Mary A. Olson, age 53 of Grafton, North Dakota, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2024 at her home in Grafton.
Mary Ann Glander was born April 17, 1971 in Perham, Minnesota, the daughter of Clarence Glander and Lela (Bennor) Glander.  She attended school in Akeley, Minnesota.  After her schooling she began working as a waitress and worked for several area businesses.  Mary made her home in Park Rapids, MN until moving to Grafton in 2022.
She loved to spend time with her family and her boyfriend Rion.  Together they enjoyed fishing, cooking, board games and travelling wherever their car would take them.
Mary is survived by her son,  Michael Glander, Grafton, ND; daughter, Alicia Olson, Park Rapids, MN; boyfriend, Rion Morgenstern, Grafton, ND; father, Clarence Glander, Park Rapids, MN; mother, Lela Glander, Park Rapids, MN; siblings:  Karen (Orvie) Wake, Tri-Cities, WA; Paul Bennor, Nevis, MN; Perry Bennor, Grand Rapids, MI; Gloria (Chris) Butler, Menahga, MN; aunt and uncle, John and Emilie Glander, Perham, MN.  Several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews also survive.  She is preceded in death by her grandparents.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Myrtle Emro
23 rd. Psalm- The Lord is my Shepherd.
I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
It is with heavy hearts that her family announces the passing of Myrtle Emro (Gudbranson) on April 20, 2024, at the age of 80.
She was born May 6, 1943, in Neepawa, Manitoba. For the first six years of her life, she lived in Onanole, Manitoba, then moved to Kelwood, Manitoba where she attended school. She met the love of her life, Alex, and was married November 1959. She spent many years as a wife and mother. After all her children were in school, she started in the restaurant business, working as a Chef in different places in Carman. To fulfill her dream, she returned to school, attending Carman Adult Education Centre receiving her Grade 12 Diploma. She spent many days alongside Dad assisting with caretaking of various businesses in Carman. Mom spent her free time sewing, knitting, and reading, as well as planning family celebrations and gatherings. Her family time was precious to her.
She will be missed by her children Angela (Keith) McCullough, Jo-Ann (Murray) Wood, Beverly (Gordon) Twiss, and Bradley (Tina) Emro; her grandchildren Dale McCullough, Harley (Stephanie) McCullough, Jill (Haeden) Lorenz, Raven (Jerrod) Willoughby, Robin (Jeremy) Norquay, Jenna (Allan) Whiten, Terance (Jennifer) Twiss, Brandy (Harley) Swain, Zackary (Haley) Twiss, Wade Twiss, Hailey Twiss, Kaitlin Emro (Cliff), Desiree Marschall, and Dakota Emro (Aaron); her great grandchildren Macy, Brooks, and Emmett McCullough, Scarlett and Grayson Lorenz, Harrison and Owen Norquay, Savannah Whiten, Wyatt and Cole Swain, Nixon and Briar Twiss, Logan Twiss, Zander and Neo Courchane, Rosemary and Roland Herbster; and her extended family of nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Alex Emro; her son Scott Emro; her granddaughter, Brigette Twiss; her son-in-law, Murray Wood; her siblings, and her parents.
We would like to thank Manitoba Southern Health Facilities for providing care and organizing activities that enriched Mom’s life.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to Carman United Church.
The family wishes to thank Carman United Church and Doyle’s Funeral Home for their kind assistance during this time.
A service will be held Friday, May 3 rd. at 2:00 p.m. in Carman United Church.
Passing is not the end of life but the beginning of an endless eternal life.

Mary L. Wild, age 71 of Grafton, North Dakota passed away Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton surrounded by loved ones.
Mary was born to Laverne (Sonny) Flanagan and Katrin (Babe) Thomasson Flanagan October 15th, 1952.  She was raised and went to grade school in Gardar, ND.  She met the love of her life, Lauren Wild, during high school in Edinburg.  Lauren and Mary were united in marriage on August 21st, 1970.  Mary accompanied Lauren through his enlistment in the US Army where he served as an MP K9 Handler.  After returning to North Dakota, they settled in Grafton; although Mary never forgot her roots as a “Gardar girl”.
Lauren and Mary went on to have two children, Erika and Tricia.  Mary was a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother; we will never be able to fill the space left behind by her passing.
Mary started her career in Grafton working for the S&L store and Montgomery Wards.  She then spent 38 years serving the community in the Walsh County Tax Directors office.  Through her time there, she gained many lifelong friends across the state and enjoyed her time with the “courthouse” ladies, friendships she continued to cherish even after retirement.
Mary’s most cherished role was as a Grandma.  She was so proud of her six grandchildren and loved to share stories and updates about their activities and achievements.
She enjoyed her time at the lake house up at Lake of the Woods where she was known as Ma and nicknamed Fire in the Sky.  She had a passion for fishing and on rainy days enjoyed needlepoint where she was always working on a project for one of the grandkids.  She developed many special friendships over those years along with uncountable memories and stories.
Mary was a pillar of strength, never wavering in the face of illness or challenge and tackled each with courage and dignity.    We’d like to extend our sincerest appreciation and thanks to all of the medical staff who have taken such great care of Mary with special thanks to the team at Unity Hospital.
Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Lauren, of Grafton; daughter Erika (Tom) Porcelli and sons Devon Fiedler, Hunter Fiedler and Jackson Porcelli; and daughter Tricia (James) Bodnar and children Brittney Anderson, Derek Anderson and Katrina Bodnar; her brothers Patrick (Suzie) Flanagan, and Vern Flanagan; in-laws Richard (Mary) Wild, Linda Dunnigan, Alexander Wild; and her beloved Aunt Patsy Foseide along with the many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents Sonny and Babe Flanagan; in-laws LaVern Wild, Lillian Wild, JoAnn Flanagan, Linda Flanagan and Dan Dunnigan.

​Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, April 25, at 2:30 P.M. at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Inurnment will be at the Fargo National Cemetery.  A celebration of life will be held at the Frosty Fox in Grafton following the Mass of Christian Burial.

Tina Schaak passed away on April 19, 2024, at the age of 81.


Katarina Banman, known to all of us as (Tina) was born in Haskett Manitoba on August 1, 1942, to John and Justina Banman. Later, the family moved to the Elm Creek area.


 Tina was one of eight siblings being the second oldest.


On June 4, 1959, she married her beloved husband Ken Schaak, and had 63+ years together before he passed away in January 2023.


Tina was baptized on June 3rd, 1979, along with Ken and daughter Gwen.


She leaves to mourn their daughter, Gwen (Peter) Peters, grandchildren, Kristin (Matt) Wiebe, Marcie Peters, Ryan Peters, as well as three great grandchildren. She was predeceased. by her parents, John and Justina Banman, her husband Kenneth Schaak, brother John Banman, sister-in-law Lavern, brother Jake Banman, sister-in-law Carol, and brother-in-law Henry Funk.


She is survived by her siblings, Elsie (Isaac) Bergen, Ike (Elsie) Banman, Jesse Funk, Abe (Shirley) Banman, and Fred (Kim) Banman.


Some of Tina’s hobbies were knitting, crocheting, baking, gardening, working with flowers, collecting things like cookbooks, brass, depression glass, milk glass, and even in the later years, going with Ken to be his hunting partner.


She loved working with her hands and did a lot of sewing, from clothes for her family, to curtains for her entire home in both Winnipeg and in Winkler.
Some of her jobs included assembling telephones at ITT, when they lived in Winnipeg, sewing for Grandeur housing, decorating cakes for the Winkler Bakery, (including making the wedding cake for Gwen and Peter’s wedding) and baking for the Co-op Café before she retired. For many years she had to deal with tremors in her arms and hands, that seemed to worsen with time, which made even signing her name or making a list very difficult.


Tina suffered from diabetes and mental health, along with bouts of depression the last half of her life. Her strong faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ helped her through these times, and she relied even more on God after the passing of her husband, Ken.


Tina loved all her caregivers at Swan Lake and at Salem. Thank you to all.


Family was always extremely important to Tina, spending much time with her grandchildren in the early years, which includes sleepovers, swimming at the Winkler pool, and camping at West Hawk Lake. She was known to do silly things with them, being a true Banman, if you know what I mean. lol. In the last few years spending time with her great grandchildren, as they were her pride and joy. She will be greatly missed as a mother, sister, grandma, great grandma and friend.

    Joseph "Joe" Carik, 83, of Cavalier, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Brigid of Ireland Catholic Church in Cavalier. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the St. Brigid of Ireland Catholic Church.
     Joseph Keith Carik, Jr. was born May 11, 1940 at Svold, ND to Joseph and Lena (Rousseau) Carik. Joe graduated from Cavalier High School in 1958. He worked at the Cavalier Elevator, Mayo Construction, Solar Gas, and the State of North Dakota and Pembina County Highway Departments. Joe also worked for Aaland and Robbins Farms, for Bill Lage and Carik Bros. 
     Family and faith were a very important part of his life, especially the events his children and grandchildren were involved in. His grandchildren described him as their “Best Friend.” “Joe was a pied-piper” with animals, they all loved him. Other things he enjoyed were western music, sports, and antique farm equipment. 
     Every meal had the Catholic Blessing followed by “We thank you Lord, for family and friends and neighbors” and he did this sincerely every day.
     On December 27, 1958, Joe married Deanna “DeeDee” Ault in Cavalier. He is survived by his children: Jodi and Scott Becker, Lori and Tim Sayler, Jay Carik and Sue Anderson, Robert “Bobby” and Marianne Carik, grandchildren: Amanda (Becker) and Daniel El-Dweek, David and Julia Sayler, Patrick Sayler, Ashlyn (Carik) and Colin Trottier, J.J. Carik, Christine Sayler, and Adam Sayler, Cadence Nantt, and Joshua Nantt, great-grandson, Sage Goodwin. Also surviving are his siblings: Alice Perpich, Walter Carik, Patrick Carik, Charlie (Lana) Carik, and his furry companion, Ella.
     Preceding him in death were his wife, DeeDee, parents, Joseph and Lena, stepfather, Edwin Nelson, sister, Mary Lehnert, brother-in-law, Robert Perpich and sister-in-law, Vicky Carik.

Wayne Robert Littleghost “Weezy”, of St. Michael ND passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. He was 31 years old.
The Wake for Wayne will be on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at the St. Michael’s Wellness Center beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a time of prayer and remembrance at 7:00 p.m. The procession to St. Michael will leave at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday from City Plaza, Devils Lake.
The Funeral Service will be on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Wellness Center with burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery.
Wayne Robert was born on March 29, 1993 in Devils Lake the son of Robert W. Littleghost and Brenda Jackson. He grew up in St. Michael “The Mish”. He lived in Minneapolis for two years and went to school at Hiwaka School in Minneapolis. He moved back to the “Mish” and attended Warwick Public School.
He met Tara “Terribles” HolyBull in 2014. In 2015, they welcomed their first son Easton. He loved being a Dad. He welcomed his daughters Asia and Nataleigh. He was always with his kids every time you saw him. He was always about the family. (OTF).
He enjoyed listening to music, especially Shoreline Mafia and Mook TBG. He was funny, liked to pull jokes on his sisters, a very caring brother, and gave everyone nicknames (nephews, nieces and sisters).
He loved basketball. Miami Heat was his favorite team and Dwyane Wade was his favorite player. He especially loved to play the game and watching his nephews, Mark Fassett Jr., Dorvan McKay Jr. and Dwight Hunt play basketball. He enjoyed walking around the “Mish” and playing 654.
He loved his family with his whole heart and loved spending time with them. Wayne will always be remembered as a loving Dad, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, grandson and special friend. We will miss you very much Weezy.
Wayne’s loving family include his children Easton, Asia and Nataleigh; mother of his children Tara HolyBull; mother Brenda Jackson; brothers Robert Littleghost Jr., Fabian Lohnes and Rustin Iceman; sisters Tonda Shaw, Rhonda Stevens, Londa Keo, Wanda Littleghost, Raven Whitetail, Lacey Jackson, Bobbie Littleghost, Bobbiette (John) Littleghost and Trenda (Josh) Littleghost; grandmothers Helena Littleghost and Doris Longie; aunts Roberta Littleghost, Bonita Littleghost, Jeanetta Jackson, Marty Jackson and Lorna YoungBird; uncles Richard Littleghost and Lee Jackson; god father John Sherman; many nephews, nieces and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his Dad Robert Littleghost, brother Noopah Littleghost, grandparents Francis Littleghost, Leroy Littleghost, Elaine Robertson, Elizabeth Littleghost, Pauline Greywater and Wilfred Jackson, uncles Francis Littleghost Jr., Rodney Littleghost and Byron Littleghost, aunt and god mother Patricia “Patty” Jackson Robertson and aunts Carla Littleghost, Lisa Littleghost, Eva Littleghost, Sandra Littleghost and Sandy Jackson, nieces Matisha Fassett and Baby Toni Marie LIttleghost, nephews Durell Keo and Jamison Jackson; cousin Ninyo Mendez. 
Pallbearers will be his sisters Tonda, Rhonda, Londa, Wanda, Raven, Lacey, Bobbie, Bobbiette and Trenda and niece Kaylean Lohnes.
Honorary Bearers will be Trevor Alberts, Alvin Owlboy, Kaleb OldRock, Tom Robertson, Ryan Robertson, Richard Jackson, Angel Najar, Austin Longie, Jalen Kingbird, Jaztin Blueshield, Branden Paul, Ryan Hill, JayJay Hill, John Lightning, Chris “Whiteboy” Cavanaugh, Chris Geske, Lance Cavanaugh, Daniel Cavanaugh, Isaiah Hunt, Branden Jackson, Kyle Ironhawk, Anthony Ironhawk, Vernell Jackson, Shandy Brown, Dwight Hunt, Baby Mark Fassett Jr., Gunner Anderson Jaztin Hunt, Taylen Littleghost, Bobby Little, Anthony “T-Girl” Thompson, Javian Lohnes, Anthony San Miguel, Nathaniel Azure, Mike Denne, Wyatt Redfox, Jaden Whitetail.
Music will be provided by Lake Region Singers. All Drum Groups and Singers are welcome to share their music in memory of Weezy.

Arlo W. Svedberg of Devils Lake ND passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at CHI, St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake Hospital with family at his side. 
Arlo Wynn, son of Alfred and Effie (Ellingson) Svedberg was born on July 13, 1939, in Arvilla, ND. He grew up and was educated in Larimore, ND graduating from Larimore High School with the class of 1957. He was an outstanding football player in high school and was offered a full football scholarship to play at ND Agricultural College (now NDSU) in Fargo. 
Arlo turned down that scholarship to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp on August 22, 1957. He served stateside at Camp Pendelton, California where he played Marine Corps League Football and was a Marksmanship Instructor. Arlo was honorably discharged with the rank of Lance Corporal on August 21, 1960. 
Arlo worked with his Dad and brother in the home construction business for a time before moving to Grand Forks, ND. Arlo was a fire fighter for the city of Grand Forks for several years. Unfortunately, he sustained several injuries as a firefighter which caused mobility problems so had to retire in 1975. Arlo worked as a Fire Inspector for Boeing after training in Seattle, working there, then transferred back to North Dakota and was a fire inspector at local missile sites. 
Arlo took classes at AVTI (Area Vocational Technical Institute) in East Grand Forks in the areas of transportation and parts management. He later decided to attend the ND State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND, where he graduated with a Degree in Journalism and printing. 
Arlo was employed by Community News which owned and operated several local newspapers, including the Northwood Gleaner, Larimore Pioneer, McVille Journal and Trail County Tribune and more. Arlo was in charge of sales, news coverage, writer, photographer and the typesetter for the Northwood Gleaner and the Larimore Pioneer. He did it all. He brought the completed newspaper to Casselton ND where it was printed and he returned them to Northwood for distribution. He received 29 First Place Awards from the North Dakota Newspaper Association for his photography and news reporting throughout his career. 
Arlo was united in marriage to Darlene Thoreson on June 14, 1974, in East Grand Forks. They made their homes in Grand Forks, Thompson, Wahpeton, and Northwood until moving to Devils Lake in 1995. 
Arlo served his country with honor and his motto was "Once a Marine, always a Marine. That meant he always put his heart and soul into every endeavor, always did the best he could to provide for his family, and he treasured his friends.
Arlo is survived by those he so dearly loved. His wife Darlene; daughters Amy Mastrud, Grand Forks,  ND and Erika (Jason) Patzer, Thonotosassa, FL; son Christian (Sandra) Svedberg, Devils Lake; grandchildren Brianna Thoreson, Austin Mastrud,  Sierra Mastrud, Brady Patzer, Elizabeth Svedberg, Madison Svedberg; four great grandchildren Penelope, Teegan, Tenley, and Taetum; sister Bonnie (Terry) Heaton; mother-in-law Muriel Thoreson, Devils Lake; sister-in-law Diane (Robert) Alexander, brother-in-law Brad Thoreson; children from his first marriage Lorilee, Nathan, and Michal and several grandchildren and great grandchildren; many nieces, nephew, and cousins. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Ted Thoreson, son-in-law Kevin Mastrud, sister-in-law Kathy Thoreson, siblings Arden, Marvin, Alfred Jr., Elvice, Doris, Ila, Elvie, and Evone. 
Arlo is in the care of the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake. Services are pending. ​

  Charles A. Bjerke, 87, of Cavalier, ND passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at the Pembilier Nursing Center in Walhalla, ND. Funeral service will be Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Methodist Church in Cavalier. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour before the time of services.
     Charles was born April 10, 1937 in Cavalier, ND to Carl and Olga (Stromstad) Bjerke. He grew up on a farm south of Cavalier with three sisters. At a young age he ran a tractor for the neighbor’s potato harvest. Charles graduated from Cavalier High School in 1955.
     He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1960. After his discharge from the service, he returned home and farmed with his dad for many years, along with doing carpentry work. After he was done farming, he kept busy doing yard work for people for several years.
     Charles was so very kind and hardworking. He knew many people and enjoyed visiting with them. He was able to travel to Norway a few times to visit family, which was so important to him. Charles had several family gatherings over the years at his farm before moving to town. He was the best Uncle anyone could have. He was so good to his nieces and nephews and loved them very much.
     He is survived by his sister, Odella Dalzell, Walhalla, ND, brother-in-law, Wes Thomas, Ada, MN, 13 nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews.
     Preceding him in death were his parents, sisters: Clarice Dahl and Audrey Thomas, and brothers-in-law: Kenny Dahl and Clifford Dazell.