Gwendolyn V. Askim, age 97 of Park River, ND passed away on Sunday June 7, 2026 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.
Funeral services will be on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Hoff Lutheran Cemetery of rural Adams, ND. 

Raymond J. Eastman
May 17, 1954 — June 4, 2026
Cavalier

​Raymond J. Eastman, 72, of Cavalier, ND passed away Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Heather’s House in Fargo, ND. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held one hour before the time of services. Burial will be held in the Hallson Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Pembina County Historical Society, Borg Home, Pembina County Fair, or charity of your choice.
Raymond was born the only child of Andrew and Amity (Porter) Eastman on May 17, 1954. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Cavalier, graduating in 1973. Ray then continued his education at Lake Region College in Devils Lake, ND, before returning to the farm.
Things he enjoyed were spending time at the Pembina County Fair, Pioneer Machinery Show and Museum, taking rides for ice cream, and visiting with friends. Raymond also spent many hours tending his cattle, putting up haystacks, walking the land, and starting his own Christmas tree farm after working at Pages Pines. He was a member of the former First United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Amity, grandparents, Ira and Jennie Porter, and Barney and Christine Eastman, several aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

Michael B. Brandvold, age 61 of Edinburg, North Dakota passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Maple View Memory Care of Grand Forks.
Michael Bruce Brandvold was born March 13, 1965 to the late Burvett and Gloria (Mosolf) Brandvold in Park River, ND. He was raised in rural Edinburg on the family farm and attended Edinburg Public Schools. After graduation, Mike began working for area farmers. He loved the land and loved Walsh County. Through the years he farmed, worked for Consolidated Waste, Park River Implement, and spent the last 14 years at Melland Farms, until his health forced him to retire.
Mike loved the outdoors, loved hunting, and snowmobiling. He loved being social and took every opportunity to visit with family, friends, and neighbors. Mike had perfected the “Midwestern Goodbye”, he made sure those leaving knew how much he appreciated them visiting. When he got promoted to grandpa, he took his role seriously and cherished his time with Bentley, Tenley, Miley, Charlie, and Sawyer.
Mike is survived by his children Nikki (Brad) Pokrzywinski, Dahlen, ND; Jordan (Erin) Loewen, Park River, ND, and Austin (Jo) Brandvold, Fargo, ND; grandchildren: Bentley, Tenley, and Miley Pokrzywinski and Charlie and Sawyer Loewen; siblings: Dale (Sue Mairs), Wayne (Barbara), Bonnie Nowell, and brother-in-law Todd Deibert. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jody, brother Ronald, infant brother Richard, and brother-in-law James Nowell. 
Memorial services will be on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church of Edinburg, ND. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at Odalen Lutheran Cemetery of rural Edinburg.

Dolf H. Oldenburg, age 64 of Grafton, ND passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at the Unity Hospital of Grafton, ND.
Dolf H. Oldenburg was born September 7, 1961 in Dickinson, ND the son of the late Louis and Carol (Spore) Oldenburg. He graduated from Valley City High School in 1980 and from Valley City State College with a degree in Architectural Engineering and an Associate’s Degree in Art. Following his education he worked for the Barnes County Sheriff Department. He later attended the North Dakota Highway Patrol Academy. Following his training he was stationed in Grafton, ND and worked out of Grafton until retiring in 2015. Dolf was united in marriage to Luann Ringsak on December 12, 2015. The couple continued to make their home in Grafton.
He was a member of the Grafton Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife, Luann of Grafton, his son, Aaron (Sarah) Oldenburg, Drayton, ND; three daughters; his sister, Kit Burden, Wyoming; nieces Kate and Jessie both of Wyoming; his brother-in-law, Marnell (Nancy) Ringsak, Bismarck, ND and their children: Kate (Ryan), Seattle, WA; Laura (Ilija), Bismarck, ND; and Erik of Boseman, MT. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM at the Grafton Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at the Grafton Lutheran Cemetery.

Daniel A. Daley, age 75 of Park River, North Dakota passed away Monday, June 1, 2026 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.
Daniel Ardell Daley was born August 21, 1950, in Grafton, North Dakota, the son of the late Ardell and Mary (Ganyo) Daley. He attended school in Grafton, graduated from the Walsh County Agricultural School in 1968, and attended NDSU. He began working for Polar Communications in 1970 and continued there until his retirement in February 2006. Daniel was united in marriage to Sandra Pokrzywinski on June 17, 1972, at Zion Lutheran Church, rural Hoople. The couple made their home in Park River, where they raised their family.
He was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Park River and a dedicated member of the Park River Volunteer Fire Department, serving his community since 1976.
Dan loved his family tremendously and shared a special bond with his brother, Tim. Whether they were planting potatoes and corn, cruising the back roads, or tackling a project, the two were rarely far apart. They always seemed to find something that needed to be fixed.
You could often find Dan at the Eastside enjoying a cup of coffee or a cold beer, and a good conversation with friends. He never passed up the opportunity to visit and was known for telling stories—often the same stories more than once—but somehow, they were just as entertaining every time he told them.
Dan loved the outdoors, especially hunting season and fishing trips with friends. He also looked forward to making deer bologna and summer sausage, a tradition that brought family and friends together.
Dan enjoyed spending time with all his kids and grandkids (especially playing cards). He was always willing to lend a helping hand or answer the many questions that came his way. He loved the time he spent at the lake with his family and appreciated the opportunity to travel, go camping or attend car shows. Dan and Sandy enjoyed spending time together on trips to the casino, where he accompanied her to bingo and occasionally took in a concert.
Daniel is survived by his wife, Sandra Daley, Park River, ND; his children, Scott (Shelly Dub) Daley, Pisek, ND; Trish (John) Dukek, West Fargo, ND; Trudy (Jeremy) Boelter, Moorhead, MN; Jon Daley, Park River, ND; and Shawn (Shelby) Daley, Fargo, ND; his grandchildren, Jessica, Nevin, Cody, Kailey, Kristin, Erica, Xander, Autumn, Ava, Liam, Hayden, Annabelle, Mackenzie, Landon, and Serena; three great-grandchildren; siblings, Jim (Renae) Daley, Park River, ND; Kathy Wilmer, Park River, ND; Tim (Cheryl) Daley, Park River, ND; and Renee Ortado, Greeley, CO; brother-in-law, Randy (Sue) Pokrzywinski, Walker, MN; sister-in-law, Lori Meske, Hillsboro, ND; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ardell and Mary Daley; Sandra’s parents, Walter and Mildred Pokrzywinski; and brother-in-law, Wayne Pokrzywinski.
​
Memorial Services will be Friday, June 5, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Park River, ND. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may call at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Hoople, ND.

Colleen Elizabeth Lyne
(née Moore)
December 24, 1939 - June 1, 2026


Colleen Elizabeth Lyne (née Moore) of Morden, Manitoba, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, at the age of 86, with her family by her side.


She leaves behind her sister Diane; sisters-in-law Pat, Rowena, Lynn, Sheryle, and Elaine; brothers-in-law Mervin and Joe; along with many cherished extended family members and dear friends.


Colleen was predeceased by her loving husband, Bill; her parents, Si and Irene Moore; her parents-in-law, Fred and Mary Lyne; and her siblings Jim, John, Elaine, and Michael.


Born on December 24, 1939, on the family farm in Pilot Mound, Manitoba, Colleen was the daughter of Si and Irene Moore and grew up alongside her siblings Jim, John, Elaine, Diane, and Michael. Her passion for teaching began early—so early, in fact, that at just 16, before completing Grade 12, she accepted her first teaching position on permit at Star Mound School in 1955. After completing her education, she graduated from the Manitoba Teachers’ College in 1960 and began what would become a lifelong and deeply meaningful career in education.


In 1965, at the Foresters Dance Hall in Pilot Mound, she met the love of her life, William Frederick “Bill” Lyne. They were married on July 2, 1966, at St. Andrew’s on the Red in Lockport, Manitoba. Together, they built a life rooted in love, adventure, and unwavering devotion to one another.


Committed to lifelong learning, Colleen continued her education while teaching, ultimately earning her Master’s degree in Education in 1982—an achievement of which she was immensely proud. She taught in various schools across Manitoba, in Europe, and even in St. Vincent, touching the lives of countless students wherever she went. To Colleen, teaching was never just a profession—it was her calling.


Colleen and Bill made their home in Pilot Mound in the early 1970s before moving to Morden in 1978, where they settled first on Parkview Place and later into the home she cherished for the rest of her life. In January 1990, at the age of 50, Colleen suffered a stroke that would shape the years to come. Through every challenge, her strength, resilience, and determination shone through. With Bill’s steadfast love and advocacy, she maintained her independence and remained in her home, supported by her family, dedicated care providers, and nursing staff.


Together, Colleen and Bill traveled extensively, creating treasured memories in destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska, and New Zealand. After Bill’s passing in 2021, Colleen’s world changed profoundly, and she grew increasingly reliant on the support around her. In 2022, she met Sara, who became not only a caregiver but a trusted companion and dear friend. Sara’s presence brought comfort, dignity, and joy to Colleen’s daily life.


Colleen had a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures. She delighted in visits from her friends, especially Meno and Judy, always insisting the “good dishes” be brought out for company. She found joy in watching the birds and bunnies outside her window and kept a careful eye on Bill’s rhubarb patch. Many peaceful hours were spent in her sunroom, listening to her favorite music, browsing her iPad, and keeping up with loved ones while searching for new recipes to try.


She took great pride in her home and her appearance and was known for her grace, positivity, and quiet strength. Despite the challenges she faced, Colleen was not one to complain. Instead, she chose gratitude, dignity, and perseverance.


Even in the face of her own health struggles, Colleen continued to give back. She remained devoted to helping children improve their reading and language skills, celebrating every small success with genuine joy. Her belief in the potential of others never wavered.


Colleen was deeply proud of her extended family and took great interest in their lives, dreams, and accomplishments. In 2023, she established the Bill and Colleen Lyne Scholarship, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education. She also supported numerous community initiatives, including contributions to the new Echocardiogram Suite at Boundary Trails Health Centre, as well as organizations such as Star Mound School, the Friendship Centre, and the Legion.


Colleen’s life was one of compassion, resilience, and generosity. She was, in every sense, a teacher for life—leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of those who knew her and in the many lives she touched.

Sandra “Sandy” Drevecky, age 65 of Langdon and formerly of Adams, ND passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Altru Hospital of Grand Forks, ND.
Sandra Lynn Bjorlin was born October 3, 1960, in Morris MN, the daughter of Calvin and Vivian (Banister) Bjorlin. She was raised on a farm near Donnelly, MN and attended & graduated from Herman School, class of 1979 as Valedictorian. Sandy attended University of Minnesota – Morris, graduating with a bachelor's degree in biology. While in college, she enjoyed working at the nursing home in Morris as a CNA.
Sandy met Mark Drevecky and they united in marriage on September 19, 1987, in Donnelly, MN. Mark and Sandy moved to the family farm after they were married and ran the dairy farm until 1996. She worked at the Adams School as a paraprofessional as well during this period. Sandy then worked at Farmers Union Oil Company/CHS until she retired in January 2026. The love of her life, Mark, passed away on November 30, 2021.
She was a member of Adams Mountain Lutheran Church and the former Adams American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed crafting with her granddaughters. She loved spending time with her family and friends, but nothing came close to how much she loved spending time with her granddaughters. She will be dearly missed.
Sandy is survived by her daughter: Courtney (Nathan) Metzger, Langdon, ND; granddaughters Harper & Raevyn Metzger; mother Vivian Bjorlin, Morris, MN; sister, Judy (Curt) Gillespie, Graceville, MN; sisters & brothers-in-law: Susan (Bill) Grove, Kingsland, TX; Lance (Marian) Drevecky, Valley City, ND; Seanne Voracek, Grand Forks, ND; Kevin Drevecky, Adams, ND; Kent Drevecky, Osnabrock, ND; Sharalyn (Danny) Koppang, Adams, ND; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Sandy was preceded in death by her husband Mark, father Calvin, father & mother-in-law Marvin & Edith Drevecky, and infant niece Abby.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Adams Mountain Lutheran Church. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the East Adams Cemetery, rural Adams, ND. The service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website.

Stella Mae Shiel (nee Grundy)


Peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2026 at the Carman Memorial Hospital, Stella passed away at the age of 93 years.


She is survived by her children Joy (Vern) Thielmann and Brian (Patricia) Shiel, her grandchildren Jocelyn (Gord) Grimolfson, Krista (Matt) Perttula, Kelvin (Kristi) Thielmann, Nathanael Shiel, Heather Shiel, Caleb Shiel and Matthew Shiel; her great grandchildren Travis and Mikayla Thielmann and Jonas, Spencer and Grady Pertulla; brothers and sister, Rae (Nancy) Grundy, Allan Grundy, and Gloria (Wayne) Topping.


Stella was predeceased by her husband Leslie and her daughter Elizabeth as well as her siblings Madalene Branan, Esther Oldridge, Leona Oldridge, Donna Webster, Betty Arrand, Edwin Grundy, Bill Grundy, Bruce Grundy and Robert Grundy.


Stella was born in Strathroy Ontario on June 26,1932. She went to Business college and Bible College in London where she met Leslie Shiel and married on June 7, 1958. They had 3 children, Beth, Joy and Brian while pastoring a church in Pembroke. In 1965 they moved their family to South America under a mission organization. Les became the Director and teacher at the Bible Institute in Lamas Peru. Stella was the housemother for the students as well as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Mission. In 1974 they lost Beth in an electrical accident which was the hardest day of their lives. They returned to Canada in 1975. They pastored various churches in Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba before retiring to Elm Creek where Joy and her family lived. Les passed away in 2015 and Stella has been residing in Carman until she passed to her eternal home on May 29, 2026. Stella lived her life serving Jesus, family and friends.


Private family service and committal will take place in Elm Creek Cemetery. Public Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at Pembina Valley Baptist Church, Winkler, MB.


Memorial donations may be made to CanAmera, transfers to [email protected] "Paulichen's" in the memo.

Matthew Kenneth Shewchuk
December 20, 1985 - May 29, 2026


With his beloved family by his side, Matthew Kenneth Shewchuk left this world on May 29, 2026 at 3:10pm while in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, MB. It was a sudden and devastating infection that ended his young life at the age of 40. Matthew was predeceased by his grandfathers, Larry Boychuk and Nestor Shewchuk, and his dear cousin Alex Shewchuk.


Matthew is compassionately missed by his mother, Lisa Zaretzky, father, Kenneth Shewchuk, younger brother, Daniel Shewchuk, sister-in-law Amanda Shewchuk, his beautiful niece, Natalie, and adorable nephew, Parker, and little sister, Elizabeth Shewchuk, brother-in-law Graeme Okurley. Matthew will be lovingly missed by his grandparents; Lydia Boychuk, Nettie Shewchuk, and Theodore and Linda Zaretzky. Matthew has numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family and friends that are sharing our grief and in the huge joy of having Matthew in their lives.


Matthew was born in Dauphin General Hospital on December 20th, 1985. He was the first-born child of Ken and Lisa, and he shared the same birthday with his father. He was the first grandchild on the Zaretzky side and was cherished by his entire family. He spent the first five years of his life in Garland, MB, the birthplace of the Shewchuk’s. Matthew connected closely with the local children and neighbours of the village and even experienced beekeeping with the older couple across the street, the Yarworski’s. Matthew attended his first year of elementary school in Ethelbert, MB. In September of 1990, Matthew was joined by his baby brother, Daniel, who he adored and immediately became the big brother that he was always meant to be. In 1990, Lisa and the children moved to Winnipeg, MB for Lisa to begin Pharmacy School at the University of Manitoba. Matthew’s joy soon doubled with the arrival of his baby sister, Elizabeth, who was born in March of 1992. These were very happy days for Matthew as he became leader and protector of Dan and Lizzy. On occasion, Matt joined his mother on campus for lectures, and he was a highlight with the students with his ever-present “Where’s Waldo” book. In 1997, the family moved to Brandon, MB where Matthew attended both Linden Lanes Elementary and L’ecole Harrison Middle School. It was during this time in Brandon, where Matthew began his passion for art and woodworking, participated in Cubs and Beavers, and completed a babysitter training course so that he could legally watch over his brother and sister. Matthew, as the oldest sibling, took on natural responsibility and immense joy in caring for Dan and Lizzy.


In 1999, Matthew and the family moved to Schanzenfeld, a small village outside of Winkler, MB, where Matthew finished off Grade eight and later graduated from Garden Valley Collegiate in 2003. During high school, Matt fostered lasting friendships that maintained throughout his life and where he continued his love for the arts and even produced a movie with his friends. Matthew attended many different schools throughout his life – and reminded us regularly of his versatile educational experience. As a result, Matthew developed friendships with people from all walks of life. He was so flexible and patient. Matthew was a multifaceted and creative person. Matt loved gaming and comics. Matthew appreciated a wide variety of music but was most passionate about metal and rock. Despite Matt’s grunts and groans, he was super helpful around the house, completing many chores and making his famous spaghetti and meat sauce.


After high school, he got a job working at Pizza Hut in Winkler, a job he returned to a few times in his life, which he once referred to as a love-hate relationship. The family moved to Morden, MB in 2004, where Matthew got to experience farm living and to return to some of his beekeeping “skills”. In 2005, with much encouragement from his mother, he attended Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) in Winnipeg, MB, where he got to experience living in residence, which if you know Matt you know this was huge as he likes his personal space. During that time, Matt regularly expressed his dislike of the exclusivity and narrowness of religious institutions, but he recently reflected on some fond memories of his time at CMU. Matthew talked about his love for learning and desire to go back to school one day. In 2006, he returned to Morden, to live and work locally, again at Pizza Hut, Minnewasta Golf Club, DeFehr Furniture and the North American Box Co. He took pride in his work and was appreciated by his employers. Once at the box factory, Matt went to great lengths to educate his loved ones on how the worldly transportation of goods relied on his custom-made specialty corrugated products. Shortly after that, he joined the trailer park boys and purchased a trailer on the North end of Morden.


In 2012, after expressing a further desire to return to the arts and after much coaching from his mother, Matthew moved in with his sister Liz, to attend the Academy of Broadcasting in Winnipeg, where he excelled and was top of his class. Later, he completed an internship in Swan River with CJSB 104.5 - the Voice of the Valley radio station. Although Matthew desired a career in broadcasting he had standards, and refused to leave the province, to live in a “hick town”, or to leave his family. Matthew lived alone but had a tight-knit social circle that was difficult to part with and a need to be near family. It was during this job search that Matt also found another love-hate relationship with teaching and started a job at Ecole Morden Middle School as an Educational Assistant in their computer lab. While Matthew complained a lot about the challenges with the kids in their never-ending Minecraft questions, he did enjoy the teaching opportunity, and the students appreciated his guidance and humour. In 2018, Matt began working for his mom in her pharmacy, Apothecary of Morden, as a receptionist, until the end of 2024. Matthew developed a lot of personal connections to the Apothecary patients and was a welcoming spirit for those who entered the store. He was the hub and anchor of the Apothecary beyond what he really knew. Recently, he began working at Valley Fibre in the Customer Service Centre, in Winkler, where he really fine-tuned his communication skills. The management team at Valley Fibre shared with our family that he was an amazing asset to their team and brought a calming presence to the workplace.


Matthew had a gentle spirit but was not afraid to speak his mind with the people who were in his close circle. He was calm, sensitive, methodical in his moves. He had a witty, sarcastic sense of humour that sometimes drove us crazy. His insight was unique and even a little scary at times, that he could really “see” people. Matthew’s vision always went beyond the exterior presentation. He valued raw honesty and spaces to share being real. In 2021 he was asked to step out of his shell and into the spotlight, to act as the officiant at Daniel and Amanda’s wedding. While hesitant at first, he did not want to let his little brother down, so he accepted and did an amazing job. As the saying goes, good work brings more work, and so Matt was again recruited in 2023 to do the same for Liz and Graeme’s wedding; this time in front of a much larger crowd. On both occasions Matt delivered a flawless presentation, blending in his experiences growing up with Dan and Liz, while still mixing in his own unique sense of humor. Although he struggled with his health over the years, he was actively trying his best to improve. Matthew was the best ever “Uncle Matt” to his niece and nephew and had a special relationship with Natalie and Parker. The memory of Uncle Matt will live on forever.


We have many fond memories of family vacations to Drumheller, Banff, Vancouver, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Disneyland, Arizona, Chicago, the Mall of America, Appleton, Black Hills, and annual camping trips to Wellman Lake. Recently, Matt enjoyed making tie dyed shirts, custom greeting cards, cooking, spending time with friends, attending Comiccons, and heavy metal concerts.


As a family, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the numerous people who helped Matthew with his healthcare over the years, especially the ongoing care at Boundary Trails Health Centre, Menzies Medical Centre, and the medical staff in the final days at Health Science Centre Medical ICU. Thank you to extended family, friends, and colleagues of our dear Matthew; and the joy you brought to Matt’s life. Your presence, kind words, and thoughtful gestures have brought great comfort to our family during this difficult time; comfort that will sustain us in the months and years to follow. We appreciate all the support that the management team of Valley Fibre offered Matthew during his time there and the support provided to our family in the past few days.


A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, July 4th at 11:00 am at the Access Event Centre, 111D Gilmour St. Morden, MB. Matt was not a formal person; therefore, formal dress is not required.


In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made on the behalf of Matthew to a charity of your choice or to Wellman Lake United Church Camp. While Matthew never attended the camp, it was a frequent venue for family gatherings and was a meaningful place for him and the family.

Leland G. Denault, age 77 of Park River, ND passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.
Leland G. Denault was born August 8, 1948 in Walsh County North Dakota the son of the late Richard and Adeline (Kittelson) Denault. He attended rural schools. Following his education he worked on the family farm and later worked as farm labor for area farmers. He made his home in Lankin before retiring to Park River.
He was a member of the Victory Free Lutheran Church of Park River. Leland enjoyed driving the county side looking at crops and collecting. He loved being outdoors and listening to music.
He is survived by his siblings: Gerald (Diann) Denault, Adams, ND; Lynette (Randy) Trosen, Park River, ND; Lynelle (Yon) Shutt, Minto, ND. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Allen and Roland and special friend, Gayle Swartz.
Funeral services will be Monday, June 8, 2026 at 10:30 AM at the Victory Free Lutheran Church of Park River. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.