.

Dr. Jerry D. Blanchard, age 83 of Grafton, ND, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.
A memorial service will be Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Grafton Lutheran Church of Grafton, ND. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 at the church. Inurnment will be at the Crescent Masonic Cemetery of Grafton, ND. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Grafton Lutheran Church or the Lutheran Sunset Home.

Peacefully, in the early hours of August 3, 2026, at Carman Memorial Hospital, Brian Robert Lenton was called home at the age of 76 and reunited with his beloved daughter, Kyla.


Brian was born in Miami, Manitoba on October 16, 1949, to Elmer and Elaine Lenton, the fourth of twelve children. At an early age, Brian contracted polio. Through strict physical therapy, daily swimming, and medication until a vaccine became available, he made a full recovery.


He grew up in Neepawa, where he attended school and could often be found at the hockey rink or pool hall. In 1961, when Brian was 12, the Lenton family moved to Gladstone. There, he continued his schooling and began working at the Gladstone Bakery, the Gladstone Age Press, and Panko’s store, where he worked in the meat department.


It was in Gladstone that Brian met the love of his life, Diana. They were married in 1970. As newlyweds living in Brandon, Manitoba, Brian began his career as a butcher, working at Brandon Frosted Foods and later at Burns Canada Packers. He always joked that he had been a butcher, a baker, but never a candlestick maker.


Brian and Diana welcomed their daughters, Tara, in 1976 and Kyla in 1979. That same year, they moved to Carman, where Brian managed the meat processing plant, Plains Processors, later purchasing the company.


Dad worked tirelessly at Plains, but weekends and a few weeks each summer were reserved for family time. Some of our most memorable trips were to British Columbia and Niagara Falls.


Dad loved his “girls”—Mom, Kyla, and me—fiercely and completely. Mom and Dad had an immeasurable kind of love: a young love from childhood that stood the test of time, weathered heartbreak, and grew even stronger through loss.


And for his daughters—long before anyone coined the phrase “girl dad,” Dad was exactly that. He taught us to be strong, curious, and confident enough to believe we could do anything. He never made us feel limited; instead, he cheered us on, protected us when we needed it, and gave us the confidence to find our own way in the world. His love was not loud or flashy—it was steady, dependable, and unconditional.


Dad was the definition of a jack of all trades. It seemed there was not a problem he could not solve or a skill he could not figure out. He had knowledge about almost everything, and if he did not know the answer, he would find it. Whether he was fixing something around the house, offering practical advice, or explaining how something worked, he had a quiet confidence that made those around him feel that everything would be okay.


Dad had a quick wit, a perfectly timed joke, and the kind of humour that made even ordinary moments memorable. His laughter was contagious, and his ability to find light, even during difficult times, was a gift that brought joy to so many.


After retiring in 2005, Dad kept himself busy and even tried his hand at cooking, mastering the art of making cabbage rolls. He also took great interest in restoring old vehicles and golf carts. Where many people saw rust and worn-out parts, he saw potential. He poured countless hours into each project and took pride in bringing things back to life.


When Mom retired in 2007, they began wintering in Arizona, hauling their fifth wheel to Mesa until 2011, when their first grandchild was born. Logan Robert Parent was born in January 2011, the first boy in the family, and Papa was incredibly proud. Hayley Tennille followed in 2013, bringing even more joy to Papa’s life. Papa loved watching the kids play sports, especially hockey, and he was their loudest cheerleader. Spending time with family was always special for Papa.


Brian will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Diana; his daughter Tara, son-in-law Ron Parent, and grandchildren Logan and Hayley; his sisters Barb (Dennis) Foster and Tracy (Mel) Kelly; his brothers Dennis (Melanie) Lenton, Chris Lenton, Glen Lenton, and Drew Lenton; and his sisters-in-law Darlene Lenton, Shannon Lenton, and Lorraine Lenton. He will also be dearly missed by Diana’s family: sisters-in-law Elva Radford, Lois (Brian) Bott, Kay (Norman) West, and Rosemary Campbell; brothers-in-law Larry (Jo-ann) Campbell and Doug Campbell; as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.


He was predeceased by his daughter, Kyla Lenton; his parents, Elmer and Elaine Lenton; his brothers Barry Lenton, Russell Lenton, and Danny Lenton; his sisters Margie Pottinger and Brenda Lehmann; brother-in-law Dennis Lehmann and nephew Brad Lehmann. He was also predeceased by his in-laws, Lorne and Dallas Campbell; brothers-in-law Donald Campbell and Leslie Campbell; sister-in-law Linda Campbell; niece Jennifer Keown; and nephew Nathan Woitowich.


The loss we feel today is profound, but so is our gratitude. We were fortunate to know him, to learn from him, and to be loved by him. His joy of life and commitment to family and friends will be cherished by all who knew him.


The family extends special thanks to Dr. Atchison, Dr. Nejad, and the staff at Carman Memorial Hospital for the care and compassion they provided over the past few weeks.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Carman Palliative Care Program. 350 4th Street SW, Box 610 Carman, MB R0G 0J0


A Celebration of Life will be held on August 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Carman United Church, with Rev. Harold Kenyon officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Carman, MB.

Barry Austin Stedman
May 27, 1935 – July 28, 2026


On July 28, 2026, at Carman Memorial Hospital, Barry passed away at the age of 91.


He is survived by his son John; daughter Dorothy (Russ) Johannson; grandchildren Ian (Ana) Boughton, Allie (Matthew) Boughton, and Katie (Aaron) Hoekstra; 7 great-grandchildren; niece Christine (Dean) McKinnon; nephew Barry (Alyssa) Harrison; and cousin Howie Larke. He was predeceased by his wife Gladys, his parents Cliff and Phyllis, his sister Gail Harrison, and his close cousin Joan Larke.


Barry was born in Virden MB, while his father was stationed there for Manitoba Hydro. As a young child, the family moved to Winnipeg (Fort Rouge), where he attended elementary and high school (Tec Voc). His first job was with Manitoba Hydro helping bring service to rural areas. It was during this time that he met a special girl from Belmont who would eventually change his life.


Sadly, his father passed away in 1959, when Barry was just 24. He returned home to be with his mother and sister, moving to NW-24-7-6 in the RM of Dufferin/St. Daniel. With the guidance of his uncle, Bob Stedman, Barry learned to farm — growing crops and raising pigs and cattle.


Many years later, he looked up that special Belmont girl in the phone book. The picture going with this obituary is from the happiest day of his life, when on June 25, 1977, he married Gladys Rowe in Belmont MB. Gladys and her daughter Dorothy then moved to the farm in Carman where shortly after, the family welcomed a new addition when son John was born in August 1978. Barry's hobbies centered around the outdoors and providing for his family: combining, baling, tending animals, growing a garden, clearing snow, getting firewood ready, road trips in his 1973 green GMC half-ton, time with his border collie, Patches and family dinners together after a long day's work.


In the late 1990s, Barry & Gladys made a difficult decision to move into Carman. They missed farm life, but slowly adapted, and the move brought them closer to John, who lived just two blocks away. Ever the tough old farmer, Barry was still running the snowblower and cutting grass at 80. He was a devoted fan of the Jets, Bombers, and Blue Jays. In February 2025, the family lost Gladys. John and Barry lived together during the tough time that followed, leaning on each other through their grief.


Barry was strong, hardworking, down to earth, quiet, witty, and devoted to his family. He lived his entire life with essential tremors, which made things like handwriting and being in large crowds difficult at times.


Dad, I love you and am so proud of the life you lived. It brings me comfort knowing you are with Mom now.


Thank you to Dr. Kruk, Carman Hospital, and Home Care; to the Middleton, McCutcheon, and Hirst families for being wonderful neighbours; and to the entire St. Daniel-Graysville community.


Donations in Barry's memory may be made to Carman Hospital Palliative Care, Box 610, Carman, MB R0G 0J0.

Quirino O. Garza “Junior” was born in November 21, 1969 in Cadereyta, Jiménez, México to Esthela & Quirino Garza. Junior was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and loyal friend. Junior passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and selfless generosity.
Junior was a man who loved his family above all else. He was a devoted husband and a proud father who cherished his sons. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, creating memories they will carry with them forever. His love for his family was unconditional, and he always put their needs before his own.
He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found peace in hunting and spending time in nature. Whether he was in the field, lending a helping hand to a neighbor, or sharing stories with family and friends, Junior lived life with humility and purpose.
Known for his incredible work ethic, Junior believed in earning everything through honest, hard work. He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need, never expecting anything in return. His compassion, generosity, and willingness to help others touched countless lives and earned him the respect and admiration of everyone who knew him.
Although his passing leaves an immeasurable void, his love, wisdom, and example will continue to live on through his family and all those whose lives he impacted. He will be remembered not only for what he accomplished but for the kind of man he was—a man of integrity, strength, humility, and unwavering love.
Quirino O. Garza Jr. will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. May he rest in eternal peace.
He is survived by his wife Dina; sons: BJ & Arely, Gabriel & Juliette, Fernando & RaeAshley, Raul & Reynold; and Grandchildren Jaylynn, Gabriel Jr, Austin, Jaxon & Julius.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Interment will be at Panteon Cristo Rey Cemetery, Los Angeles, Nuevo Leon, México. 

Garth Martin John Farr
December 25, 1939 – July 21, 2026


Garth Farr, age 86 of Carman, MB. Passed away on July 21, 2026, at the Boyne Lodge Personal Care Home of Carman, MB. Garth was born in Carnduff, SK. to Kenneth and Edith Farr on December 25, 1939. He married Shirley Ann Gerlock on June 30, 1962, in Melita, MB. Garth is survived by his wife, Shirley Anne Farr, his four daughter’s and their spouses, Laurie Farr Byers (Phil) of Texas, Susan Farr Kooyman (Steven) of California, Brenda Farr Goodrich (Chris) of Texas, Carol Ann Bonnett (Larry) of Alberta and his son Daniel Kenneth Farr of Alberta; his Brother Garry Farr and his family (Marilyn, Todd & Tracy Farr) of Alberta. Along with 7 Grandchildren, 10 Great Grandchildren, 3 Grand dogs and many friends.


In 1959 he played Hockey on the Estavan Minors. Garth started working at a very young age in the oilfield; he worked on oil rigs and used what he learned to successfully manufacture The Farr Power Tong. It is still known as one of the best out there today. He expanded his business and moved him and his family to Texas in 1976. One of their pastimes in Texas, was raising and showing their Arabian horses. In 1984, Garth and Shirl and their son moved back to Canada to continue his oilfield career. After retirement the two of them became Canadian Snowbirds and travelled to South Texas for the winter months. He enjoyed playing golf and having good times with his family and friends. Their final home in Carman, is when he became the town skate sharpener for the Carman rink.
Garth requested a private celebration of his life; therefore, no funeral service will be held. If desired donations in Garth’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.


The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at the Boyne Lodge for the care given to Garth while in their care.

Lois I. Otto, age 92, of Hatton, ND, formerly of Edinburg, ND, passed away Monday, July 20, 2026, at Hatton Prairie Village, 950 Dakota Ave, Hatton, ND. Where she lived since the fall of 2022.
Lois was born September 15, 1933, in Neche, ND to Gustave and Gunda Stegman, she grew up in the Neche area where she attended country school and graduated from Neche High School. In 1951 she found herself entering the halls of the Grand Forks Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing. She received her diploma and R.N. certificate graduating in 1954. She worked in hospital care, clinical nursing, DON in long term care and doing physical exams for insurance companies.
She married James Otto in 1965 in Cavalier, ND. They moved to Edinburg in 1966. This is where they raised their children. In Edinburg, she kept very busy within the community. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Where she was in the Bible Study groups, WELCA, Vocal Choir, Bell Choir and Sunday school. She was a member of the Walsh County Social Service Board, Member of Edinburg Quick Response Unit, Sunnyside Homemakers, Red Hats, Edinburg Legion Auxiliary.
She is survived by her children: Patti (Ken) Novacek, Mayville, ND; Mike (Tanna Aasand) Otto, Park River, ND; Lisa (Tom) Steinolfson, Colfax, ND; her grandsons: Nathan (Shelly), Darren (Kim), Jason (Katelyn) Novacek; Max (Melissa), Sam (Whitney) Otto; Ben (Whitney), Dillon (Courtney) Steinolfson. Her beloved great-grandchildren: Harper, Hailey, Tucker, Paxtyn, Maddyn, Suttyn, Roe, Ava, Charlie, Hayes, Drake and 1 more due in September. Her sister, Janice Large, Mahnomen, MN, brother-in-law Duane Otto, sister-in-law Sally Otto. Along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband James in 2021, her daughter-in-law, Paula Otto and her siblings: Eileen (George) Winkler, Melvin (Diane) Stegman and brother-in-law, Bruce Large.
Funeral services will be Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Edinburg, ND. Visitation will be Thursday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Edinburg, ND.  The funeral service will be livestreamed via Tollefson Funeral Home website.

Esther A. Dolney, age 94 of Grafton, ND and formerly of Drayton, ND, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026 at Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.
Esther A. Dolney was born in Greenbush, MN to the late James and Frances (Gerszewski) Dolney.  She was raised and educated in the Crystal, ND area.  After her education she began working for O.C. Schultz and Sons in the potato industry.  In 1990, Ester moved to Roseau, MN and began working for Marvin Windows in Warroad, MN.  She remained there until she retired and returned to  North Dakota.
Esther is survived by her children: daughter Luella (Norgart) Mentzer, St. Robert, MO and their children, Billie Jo Hoffman, Templeton, IA and Heath Mentzer, Dixon, MO, son Kenneth (Wanda) Eide, Omaha, NE, daughter Shelly Eide, Omaha, NE, son Marvin Lynn (Elizabeth) Eide and their children, Shelby Hillhouse and Serenity Eide, St. Robert, MO, daughter Mary Eide, St. Paul, MN and her children: Michael Eide, Hallock, MN, Dallas, Joel Jr., and Mykayla Zocher, Burnsville, MN, Lita of Eagan, MN, numerous great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews also survive.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, siblings: Francis Dolney, Priscilla Dinkel, Maximillian (Max) Dolney, LeRoy Dolney, and Jerome (Dutch) Dolney.
There will be a small open house style - celebration of life at:
Ann Ill’s home: 115 W 12th Street, Grafton, ND from 2pm to 6pm on Monday, July 20, 2026.