Gregory’s prayer service will be on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River, ND. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at Kosobud Cemetery.
Gregory A. Trenda, age 68 of Adams, ND passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks.
Gregory’s prayer service will be on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River, ND. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at Kosobud Cemetery.
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Brianne Alyse (Worner) Langton, 45 of Devils Lake ND passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at her home surrounded by family. A Gathering of family and friends will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake, ND on Sunday, April 21, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services for Brianne will be on Monday, April 22, 2024 at the church at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery followed by a time of fellowship at the Ramsey County Event Center, rural Devils Lake. Brianne is in the care of the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake Donna Erovick, age 77 of rural Park River, ND passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024 at her home in Park River. Donna Stevens was born April 14, 1947 in Grafton, ND the daughter of the late Milton and Dorothy (Behnkie) Stevens. She was raised on the family farm near Park River where she attended rural school through 7th grade. She graduated from the Walsh County Agricultural School in 1965. Donna was united in marriage to Gregory Erovick on November 7, 1970 at the Federated Church in Park River. Donna went on to advance her education by attending the Lake Region Community College in Devils Lake. Upon her completion she worked as a LPN in Long Term Health Care. Donna is survived by her husband, Gregory; her four sons: Perry (Kyra) and their sons: Jacob, Jordan and Jameson; Blaine (Kyrsta) and their children: Casey and Stausley; Noel (Jackie) and their boys: Kaden, Sawyer and Dawson; and Nathan, her sisters: Doris (Dick) Busse, Carol (Jim Power) Stevens and Joan Stevens. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws: Art and Ardith Erovick, brother-in-law, Tim Erovick and niece, Stacey Rinde. In accordance with Donna’s wishes, no formal funeral services will be held. “I see that the Lord is always before me. I will not be shaken for He is right beside me:” Act 2:25 Dianne Scott (nee Groening), age 72 years of Morden, MB passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Boundary Trails Health Centre. She is survived by children Candice (Ben) Klassen, and Kevin (Melinda) Scott, as well as 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 2 sisters and 3 brothers. She was predeceased by her husband Gerald Scott. Funeral arrangements are pending. Charles F. Mertens, 91 of Devils Lake, died on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in the Eventide Heartland Care Center surrounded by his family. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 19th, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus with a 4th Degree Honor Guard. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, April 20th at 10:00 a.m. at the church with burial in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. Memorials may be directed to the Charles Mertens Family Scholarship Fund being established at Lake Region State College or the charity of the donor’s choice in memory of Charles. Charles Franklin Mertens was born January 3, 1933, in Devils Lake ND. He was the youngest of 15 children born to Henry and Mary (Van Steenvoort) Mertens. He lived on a farm northwest of Crary, ND until he was 6. He attended 1st grade at Crary School, then in the fall of 1939 moved to Devils Lake. He attended St. Mary’s Academy until 5th grade. He attended Devils Lake Public School in 6th and 7th grade, then back to St. Mary’s Academy beginning in the 8th grade and graduating from St. Mary’s High School on May 25th, 1950. Charles attended one year at Lake Region Junior College (which was the old person building). He then took his mother to Van Nuys, California, where he graduated from Valley Junior College in June 1952, with an Associates of Arts Degree. He then enlisted in the United States Army on February 25, 1953, during the Korean Conflict, serving 33 months, being honorably discharged with the rank of Sergent. He was stationed in Germany for 22 months in a Division Finance Office as a pay clerk and cashier. He returned to Devils Lake in 1956 and that fall entered into a partnership with his brothers to start Lake View Dairy. On June 20, 1959, Charles was united in marriage to Janet Kuntz, the daughter of Peter and Jenny Kuntz. They would call Devils Lake home for the rest of their lives, living, working and raising their family here. Charles ran for the State House of Representatives in 1968 and lost. He ran again in 1970 and won and served ten terms in the North Dakota House. He served 8 terms on the House Appropriations Committee, serving as Chairman in 1983. In the 1985 and 1987 sessions, he served as Democratic-NPL Floor Leader. In his 2nd term (1973) he was elected to the Legislative Council and in his last two terms (1987-1989) he served as Chairman. When he was elected to the Legislative Council, he earned the privilege of chairing an interim committee. Because he served on the Appropriations Committee during the sessions, he always chose another committee to chair during the interim to broaden his legislative knowledge. During the 1975-1976 Interim he chaired the Education “A” Committee. They drafted the legislation to start the High School Vocational Education Center and also to test and educate children that were both deaf and blind. Other committees he chaired or served on were: Industry, Business and Labe “C”, Transportation, Political Subdivisions, the Tenneco Plant Proposal, Natural Resources, Garrison Diversion Overview, Legislative Procedure and Arrangements, and the Budget Committee on Higher Education. Charles was most proud of helping to educate the deaf and blind children, saving North Dakota’s three junior colleges, helping the North Dakota School for the Deaf, and helping to pass the first legislation to partially fund local schools with state money. Late in 1991, Governor George Sinner appointed Charles to be the Director of the Office of Management and Budget for the state of North Dakota. Charles served the state in that positions until December 1992 when Governor Ed Shaffer took office. The following April, Charles received a Presidential appointment from President Bill Clinton to be the North Dakota State Director of the USDA-FMHA (Farmers Home Administration). This was later changed to USDA Rural Development. Charles retired in 2000. As a small businessman in Devils Lake, Charles was active in civic and fraternal organizations. He served on the school board for St. Joseph’s Elementary School, co-chairman of the ACT (Active Community Thought) Program sponsored by the Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce. This program helped local government prioritize the needs of the community. This led to the construction of the two new underpasses, the routing of US Highway City Route and the Lemmna Project as the lagoons. Charles was a faithful and active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and was a 4th, Degree Knight. Charles so faithfully and proudly served his country, his community, his State, and his Lord. He loved his wife, children and grandchildren with his whole heart and treasured each and every moment spent with them. Charles is survived by his precious wife Janet of nearly 65 years; 6 children Richard Mertens, Laura (Keith) Nielsen, Ken (Chris Jenke) Mertens, Jeanne (Jerry) Aasand, Connie (Greg Kaiser) Mertens and Craig (Kristen) Mertens; 14 grandchildren Douglas (Bre) Nielsen, Rebecca (Ryan) Clark, Kristina (Alex) Hickel, Zach (Jennifer) Mertens, Adam (Kelsey) Mertens, Nick (Jackie) Mertens, Isaac (Casey) Mertens, Emily (Pat) Zangari, Garrett (Billie) Aasand, Michael Kaiser, Liz Kaiser, Brooks Mertens, Jace Mertens and Sydney Mertens; 20 great grandchildren; sister Phyllis (Richard) Lang; in-laws Michael Kuntz, Raymond Kuntz, Jake and Helen Kuntz, Theresa Kuntz and Mary Dahen; many beloved nieces, nephews and their families and his Belgium family. These were Charles’s cousins and their families who were so special to him. He loved that the families remained close throughout the years. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Victor Mertens, Ernest (Mildred) Mertens, Joseph (Betty) Mertens, Lucy (Joe) Ziegler, Dorothy (Ed) Kalinowski, Rosalie (Eldon) Lucken, Jeanette (Glenn) Weirick, Florence (Richard) Del Guidice, Mary (Richard) Evansen, Henry (Ann) Mertens, John (Bernice) Mertens, Cecil (Carol) Mertens and Gerald (Shirley) Mertens, in-law Peter and Jenny Kuntz and many other dear relatives. Lee C. Lykken, age 88 of Auburn, North Dakota, died Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton, after a brief hospitalization. Lee Curtis Lykken was born November 20, 1935 at the Deaconess Hospital in Grafton, the son of the late Harry and Hazel (Ottoson) Lykken. He attended Auburn School and then Grafton High School (1953). Early interest in engines, vehicles and computers led Lee to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of North Dakota (1958), completing a thesis and a Master’s degree in the same field (1961). Upon accepting a job with General Dynamics, Lee moved west to reside in Oxnard, California. In 1965, Lee enlisted in the United States Army, earning the rank of Master Sergeant in the 4th Infantry Division. He served overseas in Vietnam, receiving several commendations, including a Purple Heart. When his duty tour was complete, Lee returned to the Grafton area at his father’s request to help take up the reins of managing Lykken Farms, established in 1882. Lee is survived by Michael and Penny Reading, who have been actively involved in the farm operation for many years. They were Lee’s family, along with his other nieces and nephews, Daniel, Patty, Stephanie, Roger, and Emily. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Hazel Lykken, sister, JoyAnn Lykken Reading and brother-in-law, George R. Reading. A time of sharing will be Friday, April 19, 2024 at 2:30 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 1:30 – 2:30 P.M. Interment will be at the Landstad Cemetery, Auburn, North Dakota. Military Rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Landstad Cemetery. Karl Julius Henschel, 89, of Bathgate, ND passed away Friday, April 12, 2024, at Pembina County Memorial Hospital in Cavalier, ND. Funeral service will be held Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier. Karl Julius Henschel was born the last of 10 children to Julius and Juliane (Drager) Henschel on May 15,1934 in Hallson, ND. He attended country school there for several years. His family moved to Carlisle Township where his parents farmed, and he continued his education at Carlisle #9. Dad was awarded for his perfect attendance during his 7th grade year and graduated from 8th grade at the City Auditorium in Cavalier on June 15, 1948. Karl worked on the farm with his family until joining the U. S. Army in 1956. He served actively in Germany until 1961 as an engineer equipment repairman and was transferred to standby reserve in August of 1961. Dad was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal and presented with the Sharpshooter Badge (Carbine) and Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle) during his tenure. He was honorably discharged in April of 1964. Dad married Mom, Deloris Jean Saiger, on October 6th of 1961 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. They moved to the Bathgate area in 1962. Dad was farming, and they spent the winters in Grand Forks from 1964-1967. Dad worked at the potato house, various gas stations, and Rydell’s. In 1968, they built a house on Mom’s parents’ farm east of Bathgate that still stands today. They became members of Christ Lutheran Church in Neche. Dad started farming on his own in the Bathgate and Carlisle areas until 1992. In 1969, he began working winters at Motor Coach Industries until retiring in 1999. Dad spent a brief period of time working in the warehouse and truck at Happy Harry’s in Pembina, and enjoyed driving beet truck in Bathgate for McColl Farms. After Kelly, Karla, and Karmen were born, the folks stayed in the Bathgate area to live and work. Dad and Mom enjoyed playing cards with relatives in Cavalier and weekly games of Smear, the game of choice, were held at Reiny’s Bar in Bathgate. When Mom passed away in June of 2023, Dad was a resident at Wedgewood Manor in Cavalier until his death. Karl is survived by Kelly (Jayme) Henschel, Pembina, ND, Karla (Amy) Henschel, Bathgate, ND, Karmen Ruffatto, Columbus, MT, Deb Henschel, Vergas, MN, Jeff Ruffatto, Columbus, MT; his grandchildren Kassondra (Darren) Henschel, Vergas, MN, Megan (Justin) Tweeton, Perham, Joanna (Chandler) Wickham, Billings, MT, Kari Ruffatto, Columbus, MT, Laightyn Henschel, Mesa, AZ; great- grandchildren Charlie and Millie Graten; and sister Ruth Tully, Bismarck, ND, and sister-in-law Hattie Henschel, Grafton, ND. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Preceding Karl in death were his parents, wife Deloris, 5 brothers, and 4 sisters. Family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Susan Thompson, Ron Thompson from Christ Lutheran Church, and the staff members at Wedgewood Manor and Pembina County Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care. Mom passed away peacefully at the Boyne Lodge in Carman in the early morning of Friday, April 12, 2024 at the age of 98 years. She is survived by two sons: Peter (Irene), Edward (Fely); son-in-law Harold Harms (Phyllis); brother Jake Peters; sister Selma Pauls, sister-in-law Wendy Peters; 10 grandchildren: David (Jody), Michael (Barb), Terry (Kara), Cindy (Jarrod), Kelly (Sean), Renee, Philip (Dorothea), Jackson (Glaisa), Fanny, Jeda (Erick); one adopted grandchild Twila; 14 great grandchildren: Bailey, Jordan, Luke, Mikaela, Aidyn, Morgan, Jackson, Olivia, Rowan, Marley, Lordelyn, Rhoanny, Camille, and Edward; 4 great great grandchildren: Axel, Royalty, Yanna, Uno; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Peter Isaak; daughter Ruth Harms, parents: Peter G. and Maria Peters, stepmother Liese Peters; siblings Mary (Frank) Solnick, Edward (Betty) Peters, Herbert (Phyllis) Peters, Helen Peters, Alice (Neil) Wiebe, and Peter Peters. She was born in a farm house near Ste. Elizabeth, Manitoba on October 16, 1925. In June 1946 she married Peter Isaak and they settled on a farm north east of Miami, where they farmed and raised their 3 children: Peter, Ruth, and Edward. Mom’s faith in God was formed early in life and she accepted Christ as her Saviour and was baptized at the Lichtenauer Mennonite Church near Ste. Elizabeth in 1946. Church attendance and her church family were always very important to her. She instilled in each of us a love for God and a strong faith, by the way she lived. She was one of the founding members of the Graysville Mennonite Church and served faithfully for many years; teaching Sunday School and DVBS, serving on various committees, and was a member of the Ladies Group until it was dissolved in 2019. She was the church Librarian for as long as we can remember. Community life was also very important to her. She spent countless hours helping organize wedding showers and farewells at the Graysville School and preparing lunches at the local Curling Rink. She also was a 4-H leader for many years in the 60’s and 70’s; making sure teenage girls learned sewing and other social skills. She especially enjoyed quilting, knitting, and crocheting, and was a great cook and gardener. Mom and Dad were always on the go. Sundays were often spent visiting or hosting relatives or church friends. They enjoyed many camping and fishing trips with neighbours and friends and traveled countless miles from Ontario to B.C. Mom and Dad retired from farming in 1974 and moved to Carman where Dad worked at Carman Farm Equipment, and later at Triangle Lumber in Roland. Mom Cleaned the Dufferin Leader Office and spent countless hours volunteering at the MCC Thrift Store. Sadly, Dad passed away suddenly in 1981. Mom continued on with the love of her family and especially the grand children, who returned some of the joy to her life. She continued on camping with her truck camper, bowling, and curling in the leagues, and spent many evenings with friends playing Skippo and other games. Winning or losing never mattered, as long as she was playing. Her TV was always tuned to Blue Jays baseball or Wheel of Fortune, unless Curling was on! It didn’t matter if they were reruns. Who remembered anyway? In 2009 she moved to Meadowood Apartments and enjoyed socializing with many new friends. She recovered well from a small heart attack in 2015. However, her Diabetes and other medications required her to get regular Home Care. In May of 2022 she was admitted to Carman Hospital because of high sugar levels. After 4 months of care she was placed at the Foyer in Notre Dame. Here she received excellent care and was able to get her sugar levels back under control. While there she received the heart-breaking news of her daughter Ruth’s sudden passing. After 9 months a room became available at the Boyne Lodge in Carman, and she moved there in June 2023. Here she enjoyed her stay until heart and breathing difficulties finally took their toll and she peacefully entered eternity with her Saviour on April 12. We are very thankful for all the wonderful care Mom received over the last years from the Home Care Staff, nurses and all the aides at Carman Hospital, The Foyer at Notre Dame, and Boyne Lodge. May God bless you all! |
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