Blog Archives

Stanley Andrew Sandulak

3/31/2021

Stanley Andrew Sandulak passed away peacefully at home on March 31/21 with his loving Marj at his side, just the way he wanted it.
Stan was born in Wpg on Sept 7, 1935 to Alex and Jessie Sandulak, the youngest of nine living children. He grew up on the family farm, first near Mollard and then near Sperling. He attended school in Sperling and after graduating he began work at MTS and the with Manitoba Hydro, where he made many life long friends and saw much of Manitoba.
In 1965, he heard they were looking for linemen in the US, so he packed his bags and moved to Wisconsin. Shortly after arriving he met Irma (Terry) Thompson and they were married on September 25/65. He became a US citizen in 1970 but always kept his connection to his family and friends in Manitoba. Stan was a born entrepreneur and adventurer and although he always worked for power companies, he and Terry also tried other businesses along the way, even owning a motel at one point. He also had an artistic side and spent many a happy hour in his workshop designing and making beautiful wood belt buckles. Being an adventurer never left his blood and in 1976-78 he went with his company to Saudi Arabia to help bring power to that part of the world. He would come home with amazing stories.
In the mid 80’s Stan and Terry bought a motor home and began travelling in the winter months. They would spend time in Texas and Arizona, enjoying time with family and friends along the way.
Terry sadly passed away in Feb 2013 and Stan turned back to work to fill his days. In Nov 2013, Stan reconnected with his former sweetheart, Marj Lehmann and they found a shared love of each other, life, family and friends. In 2017, Stan moved back to Carman to be welcomed by Marj and her wonderful family. This also enabled him to spend more time with his own family and friends and to meet the some of the newest members of his very large extended family.
Although we all wish he could have been with us longer, we know he is wrapped in the loving arms of those who went before him. He was predeceased by his wife Terry, parents, Alex and Jessie, three infant sisters, Marika, Pearl and Cecilia, brothers, Peter, John, William (Bill), sisters Marie, Anne, Doreen and Olga, brothers-in-law Roy Bausman, Garth Pickell and Frances Ribordy, sisters-in-law Joyce and Wilma Sandulak. Also, Terry’s brother and sister-in-law, Orville and Dorothy Thompson and sister-in-law Pauline Juderjahn and Donald Albert.
He leaves to mourn him, his beloved Marj, brother Joe and wife Carol, sister-in-law Betty, many nieces and nephews and their families and Marj’s children and grandchildren. He will also be missed by his life long friend Bob and Judy Bull.
We will remember him for his big beautiful smile, generous heart, sense of humour, keen intelligence and love of life. Rest In Peace.
A Celebration of Stan’s Life will be held for family at a later date.

Marcella "Sally" O'Hara

3/31/2021

Marcella M. “Sally” O’Hara, age 90 of Grafton, ND and formerly of St. Thomas, ND passed away on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.
Marcella “Sally” Dumas was born December 21, 1930 in Walhalla, ND to the late Albert and Lorene (Schwartz) Dumas. She was raised and attended school in Walhalla. Sally was one of eleven children. After her education, she married Thomas Ford O’Hara. They begin traveling between Hamilton, ND and Oregon, until 1966 when they settled in St. Thomas.
Sally began working for Kennelly Potato Warehouse where she worked for the next 20 years.
Sally loved to try her luck at the casinos, in her retirement. She enjoyed being outside and tending to her yard. She especially loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.
Sally is survived by her children: Thomas O’Hara, Jr., Oregon, Shirley Summers, Grafton, Betty (Dennis) Skogstad, Grand Forks, ND, and Sherry (Rodney) Latraille, Gwinner, ND; 27 grandchildren; and 31 great grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sons: Bobby and Richard Lee, and grandchildren: Adam, Peyton, and Tommy.
Per Sally’s request, there will not be a public service. A private family burial will take place at Hamilton Cemetery of Hamilton in the spring.

Ann L. Johnson

3/31/2021

Ann L. (Christianson) Johnson, 91 of Bismarck formerly of Devils Lake ND passed away, Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Touchmark on West Century in the loving care of her family.
Funeral Services for Ann will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 1:0 p.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Jim Paulson officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will take place in the Norway Lutheran Cemetery, beside her beloved Bud after lunch and fellowship at the White House Café.

Carl Martin Jacobsen

3/30/2021

Carl Martin Jacobsen, husband for 68 years, father of 4, grandfather to 12, and great grandfather to 17, died March 30, 2021 at the age of 92, following a quick and mighty battle with cancer. He was born on May 20, 1928 to Arthur and Martha (Tinglestad) Jacobsen at home.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at the All Nations Lutheran Church in RockLake, ND with Rev. Scott Ramey officiating. Visitation will be from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM on Friday, April 2, 2021 at the Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home in Cando, ND. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial services will follow at All Nations Lutherans Cemetery. You are invited to join the family for lunch following the graveside services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carl’s honor to the RockLake Cafe, RockLake Boosters, or the NDFU Foundation. Cards and memorial can be mailed to: The Jacobsen Family, ℅ Myron Jacobsen, 9966 64th Ave. NE, RockLake, ND 58365.
Everyone is welcome to stream the service through the Dunnigan-Dix Facebook Page.
Dad graduated from RockLake High School and attended State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND. He lost his father at the age of 21 and at that point stepped in to manage the farm operation. He began a successful career as a farmer which spanned the next 70 years, embracing changes in technology from horses to GPS guided equipment.
Carl met his bride at a barn dance and it was love at first site. He married Marlys Martz on November 18, 1951 in her parent’s home in Cando, and began their life on the Jacobsen farmstead northwest of RockLake.
Dad had a love of music. Country music became popular in his youth and dad would listen and sing to the radio for hours - he was hooked! At the age of 21 he convinced his mom to buy him his first guitar. Montgomery Ward $20. It was a lot of money at that time. It came with a couple lessons, and then he went on to teach himself to play. Over the span of 60+ years dad played guitar, sang and recruited band members for many different groups. He played in towns all over the area with the Towner County Tune Twisters, The Grandpas, the Memories and more. He shared his love of music by teaching some of his kids and grandkids to play guitar. He was an avid fan of Lawrence Welk and set aside time each week to watch the show. “They just don’t make shows like that anymore!” He and mom were also members of a square dancing club and enjoyed many years of square dancing complete with matching outfits sewn by mom.
Dad was proud of his Norwegian heritage and had a particular fondness for lefse and, well, all desserts and COFFEE. He particularly loved caramel rolls and pie and somehow, almost to the end, managed to have one or more of each most days. He enjoyed entertaining and would light up when friends, and especially his kids, came a calling! He liked playing cards and was an incredibly skilled (and lucky!) cribbage player, playing with mom daily.
Dad had a goal to live to be 100 years old and was on track to follow in the footsteps of his 104 year old mother until cancer attacked him with a vengeance. He was an avid cross country skier and walker, and rarely missed a day of some kind of exercise up until the time of his passing. He loved being outside, and enjoyed hunting waterfowl and deer. He had the distinction of deer hunting every year since 1950: he shot a 5 point buck just months before his death. He enjoyed snowmobiling and had them tuned up and ready to go for this winter.
Dad was a life-long member and elder of All Nations Lutheran Church, served on the cemetery board and took custodial care of the church for many years. He served on the Towner County Farmers Union board and the North Central Grain Elevator board.
Carl is survived by daughters Laurel Lashuay, Deana Heisler (Doyle), Leana Wilson (Dennis), and son Myron Jacobsen (Robyn); his brother James Jacobsen, age 80, sisters Alice Lamkin, age 95, and Joyce McDowell, age 85 (lots of longevity in the family!); grandchildren – Shaylee Biedzrycki, Angela Walton, Anthony Lashuay and Teresa Lashuay; Allie Heisler and Taylor Heisler; Chasity Ranzino, Kelly Smith and Brian Wilson; Nicole Evenson, Alex Jacobsen, and Brenna Jacobsen, and 17 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlys (Martz) Jacobsen, his parents, and his sister, Nona Martz.

Marcell Stanley Flicek

3/30/2021

Marcell “Mar” Stanley Flicek, age 93 of Bismarck, ND (formerly of Grafton, ND) passed away peacefully on March 30, 2021 in Bismarck.
Marcell was born June 14, 1927, the son of Jerry J and Louise (Tupa) Flicek of Mahnomen, MN. Marcell attended school in Mahnomen. His senior year he attended Crookston Agriculture College in Crookston, MN for the Advanced Agriculture Science and Surveying Program. After graduating from Crookston, he was employed by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) in Mahnomen. He also continued to work on the family farm. In 1950 he was drafted into the US Marine Corp, due to the illness of his father he was called home to work the family farm. In 1957, Marcell bought a house in Mahnomen for himself and his mother. He met Marlene Korynta in 1958 and they were married in Ardoch, ND on August 26, 1959. After marriage they lived in Mahnomen and later moved out to the farm in Mahnomen. In June of 1960 Mitsy was born. In July of 1961 they moved to Grafton, ND where Marcell got a job with the SCS developing the Three River Drainage Project. They were blessed with four more wonderful children: Joy, Todd, Becky, and Doug.
Marcell was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and was an usher and worked with the DDP program for many years. He had a deep devoted love for his Catholic faith and attended mass faithfully. Easter was his favorite holidays and for many years he attended daily mass during Lent.
He retired as a federal employee from the SCS on June 3, 1988. He continued working for the Walsh County Three Rivers SCS District for another 10 years, before retiring a second time in 1999 at the age of 72. Marcell received an award in 1999 for planting the most trees in the state of North Dakota. Marcell became known as the “TREE MAN”.
In 2015, Marcell and Marlene moved to Bismarck, ND, residing at Marillac Manor an independent living facility.
Marcell spoke fluent Bohemian, enjoyed his saxophone, playing cards, going to his kids’ sporting events, visiting with family and friends, and enjoying a good cup of coffee. Most of all he treasured time with his wife and family.
Marcell is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marlene, Joy (Allen) Zidon, Pisek, ND, Todd (Amy) Flicek, Bismarck, ND, Becky (Tim) Paul, Bismarck, ND, Doug Flicek, Fargo, ND along with eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Valerian, sister Clare Offerdahl, daughter-in-law Cindy (Wegscheid) Flicek and daughter Mitsy Knoll.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 10:30 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton, ND. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-8 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home, Grafton, ND. Friends may also call at the church on Thursday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Grafton, ND. Social Distancing and faces masks will be encouraged. The service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home Inc. facebook page.

Flordeliza Narido 1935 ~ 2021

3/30/2021

Who loved to be called “MAMA/LOLA BAKET” (by her grandchildren, nephews and nieces) departed her loving family from natural causes on March 30, 2021.Mama Flor was born in Lupao, Nueva Ecija, Philippines on January 10, 1935 to Leonarda Tacmo and Iglecerio Narido. She was 3rd eldest daughter among 11 siblings. She was baptized at Independent Aglipayan Church in the Philippines. Mama Flor traits were always jolly person to be around; she’s always wearing her sweet smile on her face. She had a kind and caring personality. She is a church goer and religious person. Upon completing High School she began to work as dress maker in our country that makes her always popular especially to the seminarians. She works on the farm alongside with her other siblings so she could help out to her parents. She had to work very hard all her life to survive and to provide for her family. She enjoyed looking after her family and always put them first. She was a great story teller, frequently sharing many interesting stories from her life. Mama Baket is an inspiring example in our lives, a good sister, aunt, friend and grandmother to everyone. That’s why she was very much loved by her family and relatives. She taught us the importance of a Family, how to work together, love and help each other even life is too hard.
On January 5, 2018 Mama Flor had an opportunity to be with her family again. Luckily she was approved by the Canadian Immigration as Tourist Visa to see the beauty and feel the cold of Canada. We keep on extending her stay with us here in Canada to spend precious time with her and to look after her. She enjoyed travelling and visits some of the provinces of Canada .She also had a chance to see the Canada-US border, she also love to go outside our deck to feel the fresh air during summer time and also carry around her when we go for fishing. For almost 3 years stay here in Canada, Mama Flor was very happy to be with us that everybody can see on her face.
With grieving hearts Mama Flor went to her eternal rest peacefully at the age of 86 in Winkler, Manitoba with her only son to Eduardo Uminga Sr. named Carlos N. Uminga, daughter in law Yolly Uminga and grandchildren KM, Grace, Lala, Yuri, Charmaine, Marlon, Ranger and Joel surrounded by her side. Her love and care to her family, sisters, /brother, and relatives especially to her grandchildren was so precious and she makes sure that were all taking care of. Mama Flor will be greatly missed, loved forever and will always be in our hearts, She will be remembered for her faith in God, her loving heart, kind spirit, amazing cooking skills and handy skills. We will cherish all those wonderful memories that we had, you will always in our hearts. We are so blessed to have you MAMA FLOR/LOLA BAKET. We love you so much.
We the family of UMINGA / NARIDO would like to express our sincere appreciation to all those who helped us in this difficult time of our grief and loss. To our family, relatives and friends, for the kindness, concern and caring shown to us. We also want to extend Thank you for those who send prayers, flowers, and donations which gave us comfort and strength. It’s hard for us but we need to accept and say Goodbye for now to our Beloved Mama FLORDELIZA Fly high in heaven.

Torin Robert Heidt

3/29/2021

Torin Robert Heidt, 25, of St. Thomas, ND passed away on March 29th, 2021.
Torin was born Dec 21st, 1995 to Robert Heidt and Trina Iverson in Fargo, ND. As a child he moved to Grafton, ND where he graduated High School and went on to complete his mechanical engineering degree from UND. Torin worked for Harriston Industries in Minto, ND as an engineer.
Torin was a devoted son and brother. He enjoyed family most of all, but lived for kayaking, biking, and the outdoors, completing one of his ultimate goals of trekking through MT, CO, WA and the West Coast on an unforgettable adventure this past summer. Torin was the sweetest soul who gave a piece of himself to everyone he came in contact with.
Torin will be remembered always for his contagious laughter, “dad jokes”, his huge heart, being an avid reader, and his infamous beard.
Torin is survived by his father Robert(Patricia) Heidt of Grafton ND; mother Trina Iverson of Fargo, ND; and his 9 siblings Aidan, Rylan(Eli) Hartje, Jameson, Vivienne, Garen, Gentian, Alyssa, Julia, and Luke. He was the best son and brother anyone could ever ask for. Torin was also survived by his grandparents Jim and Susie Heidt of Arena, ND; Roberta Heller of Cavalier, ND; and Carol Rerick of Grand Forks, ND as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Torin was preceded in death by one of his best buddies and grandfather, Monty Heller. In lieu of services, the family is respecting his wishes to be cremated and given back to the earth amongst the places he cherished most. An open gathering will be held at a later date. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the National Parks Foundation in Torin’s name.
The Tollefson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Rita A. Waslaski

3/28/2021

Rita Waslaski, of Langdon, ND, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on March 28, 2021, at Maple Manor Care Center in Langdon.
Rita Ann Wright was born in Shaftesbury in Dorset, England, on March 31, 1937, to Edward and Mabel (Woods) Wright. Rita was the eighth of nine children. She attended school in Shaftesbury and had many jobs in her teen years: made gloves at a factory, was a nanny, and worked in the movie theatre. Rita and Benny Waslaski were united in marriage on April 16, 1955, at Shaftesbury and lived there until December of 1955 when Benny was honorably discharged from the Air Force. They then returned to the Langdon, ND, area.
Rita and Benny were blessed with a daughter, Anita Ann; a son, Terrence John; and another daughter, Sandra Marie. Rita babysat when her children were young and managed the Ramage Motel. Her favorite job was doing hair care for the residents at Maple Manor for 32 years. She loved to make pies for her family and enjoyed doing yard work. If there was a child close by, Rita would be there as she loved kids.
Surviving Rita are her children: daughter Anita Fischer of Lakewood, CO, and son Terry of Spokane, WA; grandchildren: Janelle (Mike) Van Meegren, Bryan (Sarah) Fischer, Bryce Fischer (Hannah Bakke), Ashlee Waslaski, Jake Waslaski (Jade Adair), Ben Waslaski (Payton Maas); great-grandchildren: Teah Fischer, Langdon Fischer, Sandra Waslaski, Oliver Waslaski; brother John Wright; sister Brenda Hunt; and sisters-in-law: Shelia Wright and Audrey Waslaski. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Benny; daughter Sandra; and siblings: Flo, Mary, Dora, Myrtle, Qwen, and Ronald.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Raymond S. Buckmier

3/27/2021

Raymond S. Buckmier, 73 a long time Minnewaukan area farmer passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks ND.
Raymond Stanley Buckmier, son of Sebastian and Regina (Hoffert) Buckmier was born on November 7, 1947 at Minnewaukan ND. Ray was the youngest of six children and grew up on the family farm. He attended Eldon Township School and graduated from Minnewaukan High School with the class of 1965. When he was 18, Ray’s father passed away and Ray took over operation of the family farm, where he lived and worked the land most of his life. During his early years of farming, Ray spent winters and his spare time working several jobs off the farm, including time at the Minnewaukan Elevator, driving gravel truck, custom combining, carpentry, and one winter in Minneapolis working for Farm Hand Manufacturing.
Ray served on the Eldon Township board for many years. He was as an active member of St. James Catholic Church, where he served on the Parish Council and as the sexton of St. James Catholic Cemetery.
Ray’s passion was farming and he never fully retired. In 2013 he semi retired, and in 2015 he moved from his farmstead to Devils Lake.
Ray was at one time married to Gail Haugen and they were the proud parents of Shareen, Donald “Donnie” and Amanda “Scooter.” Ray enjoyed the past 12 years with his dear Betty MacArthur. Together, they enjoyed traveling and casino outings where Ray could always find old friends to visit and enjoyed making new ones. He volunteered many hours to the Knights of Columbus projects and events. Ray treasured time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ray was a faithful steward of the land, he loved the Lord and his family with all his heart. He will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his generosity, and his playful and sharp sense of humor.
Ray is survived by his children Shareen (Justin) Roberts, Fargo ND, Donald (Stephanie) Buckmier, Maddock ND and Amanda (David Kinnard) Moffett, Sarasota FL; grandchildren Kristen (Andy) Hillier, Carrie (Ben) Tufte; Alexis (Adam) Windjue, Jamie Buckmier; Reagan Moffett; sisters Beatrice Hahn, Grand Forks ND and Shirley Mager, Indiana; his beloved Betty MacArthur and her family; six great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Parker and Beverly Huus and brother John Buckmier.
Mass of Christian Burial for Raymond will be on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Monday, April 5, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary, Scripture Service and time of remembrance at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Tuesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Graveside Services will be at St. James Catholic Cemetery, rural Minnewaukan on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed at Facebook.com/stjosephdvl.

Mason John Hodges

3/27/2021

Mason John Hodges, precious infant son of Matthew and Mariah (Rauser) Hodges was born and died on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.
This gift from God, this child of God will be forever in our hearts and a treasured member of our family.
Mason’s loving family include his parents Matthew and Mariah; sisters Mylie, Makenna and Mila; grandparents Johnny Hodges, Devils Lake, Sheryl (Jim) Thara, Arizona, Billie (Shay) Rauser, Montana and Steve (Cindy) Rauser, Bismarck ND; great grandmothers Lois Peterson, East Grand Forks MN, Donna Rauser, Watford City ND and Bernie Larson, Larimore; aunts and uncles, twins Lisa (Eddy) Garza, Texas and Laura Bolen, Larimore ND, and Dustin (Patricia) Rauser Fargo ND and Dylan (Lexie) Rauser, Devils Lake and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his great grandfathers Lloyd Peterson and Peter Rauser.