It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Wesley Allan Kehler March 31, 2025.  Wesley was born on May 15, 1944 to Anna and Peter Kehler in the Carman Hospital.  They lived in Roland til 1949 when they moved to Morden.


At a young age Wesley worked at many jobs in Morden.  Turners Bakery, Red and White Store to name a few.  Before moving to Winnipeg and working at Safeway he later moved to Thompson, MB working with Safeway for many years.  Moved back to Winnipeg and worked for the Manitoba Government at Headingley Correctional Institution til his retirement.


Wes enjoyed going to Vegas and Sturgis motorcycle Rally.  After retiring Wes would spend a lot of time at Tim Hortons visiting with people.  


After having a bad fall in Winnipeg he moved to Morden to be closer to his brother Ed.  During that time  he spent a lot of time in the Boundary Trails Health Centre.  From there Wes was moved to the Pembina-Manitou Health Centre where on March 31, 2025 he passed away suddenly.


He leaves to mourn his brother Edward (Cathy) Kehler, niece Rose Mycketowich, nephew Mike (Chery) Kehler.  


We would like to thank the staff at the Pembina-Manitou Care Home for their excellent care during his short stay there.   He will be missed by all, see you in Heaven brother.

August 11, 1949 – March 31, 2025
After a life-long struggle with pain and many challenges that she fearlessly and courageously
encountered daily, Karen passed peacefully on March 31, 2025, in Carman as the warmth of the
sun touched her spirit and lifted her away.
Karen will be missed by her beloved husband Leonard, loving Mom to Lori and Jon, proud
Grandma of Hanna, Gavin, Liam and Kyle.
Karen will be missed by her older brother Arne, her nieces and nephews and in-laws from the
Saunders and Lindell family.
Born to John and Ruth Lindell, who lived on a farm in Eriksdale, she grew up and met
Leonard in Eriksdale and they married in 1967.
Family, including pets was most important to Karen who was often busy in the kitchen baking
and cooking or outside gardening. She loved watching sports and cheering on her local
Winnipeg teams, tuning in to the Voice and doing crossword puzzles.
Karen was passionate and committed about volunteering, especially with Headingley Senior
Services, where she volunteered for many years.
Thanks to all the staff in the Portage hospital who helped mom over the past few months, and a
special thank you to Carman hospital staff who helped through her final journey.
In lieu of flowers, please make donation to Cancer care.

Duane J. Altendorf, age 62 of St. Thomas, ND passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks, ND.
Duane J. Altendorf was born May 30, 1962 in Grafton, ND the son of the late Raymond and Rose (Rolczynski) Altendorf. He grew up and attended school in Drayton, ND. He attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND for diesel tech. Following his education he worked for John Deere in Grafton, ND.  He later moved to St. Thomas, ND and started working for the Fred Born Farms. He later took over the farming operation and farmed until his death. 
He was a member of the St. Thomas Rural Fire Department, St. Thomas Booster Club and served on the St. Thomas Airport Board.
Duane is survived by his sons: Tanner (Amanda) Altendorf and Tyler (Michelle) Altendorf both of Grand Forks, ND; his grandchildren: Emerson and Stella Altendorf; his sisters: Cathy Altendorf of Fargo, ND and Michelle (Dale) Ososki, Grand Forks, ND; his special friend, Cindy Collette, Grafton, ND. Several nieces and nephews also survive along with his two dogs: Wilson and the White Devil.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dennis. 
Funeral services will be Monday April 7, 2025 at 6;00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Visitation will be Monday for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at St. Edward’s Cemetery, Drayton, ND in the spring. 

Bridget Grindahl, age 42 of Fargo, ND, formerly of Grafton, ND, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.
Funeral services will be Friday, April 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Grafton Assembly of God Church.  Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the church.  Friends may also call at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Grafton City Cemetery in the spring.

Byron Dell, 69, of Edmonton, Alberta, passed away March 28, 2025, at Boundary Trails Health Center in Winkler, Manitoba. He was born January 1, 1956, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Raymond and Tena Dell.

Byron worked as a carpenter for most of his life, retiring in 2023.

He is survived by two daughters, Erin Joynt and Kristy Paddock, his mother, Tena Dell, siblings Ruth (Randy) Hoxie, Jane (Terry) Carruthers, Brad (Karmen) Dell, Dawn (Vern) Peters, two grandchildren, Aubrey Silvestri, Zachary Paddock, 13 nieces and nephews and many grand- nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Raymond Dell.

Byron had accepted Christ as his Saviour and was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Edmonton, Alberta.

Byron enjoyed cruising on his Harley Davidson and had a life-long love of horses.

He will be missed by his family and church family.

William Frank (Bill) Zacharias
December 15, 1952 - March 27, 2025


It is with deep sorrow, but profound peace knowing that he is now with his Saviour that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Zacharias, aged 72, on March 27, 2025, at his home in Winkler, MB, after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was surrounded by the love of his life, Joan, and his children during his final moments on this side of eternity.


Born on December 15, 1952, in Crystal City, MB, Bill lived a life full of love, service, and integrity. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years, Joan (nee Guenther), his daughter Tania (Mike) Thiessen, and their children Kiera and Kenley, as well as his son Steve (Terri) Zacharias and their children Janae and Jace (Amber). Bill’s legacy of love and care extends to his sister, Alvina (Gord) Appleyard, his brother John (Donna) Zacharias, and brothers and sisters-in-law, Anne & Frank Hildebrand, Tina Enns, Liz and Fred Williams, Helen Dyck, Margaret and Henry Hiebert, and Deb and Glen Zacharias along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth (1989) and Frank (1996), as well as four brothers-in-law Abe Neufeld, Jake Enns, Ken Dyck, John Guenther and one sister-in-law, Shirley Guenther.


Bill dedicated much of his life to his community, working for the City of Winkler from 1987 to 2010, where he forged many lifelong friendships with his co-workers. He was also an active and faithful member of Grace Mennonite Church, where his unwavering faith and commitment to service were evident in all he did. Bill lived a life marked by his strong values, deep faith in the Lord, and a commitment to his family, friends and community.


A private family burial will be held on Friday, April 4th, 2025 followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Mennonite Church in Winkler. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Winkler Bible Camp.


The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many doctors, nurses, and staff at CancerCare Manitoba and BTHC, who supported Bill and his family during his health journey over the past year.


Bill’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and his legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Doris M. Staples
May 29, 1938 — March 27, 2025
Cavalier, ND

​Doris M. Staples, 86, of Cavalier, ND, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025, at her home. Funeral service will be held Friday, April 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Trinity Methodist Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held for one hour before the time of the service at the church.
Doris was born May 29, 1938, in Grafton, ND, to Edward and Anne (Muth) Stegman. She grew up in the Neche area. She attended country school until 8th grade and graduated from Cavalier High School. On June 22, 1956, Doris married Harvey Staples at the Christ Lutheran Church in Neche. Together they lived and farmed in the Hamilton area, later moving to Cavalier. She worked at Thoelke’s Retail store in Cavalier and at Wedgewood Manor for many years.
Doris enjoyed painting and sewing. She was an active church member where she taught Sunday school, helped with the ladies' aide, and led Bible studies.
Doris is survived by her husband, Harvey; sons: David (Denise) Staples, Douglas Staples, and Darren Staples; daughter-in-law, Bernie Staples; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and siblings: Arelene, Helen, and Curtis.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Dalton; and brother, Edgar.

Jacob (Jake) H. Bergen
December 15, 1948 – March 27, 2025

Jake was born to Jacob & Helen Bergen on December 15, 1948, in Colony Menno in Paraguay.

He arrived in Canada with his parents at the age of 16, and also took the opportunity to go back to his home country for a visit.

When Jake became an adult, he also became responsible to apply his God-Given ability to help himself, and then when he married, his family as well.

His longest tenured job was at Triple E, where upon 10 years of service, him & Betty were awarded a trip to Florida. After Triple E, he also worked at Integra, the poultry plant, and finished his working days away from home doing janitorial work at the Southland Mall.

One of Jake’s highlights of course came in 1980 when he married Betty Fehr, for whom he was very grateful for the help he received from her, and also testified just days before his passing that you are the very best.

Some obvious other highlights came when him & Betty were able to invite into their home a daughter, Ashley, and a son, Dennis. Because Jake treasured the children that had been put into their care, he was also heartbroken when the Lord freed Ashley from her battle of cancer when she was a young 21 years old. His love for his children was further illustrated, when upon his death bed, Dennis’ aunt went to pick up Dennis to have him say goodbye to his dad, upon which Jake turned his head, opened his eyes, and gave Dennis his last smile.

Jake spent the last 15 days of his life in the hospital, where his health generally declined. In the beginning of his hospital stay, his focus was to return to his Winkler home, but as time passed, his longing became his eternal home.

In an appointment with his doctor in January, the doctor told Betty that she had a very, very sick husband.
On the day before Jake passed, Betty helped Jake with his last meal, where he ate well, and then after a very difficult next day, on March 27, at about 5:30 p.m., with numerous family present, God took Jake home.

Jake was predeceased by his daughter Ashley, by his mom & dad, Jacob & Helen Bergen, his brother Benny in infancy, brother John, Sister Martha, and brother-in-laws Willie Enns, David Wiebe, Abe Derksen, and Jake Froese.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, his son Dennis, sister Mary, sister-in-law Nettie, sister Trudy, sister Anna & Bill Enns, sister Trudy, sister Helen, sister Margaret & Alvin, sister Eva & Chris Frieber, brother Corey & Karen, brother-in-law Grant, sister Erna, and also Betty’s family, and many nieces & cousins.

Betty & Dennis would also like to thank all that have graciously shown their support in this difficult time with visits and prayers. All the doctors and staff for their care of Jake, all that have taken part in the funeral service, (and that means all of you who are present), and Bishop David Penner for his words of comfort.

May the Lord bless you all.

Jeannen McMillan was a woman of deep faith, strong will, selfless giving, and infinite love for her family.   Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
Jeannen Francis Finley was born August 14th, 1946, to Francis and Marjorie (Hedstrom) Finley.  She grew up on the family farm in rural Inkster N.D. where she learned the value of a hard day’s work and the art of a hearty yet delicious meal at her mother’s side in the kitchen.  She often spent time with her treasured grandparents Andy and Florence Hedstrom where she learned how to play cards, a pastime she’d enjoy for the rest of her life.
After meeting Jon McMillan at a local dance she knew she’d found her match and they married a year later on June 11th 1966.  They spent the next 59 years together mostly on their farm in rural Fordville N.D. raising three boys, Jason, Jarrod, and Nathan.  She imparted on them her core values of hard work, a belief in right and wrong, picking a team and sticking with them even if they lose (like her Vikings), and that the spoon goes next to the knife on the right side of the plate… even if it wasn’t going to be used.
Jeannen’s faith was a cornerstone of her life.  She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church first in Inkster then Fordville where she was the pianist for over 50 years as well as a member of the Ladies Aid and Eastern Star.  She also shared her faith with numerous bible study groups over the years including leading discussions at the Park River Good Samaritan home where she volunteered for many years.
A graduate of the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in social studies she was an extremely intelligent woman.  While raising her boys she put that degree to use as a substitute favored by teachers who knew she could be relied on to keep students in check and even do the odd bit of grading if necessary.  Later in life she was able to fully embrace her love of educating by working at Fordville-Lankin H.S. as a Title program teacher helping students that were struggling with various subjects.  Her caring, determination, and intelligence were on full display when she taught herself Algebra II because “some of her kids needed a little help”.  After transitioning to the position of Social Studies instructor she was able to share her love of politics and current events while teaching them the ins and outs of democracy.  She treasured her students dearly and in return they kept Mrs. Mac young at heart.
Food was also a defining element of Jeannen’s life.  As such, if you found yourself with your feet under her table you could be guaranteed not to walk away hungry and invariably treated to something delicious.  Her love of cooking was legendary and she enjoyed reading cookbooks like most people enjoy a good novel.  Holiday meals at the McMillan house could be counted on to be kingly feasts.  You needed to sneak a bite from your plate while passing a dish lest you not get to eat anything for the first 15 minutes as varied foods made their way around the immaculately set table.
While her passion may have been cooking, Jeannen’s greatest joy came from her grandchildren.  She often said she got as much enjoyment from listening to their laughter as being part of it.  She could frequently be found playing solitaire on her computer while they giggled away watching a movie with Grandpa, the smile on her face evidence she was appreciating the show every bit as much as they were.  The passing on of treasured family traditions such as Christmas cookie baking was also a must, each grandchild would be conscripted into service as soon as they could see over the counter when standing on a stool.  Not only was the care she had for her grandkids imbued in all that she did, it is literally wrapped around them in the forms of the many master-level quilts she created for each of her beloved.  She leaves a legacy of love that will be with them always.
Jeannen is survived by her husband of 59 years Jon, her three sons Jason (Tammy) McMillan, Park River, ND; Jarrod (Becky) McMillan, Fordville, ND; and Nathan McMillan, Grand Forks, ND.  Seven grandchildren Cody (Emily) Boyle, Misty (Jimmy) Praska, Drew McMillan and Maci McMillan; and Jamye McMillan, Emma McMillan and Elyse McMillan, and six great-grandchildren Caprice, Poppy, River, and Sage Praska, and Gigi and William Boyle.  She also leaves her brother William (Kay) Finley, sister Darcie St. Vincent, brother-in-law Albert Salinas, and many nieces, nephews, beloved cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Carol Salinas.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Fordville Lutheran Church.  Friends may gather at the church for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Fordville, ND in the spring. Live stream will be available of the Tollefson Funeral Home website.

Adrian Olson
January 24, 1950 — March 26, 2025
Langdon

​Adrian A. Olson, 75, of Langdon, ND passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND. 
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Emmanuel Evangelical Church in Langdon, ND. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the church.