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Benson County North Dakota Genealogy

Benson Obituaries

Benson County War Casualties

Published obituaries may be submitted for any resident who lived in Benson County. "Older" obituaries are especially sought. If known, include the newspaper name and date of the issue. A special thanks to Diane Tarang Rice who submitted many of the current obituaries. Submit obituaries to Colleen Goltz.

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Alice Aanderud-Funeral brochure

Alice Aanderud was born April 9, 1906, at Maddock to Anton & Gunda (Evenson) Togstad. As a young girl, she moved with her family to a farm near Airdri, Alberta, Canada, later returning to Maddock area. Alice married Harry L. Aanderud, March 30, 1926 at Minnewaukan. The couple lived and farmed his family's homestead in South Viking Township, rural Maddock until 1984, when they moved to Maddock. Harry Aanderrud died March 22, 1994. Alice became a resident of Memorial Home of Maddock in August of 1997.

She was a member of Viking Lutheran Church and a member & former president of its WELCA.

Alice Aanderurd, age 91, died Tuesday, February 3, 1998, at the Memorial Home in Maddock. Surviving are 2 sons & daughters-in-law: Roger & Elizabeth Aanderud of Michigan, ND & David & Kay Aanderud of Severna Park, Maryland; a daughter & son-in-law: Dallas & Harold Berglund of Cavalier, ND; 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and a brother & sister-in-law: George & Edith Todstad of Maddock. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a granddaughter, Arlene Kay Aanderud and 2 sisters, Olga Kopperdahl & Agnes Beck.

Elizabeth Y Aanderud-Funeral brochure

Elizabeth Yvonne Aanderud was born Sept 12, 1930, in Hobert, OK the daughter of Arthur & Mabel (Byrd) Ormand. At the age of 7, she moved to Cheyenne, OK, attended school & graduated from high school there. She then moved to Oklahoma City, attended Draughn's Business School, took singing lessons & worked as a filing clerk. On Oct 16, 1953, she married Rodger Aanderud in Alameda, CA. They returned to North Dakota in 1956, living at Maddock, Churchs Ferry & Leeds. In 1972, they moved to Michigan (North Dakota) where Elizabeth had a daycare center in her home. She later worked as a cook and waitress at the Kite Cafe in Michigan and at the Sunlac Inn at Lakota. Elizabeth was a member of the Michigan Lutheran Church & its WELCA; served as Judge for the City of Michigan & for 16 years did the laundry for the Michigan Ambulance Service.

Survivors include her husband, Rodger; 2 sons: Michael of Mesa, AZ & Lee of Columbia, SC; 2 daughters and sons-in-law: Donna & Allan Popowski of Devils Lake & Amanda & Brian Boxall of San Jose, CA; 2 grandchildren: Alicia & Derek Popowski of Devils Lake; 3 brothers: Arthur Eugene Ormand of Cheyenne, OK, Charley Ray Ormand & Lloyd Ormand both of Mangum, OK; 2 sisters: Anna Bell McGlothlin of Spring Valley, CA & Peggy Cunningham of Cadiz, KY; several nieces & nephews and her special children the Hendrickson's of Lakota. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Arlene & a sister Dorothy.

Kenneth Alexander- Nelson Funeral Home website

Kenneth Alexander, 89, of Devils Lake, formerly of rural Churchs Ferry, ND,  died Friday, January 18th, 2013, at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake.  Funeral Services will be Wednesday, January 23, 2013, 11:00 AM at Leeds Lutheran Church with Pastor Richard Budd officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery in the spring.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 7 PM at the Nelson Funeral Home in Leeds. Casket bearers will be:  Cordell Streifel,  Kerry Streifel,  Jason Streifel,  Larry Alexander,  Kevin Alexander,  Edward Lauinger,  Bruce Lauinger,  Jerome Ziegler and Bobby Olson. 

Kenneth Alexander was born March 7, 1923 in Irvine Township, rural Leeds, ND, to Thomas and Alice (Ritteman) Alexander.  He was raised there and graduated from the Irvine Consolidated School.  Kenneth worked for Ed Halgrimson and then served in the US Army for a year.  He returned home and farmed with Ed Halgrimson until the death of his father in 1954.  At that time he began farming with his brother, Marvin, until 2003.  In 2005, he moved to Churchs Ferry and in October of 2012 moved to Devils Lake.

 Kenneth was a very kind, quiet and fun loving person with a great sense of humor.  He loved farming, cattle, fishing and playing cards, especially whist. Kenneth is survived by four sisters:  Shirley Olson,  Donna Streifel and Ruth Alexander all of Devils Lake and Alice (Tony) Schneider of Minot, ND;  many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents;  brothers:  John, Thomas and Marvin;  sisters:  Naomi Lauinger and Margaret Ziegler; brothers-in-law: Morris Olson and Nick Streifel;  nephews:  Kelvin Ziegler and Thomas Alexander and nieces:  Sherry Bennes and Annie Ripplinger. 

Ira Allan-Newspaper Unknown

BAKER, N.D. – Funeral services for Ira Allan, 61, rural York, will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at St. Petri Lutheran Church, rural York.  Internment will be in the church cemetery. Allan died Wednesday at a Rugby hospital.  Nelson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 Ira was born on Oct. 31, 1923, in Twin Lake Township, Benson County, to Everett and Lily Allan.  He was reared and educated and farmed all his life in Twin Lake Township, north of Baker.

Mary Welk Arnold-Newspaper Unknown

The funeral for Mary Arnold, 76, of rural Esmond was held Mon., Jan. 20 at 10:30 a.m. from the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Esmond with burial in the church cemetery.  Concelebrants of the mass were Rev. Fr. Roman Neva, Rev. Fr. Vincent Tuchscherer & Rev. Fr. John Roth.  She died unexpectedly on Thursday morning, Jan. 16 enroute to the Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby. Music was provided by the St. Boniface Church choir.  Grandsons acting as casket bearers were James Arnold, Lynn Arnold, Keven Bachmeier, Jay Hagen, Allen Hoffner, Randy Jaeger, Robert A. Volk & Timothy Volk.  Her remaining 17 grandsons acted as honorary pallbearers.  The Christian Mothers Confraternity of Esmond also honored Mrs. Arnold.  The Nelson Funeral Home of Esmond was in charge of arrangements.

Mary A. Welk was born Jan. 12, 1910 near Berwick to Peter & Agatha Baumgartner Welk.  She was reared & educated in the Berwick area.  Mary attended the Minot Normal School for 2 years & received her teaching certificate.  She then taught school in Balta, Orrin, Wellsburg & her final teaching position was in Rich Valley Township of Benson County near Esmond.  She married John Arnold on Feb. 1, 1936 at Esmond.  They lived & farmed all their married life in Rich Valley Township.

Mary was a longtime member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church & its Ladies Aid.  She also was a member of the Christian Mothers Confraternity.  She had been active in the Esmond PTA & was a charter member of the Rich Valley Township Homemakers.

Survivors include her husband, John of rural Esmond; 3 sons, Leon & David, both rural Esmond & John V. of Grand Forks; 7 daughters, Mrs. Robert (Gloriann) Volk of Harvey, Mrs. Jerome (Anastasia) Jaeger & Mrs. Louis (Alice) Long, both of Minot, Mrs. Herm (Patricia) Chase of Walla Walla, Wash., Mrs. Julin (Bonnie) Hagen, Mrs. Kenneth (Susan) Bachmeier, & Mrs. Llewellyn (Arlene) Hoffner, all of rural Esmond; 34 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; & a sister, Mrs. Paul (Anna) Ebertz of Grand Forks. Mary A. Welk Arnold was preceded in death by her parents; 2 infant grandsons; 3 sisters, Elizabeth, Barbara & Lena; & 5 brothers, Mike, Steven Anton, John & August.

Lawrence B. Axness- The Forum Sunday, March 26, 2000

Lawrence Burton Axness, 72, York, died Thursday, March 23, 2000,in MeritCare Hospital, Fargo. Mr. Axness was born April 20, 1927, in York, where he grew up and attended school. He also attended Benson County Agricultural and Training School, Maddock, N.D. He married Arleen Strand June25, 1952, in Leeds, N.D. They farmed near York until retiring in 1999. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Deborah Axness, West Lafayette, Ind., Cynthia (Paul Flescher) Axness, Sanibel, Fla; a brother Erling (Sharleen), Leeds; three sisters, Caroline Fogelson, Leeds; Burnell LaGrove, St. Cloud, Minn., Esther (Curtis) Nordhougen, Moorhead; and five grandchildren.

Visitation: Monday from 2 to 8, with a prayer service at 7, in Nelson Funeral Home, Leeds, and one hour before the funeral in the church. Funeral: Tuesday at 10:30 in Leeds Lutheran Church. Burial: St. Petri Lutheran Cemetery near York.

Arleen Marie Axness-Devils Lake Journal, March 8, 2011

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Gordon Bedford-Newspaper Unknown

FESSENDEN --  The funeral will be Tuesday at 11 in First Lutheran Church, Fessenden, for Gordon George Bedford, 57, Fessenden, who died Thursday in a Moorhead, Minn., hospital. Rev. Carell J. Foss will officiate and burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Fessenden, later in the spring.

Mr. Bedford was born Jan. 26, 1914, in Fillmore to Mr. and Mrs. George Bedford.  He moved to Esmond with his family and was reared there.  On Aug. 7, 1937, he married Marlys Georgeson in Kenmare.  They moved to Fessenden in 1957 where he served as manager of the Federal Land Bank Office.  Six months ago he was made field analyst for this region.  He served as city auditor and pas president of the Fessenden Civic and Commerce Association.

Surviving are his wife; two sons, Gary of Phoenix, Ariz., and Keith of Fargo; a daughter, Maryalls of Dickinson; two grandchildren; his mother, Mrs. Sarah Bedford of Moorhead and two sisters, Mrs. Palmer Haugen of Moorhead and Mrs. Earl Anderson of McVille.  (Neuenschwander Funeral Home, Fessenden)

Cliff Bellerud-Newspaper Unknown

The funeral was Tuesday at 11 in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Esmond, for Clifford M. Bellerud, 63, rural Fessenden, who was found dead Friday in his pickup truck two miles north of Upham on Highway 14.  He died of an apparent heart attack. Rev. Wilfred L. Hanson officiated and burial was in the church cemetery.  Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Bellerud was born Feb. 27, 1910, at Esmond to Mr. and Mrs. Christ Bellerud.  He was reared in the Esmond area and married Minnie Fugelstad on June 23, 1934, at Minnewaukan.  They farmed one mile south of Esmond for eight years.  In 1942 he started working for the government as a soil conservation technician in Lees and continued at the job for 21 years.  He retired in August 1970 and since then had been working parttime as director of tax equalization for Wells County.

Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Dan (Mona) Reiter, Minot, and Mrs. Gary (Debra) Keller, Harvey; two grandsons; three sisters, Mrs. Richard Larson, Havre, Mont., Pearl Bellerud, Breckenridge, Minn., and Mrs. Ed College of Esmond.

Virgil Bengson-Newspaper Unknown

ESMOND – Virgil G. Bengson, 65, Esmond, died Wednesday.  Funeral Saturday at 10 in St. Boniface Catholic Church, Esmond.  Church cemetery.  Rosary tonight at 7:30 in the Wheeler Funeral Home Chapel, Esmond.

Born March 2, 1910, near Eagle Bend, Minn.  In 1914 moved to Esmond with his parents.  Reared there.  Married Katherine Getz July 14, 1928, in Esmond.  Began farming that year near Esmond.  In 1942 moved to Tacoma, Wash., and in 1943 to Eugene, Ore.  Returned to Esmond in 1945 to resume farming and had farmed since.  Was currently the township supervisor for Esmond Township, Benson County.  Had been a member of the Esmond School Board and St. Boniface Catholic Church.

Survivors:  wife; daughter, Mrs. Leo (Agnes) Halvorson, Esmond; son, William “Bud”, Minot; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Malcolm, Spokane, Wash.; and sister, Mrs. Irving Holmen, Spokane. 

Alfred C. Brandvold-Newspaper Unknown

 Funeral services for Alfred C. Brandvold, 86, recently of New Rockford and former long time Maddock area resident, will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Viking Lutheran Church, rural Maddock, with Rev. Duane O. Neugebauer officiating.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.  Military honors will be accorded by the Theodore Togstad Post 123 of the American Legion of Maddock. Mr. Brandvold died on Tuesday at the Veterans Hospital in Fargo.

Alfred Christian Brandvold was born Oct. 22, 1895, near Elizabeth, Minn., to Christian and Mathilda Dunham Brandvold.  As a child his family moved to South Viking Township, Benson County, where he was reared and received his education.  He continued to live and work in the rural Maddock area until his induction into the U.S. Army in March of 1918.

Following his military discharge in June 1919 he moved to his brother Theodore’s farm, also located in South Viking Township.  Mr. Brandvold assisted with that farm operation until 1930 when he began management of his own farmstead.  He continued with his own farm for several years until renting out his land to his brother. Mr. Brandvold then worked as a farm laborer in the Maddock area for many years and also held various jobs in the city of Maddock.  In addition to his 11 years at the local pool hall and was also employed as a city maintenance man. In the mid-1970’s Mr. Brandvold retired and purchased the former Hesper School District’s teachers residence for his home.  He lived at Hesper until November 1981 when he moved to New Rockford to live with his nephew, Glenn Brandvold. Mr. Brandvold was a life member of the Viking Lutheran Church.  He had also received his life membership from the Theodore Togstad Post 123 of the American Legion.

Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Philip (Clara) Tron, Maddock; three brothers Theodore, Santa Paula, Calif.; Kalmer, Socorro, N.M., and Oscar, Minnesota, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, and two brothers.

Glenn Brandvold- Newspaper Unknown

The funeral for Glenn Brandvold, 49, of New Rockford, will be held Fri., May 31 at 2 p.m. from the Viking Lutheran Church, south of Maddock, with Rev. Dale G. Seffrood officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the Theodore Togstad Post 123 of the Maddock American Legion.  Mr. Brnadvold died on Monday., May 27 at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake following an illness which began in 1980. Organist will be Mrs. Dean (Sheila) Erickson & the vocalist will be Jimmy Gilbertson.  Pallbearers will be Allen T. Brandvold, Dwaine Brown, John Gordon, Dean Groehler, Virgil Hagen & Larry Seibel.  The Nelson Funeral Home of Maddock is in charge of arrangements.

Glenn E. Brandvold was born Feb. 13, 1936 in Wells County to Theodore & Pearl Georgeson Brandvold.  He was reared & educated in Heimdal Township of Wells County where his family remained until 1952 when they moved to Hesper Township of Benson County near Maddock.  Glenn was a 1956 graduate of the Benson County Agricultural & Training School at Maddock.  During his years in high school he was employed on area farms & had worked at the Farmers Union Elevator in Hesper.  He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in July of 1956 & remained in the service until 1964.  Glenn married Evelyn Hanson on Sept. 15, 1962 near Maddock.  They had lived in Devils Lake for 5 years where he was the office manager for the City Water Dept.  They then began farming in Valhalla Township of Wells County near Bremen until 1981 when they moved to New Rockford. He was a life member of the Viking Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn of New Rockford; 2 sons and 3 daughters, Ervin, Arlie, Joni, Twila & Marlene, all at home; his father, Theodore of rural Maddock; 3 brothers, Allen of rural Maddock, Emil of San Angelo, Tex. & Ernest of Redding, Calif. & LeVon Gordon of New Rockford.  Glenn E. Brandvold was preceded in death by his mother; twin sons, Mark & Melvin; & an infant brother, Ardell.

Pearl Georgeson Brandvold-Newspaper Unknown

Mrs. Theodore Brandvold Died Saturday; Funeral Will Be Held Thursday

Mrs. Theodore Brandvold, 54, died Saturday morning in the Memorial Hospital at Maddock.  She had been hospitalized about a week. Funeral services will be Thursday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. in the Viking Lutheran Church, south of Maddock.  Dr. George Landgrebe will officiate.  Interment will be in the Viking Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Colgate Sorlie, Harlan Hellerud, Henry Lageson, Theodore Lageson, Tyler Larson and Einar Lindgren.  Soloist will be Mrs. Oscar Gilbertson, accompanied by Mrs. Millard Kolsrud, organist. Wheeler Funeral Home of Maddock is in charge of arrangements.

Pearl Meranda Brandvold was born Feb. 2, 1908, in South Viking township, daughter of Abraham and Bertha Georgeson.  She attended school in Hamberg.  In 1924 she moved to Esmond. On March 3, 1925, she was married to Theodore Brandvold in Minnewaukan.  In 1931 they moved to a farm south of Maddock, where they lived until 1952, when they moved to Hesper.  They had resided there since.  Mrs. Brandvold was a member of the Viking Ladies Aid.

Surviving are her husband; four sons, Ernest, Devils Lake, Allen, Dayton, Ohio, Emil, Albuquerque, N. Mex.; Glenn, Ellsworth AFB, S.D.; two daughters, Mrs. John (LeVon) Gordon, Mecca, Calif.; and Mrs. John (Bernice) Wagley, Venturia, Calif.; three brothers, Albin Georgeson, Esmond, Hjalmer Georgeson, Chatsworth, Calif., Algot Georgeson, Crookston, Minn.; four sisters, Mrs. John (Luella) Anderson, Phoenix, Ariz., Mrs. Francis (Alice) Herbeck, Maddock, Mrs. Gladys Mitchell, Mrs. Gordon (Marlyce) Bedford, Fessenden; and eight grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were a son in 1926, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abe Georgeson, and two brothers.

Harald Berven- Benson County Press 17 Jan 1980

 Funeral services for Harald Berven, 73, of York were held Friday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. at St. Petri Lutheran Church with Rev. Donald J. Thorp officiating.  Interment will be in St. Petri Cemetery.  He died January 7 at Trinity Hospital in Minot. Mrs. Owen Randle was organist and accompanied soloist Owen Randle.  Pallbearers were Clayton, Gilmore, Ray and Truman Braaten, Andrew Summers and Leif Tolo. The Johnson-Anderson Funeral Home of Leeds was in charge of arrangements.

Harald Berven was born June 7, 1906 near York, the son of Tosten and Julia Aarhus Berven.  He farmed all his life on the family homestead.  He married Hazel Thompson June 7, 1941.  She died in 1965.

Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Darwin (LaVon) Zwerke of Arvada, Colo., Mrs. Harvey (Cleo) Swallers of Minot and Mrs. Barbara Miller Broomfield, Colo.; one sister, Mrs. Mabel Braaten of Devils Lake; and four grandchildren.

Hazel Thompson Berven- Benson County Press 1965

Services For Mrs. Berven Held Saturday At York. The funeral for Mrs. Harold (Hazel) Berven, 57, York, who died Tuesday in a Minot hospital was Saturday at 2 in the St. Petri Lutheran Church south of York. Rev. Richard Quamme officiated and burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were six nephews, Leroy Lokken, Duane Bokn, Gilmore Braaten, Clair and Dennis Thompson and Roger Huffman.

 Mrs. Berven was born Feb 4, 1908, at York, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Moures Thompson.  She attended the Beaver School, York, and married Mr. Berven June 7, 1941.

 Survivors are her husband; three daughters, Mrs. Darwin (LaVon) Verke, Havre, Mont., and Cleo and Barbara at home; five sisters, Mrs. John (Olga) Lokken, Epping, Mrs. Bernice Huberty, York, Mrs. Louis (Myrtle) Bokn, Devils Lake, Alice Thompson and Mrs. Eli (Lila) Huffman, Minnewaukan; a brother, Marvin Thompson, York; her father, Moures Thompson of York; and one granddaughter.  Her mother and a daughter, Carol, preceded her in death.

 Johnson Funeral Home, Leeds, was in charge of arrangements.

Julia Aarhus Berven- The York Dispatch 5 Jan 1912

Mrs. Tosten Berven Dead

Mrs. Tosten Berven died Thursday, December 29th, 1911 in the St. Thomas hospital in Minneapolis. The deceased had been ailing for some time and about six weeks ago she was taken to Minneapolis, where she could be under expert medical care, with the hope that her condition would improve. At first there was some hope that she would get well, but her condition grew steadily worse until the end. The body was shipped home from Minneapolis and the funeral services were held Wednesday, January 8, 1912, from the St. Petri Lutheran Church south of town. Besides a host of friends, deceased leaves to mourn her loss a  two children, one a daughter, seven years old and the other a son, five years old. The heartfelt sympathy of everyone is extended to Mr. Berven and the children in their hour of sorrow.

Myrtle Thompson Bokn- Devils Lake Journal 15 Jun 2001

Myrtle Bokn, 89, of Devils Lake, N.D., died Wednesday, June 13, 2001 at the Good Samaritan Center, in Devils Lake. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, in Devils Lake.  Rev. Harold Ovre will officiate, with burial in the Devils Lake Cemetery.  Music will be cared for by Russell Pearson, soloist, and Lynda Pearson, organist. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, today from 12-9 p.m. and on Saturday at the church one hour prior to services. Pallbearers will be Jerome Bokn, Roger Huffman, LeRoy Lokken, Clair Thompson, Dennis Thompson and Dennis Lokken.

Myrtle Thompson was born Nov. 17, 1911 at York, N.D., the daughter of Moures and Christine (Thorseth) Thompson.  She was reared and educated at York.  She was a graduate of Epping High School, Epping, N.D.  She received her teaching certificate from Minot State Teachers College and taught in rural schools in York, Knox and Harlow, N.D.

On June 4, 1941 she was united in marriage to Louis L. Bokn at Rugby, N.D.  They established their home in Devils Lake where they lived through the years.  She also taught school at Webster, N.D., for over 18 years and then taught in Devils Lake until her retirement in 1977.  Mr. Bokn died July 29, 1988. Myrtle was a member of the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, WELCA, and the Delta Kappa Gamma sorority.

 She is survived by sons, Larry Bokn , of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Duane Bokn, of Devils Lake; and Ronald Lundhagen, of Mesa, Ariz.; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Curtis; sisters, Olga Lokken, Hazel Berven, Alice Thompson, Lila Huffman, and Bernice Huberty; and brother Marvin Thompson.

Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, is in charge of arrangements.

Byron Brenno-Newspaper Unknown January 2017

Byron Brenno, 76, of Brinsmade, ND passed away at his home on Friday, January 13, 2017. Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Leeds Lutheran Church in Leeds, ND with Pastor Michael Pretzer officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church.

Music will be provided by Roger and Karen Hill and Lucia Jacobson. Burial will be held at the Our Savior's Lutheran Cemetery in Harlow, ND in the spring. Byron Neil Brenno was born on July 26, 1940 to John and Signe (Gustafson)Brenno in Brinsmade.

He was raised in the Harlow area, attended school there, and graduated from Leeds High School in 1958. He was married to Erliss Ann (Annie) Bratvold on December 5th, 1959 in Ellendale, ND, and from this union their three children were born. Together they farmed in the Brinsmade area, and he was also an over-the-road truck driver/operator for many years.

He later moved to the East Grand Forks, MN area, and was married to Diane (Susie) Brartoli. Eventually, he moved back to the Brinsmade area and worked in the farming operations of Loren Haagenson and Wally Bisbee until his retirement. He enjoyed playing a good game of cards (especially Pinochle), either watching sports on TV or listening to games on the radio, watching wildlife from his farmhouse, and driving the country side checking the crops in the fields.

He is survived by his three children: Sara Plum of Maddock, Timothy (Devonna) of Devils Lake, and Amy Randle of Grand Forks; his eight grandchildren: Angela (Josh) Clarke of Madison, WI, Andrew Nielsen (Stacie Forman) of Fargo, Adam Nielsen of Williston, Megan (Mark) Woodrow and Ashley (Ben) Myrum, both of Devils Lake, and Andrea Brenno (Chris Bell) of Bismarck, and Nick and Alex Randle of Grand Forks; his six great-grandchildren Blair, Luke and Reed Woodrow, Riley Brenno-Quale and Treyson Myrum, and Bentley Dejarlais; the mother of his children, Erliss Ann (Annie); his brother Larry (Linda Kleinsasser) of Sheyenne; his sisters Donna Stelton of Monticello, MN, Joan (Bruce) Kalk of Anoka, MN, and Beverly Brenno of New Rockford; and by his numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Neil, niece Tasha Brenno, brother-in-law Ervin (Spud) Stelton, sister-in-law Linda (Geske) Brenno, and former son-in-law (and running mate) Jeff Plum. SERVICES Visitation Friday, January 20, 2017 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Leeds Lutheran Church 250 1st Ave. SE Leeds, North Dakota 58346

Lawrence Brown-Newspaper Unknown

Lawrence L. Brown, 56, East Wenatchee, Wash., formerly of Esmond, died at his home. Mr. Brown was born Nov. 29, 1927, at Esmond, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Brown.  He was reared there and served in the Navy in 1945-47.  He moved to Washington in 1966, and worked in Okanogan Valley orchards there before settling in the Wenatchee area.  He was employed by the Horan Bros. Orchards there, and at the time of his death, was working at Vic’s Fit-It Shop in East Wenatchee.

Survivors:  daughter, Mrs. Ron (Vicki) Evans, Wenatchee; two grandchildren; parents, of Esmond; brothers, Ermen Brown, St. Michael, Donald Brown, Liberty, N.C., Orris Brown, Minot; sisters, Mrs. Arlice Georgeson, Esmond, Mrs. Sharon Garbo, El Paso, Texas, Mrs. Eunice Hudspeth, Panama City, Fla., Mrs. Joyce Dooley, Hayward, Calif., Mrs. Beverly Johnson, Mullan, Idaho.  (Telford’s Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee)

Helen Simenson Bundy-Newspaper Unknown

Funeral Services for Mrs. Bundy Held in Devils Lake

Funeral services for Mrs. Burton Bundy, 29, of Devils Lake, were conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock from the Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Devils Lake with the Rev. Turner Tallekson, officiating.  Interment was in the Devils Lake cemetery. Mrs. Bundy died early Sunday morning in a Devils Lake hospital following a lingering illness.  She had been a patient at the hospital for the past six weeks.

The former Helen Luella Simenson was born at Maddock June 18, 1923, the daughter of Sigurd and Laura Simenson.  She graduated from the Maddock high school.  On March 9, 1847 (1947?) she was united in marriage to Burton Bundy at Maddock.  Following their marriage they made their home in Devils Lake where Mr. Bundy is employed by the Gamble Store.

Surviving her, besides her husband, are her parents, two children, Daniel, age 2; Susan, age 1; four brothers, Melvin and Eddie of Maddock, Leonard and Virgil of Esmond; five sisters, Mable (Mrs. Melvin Berg) of Minot, Inga (Mrs. Oscar Ambers) of Hamberg, Signe (Mrs. Clarence Hanson) of Wahpeton, Edith (Mrs. Frank Partykie) of Seattle, and Arlene Simenson of Maddock.  A son 2 ½ preceded her in death in 1949.  An active member of her church, Mrs. Bundy participated in the Sunday school “Cradle Roll”; the church Ladies Aid and was a member of the “Gideon” Auxiliary.

The Toomy-Sorvick Funeral Chapel

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Glen Waldo Chapman-Nelson Funeral Home website

Glenn W. Chapman, 93, of Everett, WA, formerly of rural Minnewaukan, ND, died Wednesday, February 22, 2012 under Hospice Care at the Christian Adult Care Home in Mesa, AZ.  Memorial services and burial will be held later at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, rural Minnewaukan. 

Glenn Waldo Chapman was born January 21, 1919 on a farm near Minnewaukan to Alfred Bradley and Ingaborg (Dokken) Chapman.  He was raised in North Dakota and attended grade school and part of his high school years at Minnewaukan.  The family then moved to the Harvey, ND area.  Glenn graduated from the Fessenden, ND high school in 1937. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1941 and served as a Carpenters 3rd Class, stationed in the Aleutian Islands.  While on leave in 1943, he married a grade school classmate, Evelyn T. Helgeson and along with daughter, Evadeen, moved to Oakland, CA where he was stationed at the Supply Depot.  The family later lived in Hayward, CA until Glenn was released from the Navy.  They also lived in Kelso, WA for a time.  Glenn and Evelyn purchased a home in Everett, WA and enjoyed raising sheep, hogs and cattle.  Glenn worked 65 years with the Carpenters Union of Longview, WA.   Following retirement, Glenn and Evelyn traveled to 36 countries.  They later bought a home in Mesa, AZ and spent the last 15 winters there. Surviving are his wife:  Evelyn of Everett;  4 children:  Evadeen Brockway, Brad  and Jerald Chapman all of Lake Stevens, WA and Jewel Taylor of Arlington, WA;  4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents;  a brother:  Earl; and sisters:  Phyllis and Evelyn. 

John F. Cowan-Benson County Farmers  Press

The funeral for John F. Cowan, 80, of Rugby, formerly of Leeds, was held Monday at 11 a.m. at the Leeds Lutheran Church in Leeds. Internment was in the Leeds Lutheran Cemetery. He died Feb 7, 1992 at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby.

Rev. Margaret Olson officiated. Jeanette Kenner was organist and vocalists were Ruth Schlieve and Louella Fredrickson. Pallbearers were Marvin and Ken Alexander, John and Robert Dulmage, Ray Russell and Francis Fogelson. The Nelson Funeral Home of Leeds was in charge of arrangements.

John F. Cowan was born Jan. 17, 1912 in Irvine Township of Benson County to David and Catherine Kirkpatrick Cowan. He was reared in Irvine Township and graduated from Leeds High school. He married Myrtle Hagen Dec. 16, 1939. They farmed near Leeds until retiring in 1979. They moved to Rugby in April of 1989., She died April 9, 1991.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Gerry (Susan) Palmer of Fargo, two grandchildren; and a sister, Katherine Rowell of Winona, Minn. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three brothers, William, Roy and Kirk; and a sister Ann.

Myrtle Hagen Cowan-Benson County Farmers Press April 17, 1991

The funeral for Myrtle Cowan, 72, of Rugby, formerly of Leeds, was held Sat. at 1 p.m. at the Leeds Lutheran Church. Internment was in the Leeds Lutheran Cemetery. She died April 19, 1991 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby.

Rev. Margaret Olson officiated. Dorothy Stuberg was organist & Ken Stuberg furnished special music. Pallbearers were Marvin Alexander, Ken Alexander, Robert Dulmage, John Dulmage, Francis Fogelson & Gordon Cowan. The Nelson Funeral Home of Leeds was in charge of arrangements.

Myrtle Cowan was born July 3, 1918 at Stanley, the daughter of Martin & Ellen Asheim Hagen. When Myrtle was 2 years old her mother died & she was raised by Pete & Ellen Nesvig at Leeds. She graduated from Leeds High School. She married John Cowan Dec. 16, 1939 at Leeds. They farmed near Leeds & lived there until 1989 when they moved to Rugby.

She was a member of the Leeds Lutheran Church & the church's ladies aid. Survivors include her husband of Rugby; a daughter, Mrs. Gerry (Susan) Palmer of Fargo, & 2 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents & 2 brothers, Orville & Elmer.

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James Byron Duffy-Nelson Funeral Home website

James “Bud” B. Duffey, 66, of Quincy, WA formerly of rural Esmond, ND, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, March 1, 2012 .  Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 10th, 2012,  1:00 PM at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Esmond with Fr. Brian Bachmeier, celebrant.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7pm Friday at the church followed by a 7:00 PM Rosary and a 7:30pm Vigil Service all in the church.  A Celebration of Life Service was held Monday at Scharbach’s Columbia Funeral Chapel in Quincy. 

James “Bud” Byron Duffey was born March 22, 1945 in Maddock, ND to James and Agnes (Voeller) Duffey. He attended the Isabel Country School, rural Esmond, and graduated in 1963 from the Benson County Agricultural and Training School in Maddock.  Bud and his wife, Jenny (Keller), lived and farmed in the Esmond/Maddock area until 1991, then relocated to Quincy, WA.  In Quincy, he continued his love of farming by working for Webber Farms for the last 20 years.

Bud was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, who will be greatly missed. James is survived by his wife:  Jenny Duffey of Quincy;  mother and step father:  Agnes & Virgil Ellingson of Heimdal, ND;  and 5 children: Saniel (Della, Tia) Hoffert,  Rhonda (Lou, Elesia, Ethan) Burnett, Danielle (Tony, Seth, Cody, Jayme) Whipple, Coreen (Jason, Brittney, Kayden) McNulty, and Doreen (Wayne, Justin) Dick. Bud was preceded in death by his father:  James D. Duffey on November 20, 1965; aunts, uncles and numerous relatives, who will welcome him home.

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Agnes Voeller Duffey Ellingson-Nelson Funeral Home website

Agnes Ellingson, 94, of Heimdal, ND,  died Sunday, July 15, 2012, at St. Aloisius Medical Center in Harvey, ND.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, July 19, 2012,  10:00 AM at St. Williams Catholic Church in Maddock with Fr. Michael Hickin, celebrant.  Burial will be in St. James Catholic Cemetery at Minnewaukan, ND.  Visitation will be Wednesday, 4 to 7pm with a 7pm Vigil and Rosary all at the Nelson Funeral Home in Maddock.  Casket bearers will be:  Alf Dybing,  Bryan Fossen,  Harold Fossen,  Galen Hakanson, Eric Johnson and Ronald Keller.  Music will be from Melissa Benson Soloist with Becky Brandvold, pianist.  

Agnes Ellingson was born April 1, 1918 near Center, ND, to Joseph and Barbara (Meyer) Voeller.  She was baptized at Assumption Abbey at Richardton, ND and at an early age,  moved with her family to the Fillmore, ND area where she attended school.  Following her education, Agnes worked for area farmers helping with the cooking for the threshing crews and other farm chores.  Agnes married James Duffey on November 8, 1941.  They had one son, James “Bud” Byron Duffey on March 22, 1945.  The couple farmed east of Esmond.  James Duffey passed away in 1965.  She continued to live and work on the farm with her son until her marriage to Virgil Ellingson on October 22, 1977.  They farmed in the Heimdal area until retiring in 1996.  Agnes entered St. Aloisius Medical Center in September of 2011.

Agnes was a member of St. Williams Catholic Church in Maddock.  She was an outstanding gardener, who raised and gave many bushels of vegetables to friends and neighbors.  Agnes also enjoyed playing pinochle until her later years.

Surviving are her husband:  Virgil of Heimdal;  daughter-in-law:  Jenny Duffey of Harvey, ND;  5 grandchildren:  Saniel (Della) Hoffert,  Rhonda (Lou) Burnett,  Danielle (Tony) Whipple,  Coreen (Jason) McNulty and Doreen (Wayne) Dick;  9 great-grandchildren:  Tia Hoffert,  Elesia & Ethan Burnett,   Seth, Cody & Jayme Whipple,   Brittney & Kayden McNulty  &  Justin Dick;  sisters:  Florence (Leo) Lauinger of Glenwood, MN,  Inez Steber of Corvallis, OR and Lillian Carter of Hancock, MN;  brothers:  Richard (Virginia) Voeller and Jerry (Lottie) Voeller;  a brother-in-law:  Lewis (Nancy) Duffey of Heimdal, ND; many sisters-in-law and a number of nieces and nephews. 

Agnes was preceded in death by her parents;  first husband:  James Duffey on November 20, 1965;  a son:  James “Bud” Byron Duffey on March 1, 2012;  brothers:  Victor,  Jack,  Raymond,  Anton,  Leo, and Harold Voeller; and sisters:  Viola Paris and Irene Dillman.

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Harold J Fragodt-Nelson Funeral Home website

Harold J. Fragodt, 88, of rural York, ND, died Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at Edgewood Vista in East Grand Forks, MN.  Funeral services will be Sunday, May 6, 2012, 2:00 PM at St. Petri Lutheran Church rural York, ND with Pastor Richard Budd officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be Saturday from 5 to 7pm with a 7pm Prayer Service at the Nelson Funeral Home in Leeds.  Casket bearers will be:  David Fragodt,  Keith Johnson,  Travis Johnson,  Mark Randle,  Aaron Tollefson and Marco Tollefson.  Honorary bearers will be Elvin Randle and Magnus Lysne.

     Harold J. Fragodt was born to Edwin and Minnie (Sandven) Fragodt on November 18, 1923, on the family farm in Broe Township, rural York, ND.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Petri Lutheran Church, rural York and attended the Baker School.  Harold married Beverly Shirley on November 22, 1953 at Viking Church, rural Maddock.  The couple made their home on the family farm where Harold grew up.  

     Harold took responsibility for the farm operation when his father died suddenly from a farm accident.  Even though his passion for farming began early in his life, it was his family that he treasured.  His wife, Bev, of 58 years was the love of his life.  He also adored his children and grandchildren and built many play homes out of boxes, whittled whistles and created homemade slingshots.  Family time at church and over meals from the back of a pickup truck and lending a helping hand to neighbors were the joys of his life.  Harold also enjoyed telling jokes and stories of his childhood and driving around looking at fields after a good rain. 

     As a member of the St. Petri church, Harold held the offices of President and Treasurer along with other positions.  He was also very active in the St. Petri men’s club and the church choir.  Harold served as the Broe Township clerk for many years and held positions on the Harlow and Baker elevator boards. He also served as a 4-H leader.

     He is survived by his wife: Beverly of Devils Lake; a son: James (Marie) Fragodt of Harlow; two daughters: Jean (Keith) Johnson of Grand Forks and Julie (Marco) Tollefson of Devils Lake; six grandchildren: Laura (Brent) Nichols, Travis Johnson, Aaron Tollefson, Mindy Johnson, Kelly Fragodt and Rachael Tollefson; a sister: Audrey Jacobson of Clarissa, MN; sisters-in-law: Elaine Fragodt of Fargo and Joyce Rasmussen of Maddock; a brother-in-law: Reverend Fritz Olderr of Watertown, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

     Harold passed away on May 1, 2012 at Edgewood Vista in East Grand Forks, MN at the age of 88. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Minnie Fragodt; brothers, Elmer, Raymond, John, Alvin and Ervin; sisters, Doris, Iverne, Inga and Dina; sisters-in-law, Lucille Fragodt, Vi Fragodt and Betty Anderson; brothers-in-law, Palmer Broe and Warren Jacobson.

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Albin M. Georgeson-Newspaper Unknown

Funeral services for Albin M. Georgeson, 78, of Esmond will be conducted from the Trinity Lutheran Church in Esmond on Saturday, March 15 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Wilfred Hanson officiating.  Interment will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in the spring. 

Mr. Georgeson died Saturday, March 8 in the Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby, where he had lived for several months. Casket bearers will be Arnold Hanson, Orris Brown, Art Rice, LeRoy Rice, Leonard Johnson and Harlan Hellerud. Mrs. Edwin Hillestad will be organist.  Mrs. Wilfred Hanson and Ove Lunde will provide special music. The Wheeler Funeral Home of Maddock is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Albin M. Georgeson was born April 20, 1896, the son of Abe and Bertha Georgeson near Heimdal.  He moved with his family to the Viking Community in 1903 and then to the Hamberg area in 1910.  He attended public schools in both the Viking School and in Hamberg. On March 19, 1925, he married Hilda E. Titterud in Benson County.  The couple lived in Hamberg, where Mr. Georgeson blacksmithed and in later years in western North Dakota and various parts of Benson County, before moving to Esmond 1941.  In Esmond he was an electrician and also did blacksmithing.  He was also a former member of the American Legion in Fillmore.  Mrs. Georgeson died in May of 1974.

Surviving are four sons, Roy of Esmond, Albin, Jr. of Tokio, Palmer of Maddock and Ardell of Shelbyville, Tenn.; five daughters, Mrs. Raymond (Adeline) Zimbelman of Oxnard, Calif., Mrs. James (Adella) Evans of No. Hollywood, Calif., Mrs. Julian (Jane) Olson of Harvey, Mrs. Harold (Dorothy) Tracer of Rector, Ark. And Mrs. Donna Hieb of Grand Forks; one brother, Algot of East Grand Forks, Minn.; three sisters, Mrs. Alice Herbeck of Maddock, Mrs. Gladys Mahoney of Granada Hills, Calif. And Mrs. Marlys Bedford of Fessenden; twenty-nine great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death besides his wife were his parents; one son, Harold, who died in Korea in 1952; three grandchildren, three brothers, Ervin, Ernest and Hjalmer and two sisters, Pearl and Luella.

Olga Anderson Georgeson- Newspaper Unknow

MADDOCK, N.D. – Funeral services for Olga M. Georgeson, 94, longtime Maddock area resident, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday from the North Viking Lutheran Church in Maddock with Rev. Dale G. Seffrood officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Mrs. Georgeson died Tuesday at her farm home near Maddock. The Nelson Funeral Home of Maddock is in charge of arrangements.

Olga Mathilda Anderson was born Feb. 7, 1891 at Kerkhoven, Minn. to Bersvend and Anne Johnson Anderson.  She was reared and educated in that area. She married Justin Georgeson on Nov. 17, 1912 at Willmar, Minn.  They moved to Heimdal and in 1919 to Maddock.  He had operated blacksmith shops in both locations. In 1927 they sold the business in Maddock and purchased a farmstead west of Maddock.  He died in August 1969 and she had continued to live on the farm. She was a member of the North Viking Lutheran Church and its Ladies Aid, a life member of the Maddock 55 Club and a longtime member of the Sons of Norway.  She also had been an active member in the former Order of Eastern Star Chapter at Maddock.

 Survivors include: two sons – Arthur of Englewood, Col. And Arnold of Northport, Fla; four daughters – Mrs. Earl Lybeck of Fargo, Mrs. Myrtle Vikander of Maddock, Mrs. Kenneth Gutterud of Spokane, Wash. and Joyce Georgeson of Denver, Col.; 18 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son Wallace, daughters Angeline and J. Elaine, and three sisters Anna, Esther and Minda.

Roy Clinton Georgeson-Nelson Funeral Home website

Roy C. Georgeson, 85, of Esmond, ND,  died Saturday, July 13^th, 2013 at Trinity Medical Center in Minot.  Graveside services will be Wednesday, July 17, 2013,  2:00 PM at Rosehill Cemetery in Esmond, ND with Pastor David Walters officiating.  There will be no visitation.  Casket bearers will be his grandchildren:  Aaron,  Brock,  Matthew, Tony & Lance Georgeson,  Jamie Batemen,  Christeen Wurgeler,  Thea Buri,  Don, Doree,  Desiree,  Dustin and Devin Keplin, Devin and Daryl Kaul,  Samantha Kaul,  Christain Nelson and Jessica Ingolfsland.  Music will be from Marlene Keplin, vocalist with Jennifer Hagen, pianist. The Nelson Funeral Home of Maddock is in charge of the arrangements.

Roy Clinton Georgeson was born July 18, 1927 at Esmond, ND, to Albin and Hilda (Titterud) Georgeson.  The family lived in several other areas of North Dakota and then moved back to Esmond when Roy was fourteen.  He attended the Esmond High School. Roy worked at Lockheed in California for time before returning to Esmond where he worked for Ove Lunde Construction until his retirement.  Roy married Arlice Brown October 19, 1949 in Rugby.  During their years together, Roy remodeled their home and add several rooms.  He helped build the restrooms and flower beds at the Randy Marthe Park in Esmond,  built small lawn buildings, birdhouses and ornaments. Following his retirement, Roy tilled gardens and did handy work for his friends and neighbors.  Arlice passed away June 1, 2012.  Roy enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing and going to the casino.

 Surviving are sons: Verdane (Kimberly) Georgeson of Maddock,  Arlynn (Tammy) Georgeson of Glen Carbon, Ill;  daughters:  Shelley Georgeson and her companion, LeRoy Senger of Crary, ND,  Denise Georgeson and her companion, LeeRoy Fischer) of Beulah, ND and  Marlene Keplin of Grand Forks;  18 grandchildren;  28 great-grandchildren;  2 great-great grandchildren;  brothers:  Albin Jr. (Sharon) of Warwick, ND and Ardell (Irene) Georgeson of Shelbyville, TN;  sisters:  Dorothy (Harold)  Tracer of Rector, AR,  Jane Olson of Harvey, ND and Dona (Dan) Nichols of Grand Forks, ND;  a sister-in-law:  Ilene Georgeson of Maddock, ND.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sons: Roy, Jr. and Kerry;  brothers:  Harold and Palmer Georgeson;  sisters:  Adeline Zimbleman and Ardella Evans.

Alice Lageson Gigstad- Newspaper Unknown

 Funeral services for Mrs. Rudolph Gigstad, 78, of Maddock were conducted on Friday Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. from the North Viking Lutheran Church in Maddock with Rev. Dale Seffrood officiating.  Interment will be in the North Viking Cemetery in the spring.

Mrs. Gigstad died Tuesday afternoon in the Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby where she had been a patient for several days. Casket bearers were Erling Olson, Donald Butts, Paul Kallenbach, Donald Ystaas, Frank Tandeski and Greg Mack.  Miss Gilma Hovland was the organist.  She accompanied Jimmie Gilbertson, soloist, who sang “How Great Thou Art” and “Sweet By and Bye”. The Wheeler Funeral Home of Maddock was in charge of arrangements.

Alice Rosetta Lageson was born June 15, 1900, the daughter of Lage and Mathilda Lageson in Norway Lake Township, south of Maddock.  She attended public schools in Norway Lake Township and grew to womanhood on her parents’ farm. She was married to Rudolph Gigstad on July 16, 1925 in Fessenden.  The couple moved to Heimdal after their marriage where Mr. Gigstad operated a garage.  In 1928, they moved to a farm southwest of Maddock in Arne Township where they farmed until 1956 when they moved to Maddock.  They have lived in Maddock since and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in the summer of 1975.

Mrs. Gigstad was a member of the North Viking LCW; the Arne Homemakers; and a former member of the Fron Lutheran Church Ladies Aid.  She had been a member of the North Viking LCW with a near perfect attendance for many years, and was currently an officer of one of the circles.

Surviving are her husband; two sons, Ardell of Maddock and Roy of Rugby; two sisters, Mrs. Laura Olson of Maddock and Mrs. LaVerne (Sylvia) Butts of Minnewaukan; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Anna; and four brothers, Andrew, Ivar, Henry, and Anders.

Rudolph Gigstadt- Newspaper Unknown

MADDOCK – Rudolph Gigstadt, 86, Maddock, died Friday in a Rugby hospital.  His funeral will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at North Viking Lutheran Church, Maddock, with burial in the spring in the church cemetery.

He was born Feb. 22, 1897, near Heimdal, a son of Andrew and Ingeborg Gigstadt.  He spent his early years in Becker County, Minn., and Sanborn.  He married Alice Lageson July 16, 1925, at Fessenden.  They lived at Heimdal where he operated a gas station and service garage for nearly four years.  In 1928 they moved to a farm in Arne Township, Benson County, southwest of Maddock.  They remained there until 1956 when they moved into town.  Mrs. Gigstadt died in January 1979.  He was a longtime member of the North Viking church. 

Survivors: sons, Ardell, Maddock, Roy, Rugby; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Lloyd Gigstadt, Great Falls, Mont.

Friends may call until 8 tonight at Nelson Funeral Home, Maddock.

Howard Carroll Gilbertson-Nelson Funeral Home website

H. Carroll Gilbertson, 81, of Maddock, ND,  died Sunday evening  October 28, 2012 at St. Aloisius Medical Center in Harvey.  Funeral services will be Saturday, November 3, 2012, 11:00 AM at Viking Lutheran Church, rural Maddock with Pastor Allen Campbell officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Closed casket visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7pm at the Nelson Funeral Home in Maddock.  Casket bearers will be:  Doug Arnston,  Dean Broten,  Tilford Broten,  Alf Dybing,  Matt Gilbertson,  Tom Gilbertson,  Brad Hovland and Gerry Ostlie.  Readings will be given by Jim Gilbertson and Dorothy Stegman.  Music will be from Joann Bergrud, organist with Nancy Abrahamson and Kenneth Gilbertson, vocalists.

Howard Carroll Gilbertson was born February 9, 1930 to Amos and Benora (Broten) Gilbertson on the family farm south of Maddock, ND.  He was educated at the Quarve #3 and Bergsgaard rural schools and graduated in 1949 for the Benson County Agricultural and Training School at Maddock.   Carroll farmed all of his life, operating a grain and cattle farm.  Carroll married Doris Hanson in November of 1951 at Viking Lutheran Church. Doris passed away in 1974.  He married Joan Lysne in October of 1976 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Devils Lake.  The couple moved into Maddock in 1996. 

Carroll was baptized, confirmed and a life member of Viking Lutheran Church, where he had served on several boards.  He was the last elected member of the Quarve rural school  and served on the Maddock Public School Board during the construction of the new school. Carroll was a 4H leader for 17 years, a member and past officer of the Farmers Union.  He enjoyed raising and training horses, trail rides, held memberships in several saddle clubs around the state and was a charter member of the Benson County Rodeo Association.    Carroll also enjoyed threshing shows, fiddle music at the Peace Gardens,  country music, dancing and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife:  Joan of Maddock;  a son:  Kenneth (Debbie) Gilbertson of  Spokane, WA;  daughters:  Nancy (David) Abrahamson of Maddock and Mary Ann (Dale) Broe of Rugby, ND;  Joan’s daughters:  Michelle Anderson of Chandler, AZ,  Rochelle (Steve) Paulson of Grand Forks and Janelle (Colon) Richholt of Chandler, AZ;  10 grandchildren:  Chad (Melanie) Gilbertson,  Melissa (Jose) Garcia,  LeAnn Ostlie,  Shane Ostlie,  Alexis Broe,  Chaalse,  Danielle, and Clayton Paulson,  Christian and Ethan Richholt;  4 great-grandchildren:  Kelsey Gilbertson,  Brianna and Logan Garcia and Kenadee Ostlie;  a sister:  Betty Jacobson of Maddock;  sisters-in-law:  Orpha (Duane) Howard of Sheyenne,  Joyce Hanson of Devils Lake,  Faye (Ron) Gibbens of Grand Forks,  Gail (Wendell) Grondahl of Maddock and a brother-in-law:  Mark Lysne of Maddock. Preceding him in death were his parents;  first wife: Doris in 1974;  a son:  Johnie Gilbertson in 1978;  mothers-in-law and fathers-in-law:  Gunder & Helga Hanson and  Roald & Doris Lysne and a brother-in-law:  Glenn Hanson.

Elmer W. Giles- Newspaper Unknown

Elmer W. Giles, 66, retired Sweetheart bread truck driver from Rugby, died May 1 at Rugby.  The funeral was Monday at First Lutheran Church, Rugby.  Burial will be in Persilla Watts Cemetery later in the spring.

Dianne Armstrong was organist and accompanied David Lysne, soloist.  Pallbearers were Elmer Braaten, Levi Dawson, Wayne Jensen, Art Lysne, John Shjerve and William Stone.  Honorary pallbearers were Carl Anderson, Thor Hawk, Herbert Liebelt and Christ Ley.

He was born May 23, 1908 at Esmond and moved with his parents to Rugby as a young man.  He married Dorothy Deeter on March 29, 1937 at Rugby and they lived there since.  He was a truck driver for Dakota Maid Flour Co. in a five county area for 20 years.  He drove a Sweetheart Bakeries delivery truck in a five county area for 18 years until retiring.  He had also been a part-time employee at Good Samaritan Hospital of Rugby.  He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Rugby, and a local member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters No. 74 of Minot.

Survivors include: wife; four sons, Roger W., Wildwood, Ill., Donald J., Crosby, Timothy, Lakewood, Colo., and James, Huntsville, Alabama; a daughter, Mrs. Dale (Carol Ann) Purington, Stillwater, Minn.; nine grandchildren; and five sisters, Mrs. Merle Jenson, Esmond, Mrs. Hazel Lysne, Moorhead, Minn., Mrs. Leona Westgard, Westfield, N.J., Mrs. Florence Thomas, Butte, Mont., and Mrs. Adaline Afseth, North Hollywood, Calif.

Joe Gumeringer- Newspaper Unknown

ESMOND – The funeral will be Wednesday at 10 in St. Boniface Catholic Church, Esmond, for Joe Gumeringer, 77, Esmond, former member of the North Dakota Legislature, who died Sunday in a Minot hospital.  Rev. W. J. Banasiewicz will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.  Six grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

 Mr. Gumeringer was born Dec. 29, 1892, in Russia, and moved to the United States at the age of seven.  He settled with his parents south of Esmond.  He farmed south of Esmond until retiring in the early 1950’s, and moving into Esmond. A member of the Strasburg School Board and township board, Mr. Gumeringer was a director of the Farmers Elevator and Farmer’s Creamery, both of Esmond, and a member of the St. Boniface Church. He served in the State Legislature from 1950 to 1954.  He was a member of the Democratic Non-Partisan League Executive Committee.

He married Margaret Klein Jan. 17, 1917, near Esmond.  She survives with six sons, Bert, Edmond and Edward, all of Esmond, Frank of Fargo, Raymond of Rugby and William of Minot; three daughters, Mrs. Fabian (Betty) Black, Esmond, Mrs. Paul (Judy) Austinson, Bakersfield, Calif., and Mrs. Edmund (Delores) Hager, Balta; two sisters, Mrs. Julia Klein, Esmond, and Mrs. Leslie Jones, Chicago; and 24 grandchildren.  (Wheeler Funeral Home, Maddock)

Orlen Guttromson- Newspaper Unknown

 Funeral services for Orlen C. Guttromson, 65, of Moorhead, Minn. were held Saturday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. at Hawley, Minn. With Rev. Robert J. Paulsen and Rev. Norman Johnson officiating at services and interment.  Mrs. Gordon McDougall was soloist, accompanied by Norman Hanson, organist.  Pallbearers were Carl Aakre, Victor Hanson, Gordon Olson, Hans Pellikka, Clayton Tollerud and Ron Ulven.  The Vigen Funeral Home of Hawley was in charge of arrangements.

Orlen C. Guttromson was born at Esmond Dec. 19, 1910, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Guttromson.  He attended schools at Esmond and was married to Ruth Haugen at Esmond.  They farmed near Esmond, where he was active in church work and was a Sunday school teacher.  In 1961 they moved to Hawley, Minn., where they farmed.  In 1971 they retired from farming and moved to Moorhead, where he was employed by Concordia College.  He died at St. Ansgar’s Hospital in Moorhead after a short illness. 

Survivors include two sons, Orlen, Jr. of Walnut, Calif. And Roger of Bismarck; three daughters, Mrs. Duane (Ilene) Iverson of Lake Park, Minn., Mrs. Lynn (Claudine) Hanson of Uniontown, Ohio and Mrs. Larry (Evelyn) Gedde of Watson, Minn.; five brothers, Ralph of Spokane, Palmer of Fargo, Norman of Williston, Clarence of Minneapolis; two sisters, Mrs. J. Fred (Edith) Nelson of Rugby and Mrs. Nels (Pearl) Vestre of Townsend, Mont.; and seven grandchildren.

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Grant Hagen- Newspaper Unknown

Grant Hagen, 70, rural Esmond, died Saturday at his farm home.  Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Isabel Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Esmond.  Burial will be in the church Cemetery. Visitors may call all day today at theWheeler-Nelson Funeral Home, Maddock.

Grant Hagen was born May 1, 1910, to Julius and Gina Liudahl Hagen, on the family homestead in Isabel Township, Benson County.  Mr. Hagen was a life long resident of Isabel Township.  He was also a life time member of the Isabel Immanuel Lutheran Church and was the first child to be baptized there. He married Lillian Soderstrom at Sheyenne on Sept. 29, 1931.  They farmed and lived in Isabel Township and continued to live on the farm after their retirement in 1968.

Surviving are his wife; one son, Julin, Esmond, two daughters, Mrs. Gary (Judy) Lynne, Gainesville, Fla.; Mrs. Rodger (Sharon) Benson, Maddock; six grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Alpha Halvorson, Devils Lake; Mrs. Wilbur (Thinka) Olson, Tacoma, Wash.

Ethel Mae Schuman Helgeson-Nelson Funeral Home website

Ethel Mae Helgeson passed peacefully from death to life eternal on June 11, 2013.

Ethel Mae was born on May 29, 1925, to Ernest and Daisy (Kurz) Schuman in Warren, Minnesota, but was quickly reunited with her other siblings in rural Minnewaukan, ND, where her family had a dairy farm. She attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse, then attended Benson County Agricultural Training School in Maddock, ND, graduating as Salutatorian in 1942.  For the next 3 ½ years, she taught at one-room schoolhouses before leaving to attend Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, followed by two years at Valley City State Teachers College in Valley City, ND, where she received a Normal Teachers Degree. She taught English and Drama at McClusky, North Dakota for a year, then transferred to the Fargo Public School district where she taught Jr. High drama for four years.

On June 28, 1953, she married Harlan Donald Helgeson, whom she had known since first grade and had attended high school with. They moved onto one of the family farms in the Minnewaukan area and continued to live in that area until 1998. Their daughter Elaine Marie was born in November of 1954 and another girl, Joan Carol, was added in January of 1957.  

Ethel and Harlan were members of the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Esmond Parish, of rural Minnewaukan, where they lead the high school youth group, “Luther League,” while their children were small.  Ethel was the Sunday School Superintendant for many years, writing and directing the annual Christmas programs. She served as chairman of “Family Night” and Ladies Aid (WELCA) many times, and taught Sunday School for 20 years. 

 In 1965, Ethel returned to teaching handicapped and special needs students, first privately and then in the Minnewaukan and Maddock schools as a remedial reading teacher from 1968 to 1976. Ethel used her remarkable gifts of administration to graciously serve her community. She taught Farmers Union Youth camps and classes for many years and was known for her drama events and programs. Ethel was as comfortable on a stage or chairing a meeting as she was driving a grain truck. She is especially remembered for her generous hospitality and great cooking. You were always welcome in Ethel’s home!

 Next to traveling with Harlan, perhaps the hobby that brought her the greatest joy was music. Harlan and Ethel were known for their duets and the quartets they sang with their dear friends, Henning and Myrt Jacobson, performing for 50 years. And they rarely missed a performance by any of their three grandchildren, no matter how far they had to travel to see them. In 1977, Harlan and Ethel became snowbirds.  They retired from farming in 1989, and in 1998 moved to Rugby, ND, enjoying summers in North Dakota and winters in Meza, Arizona. The Helgesons moved south to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren in 2008 - first to Cedar Rapids, IA, for two years, and then to Creston, IA, for the past three years. No matter where they lived during their nearly 60 years together, they continued to make new friends and find ways to help those around them.  The coffee pot was always on!

Ethel is survived by her husband Harlan of Creston, IA, daughter Elaine (OJ) Fargo, of Creston, IA, grandson Eric Neeley (Laura) of Des Moines, IA, daughter Joan (Blane) Wollschlager of Fort Worth, TX, grandchildren Sarah (Nate) Ndjerareou of Arlington, TX, Dana (Kirsten) Wollschlager of Landstuhl, Germany, step-grandchildren Maddee Fargo, Alex and Noah Fargo, and two great-grandchildren, Sophia and Isaac Ndjerareou, sister Evelyn Piper of Rugby, ND, sisters-in-law Evelyn Chapman of Arlington, Washington, Joan Schuman of Sun Lakes, AZ, Lucille Schuman of Gilbertville, KY, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Daisy Schuman, brothers Kenneth, Glenn and Earl Schuman, and brother-in-law Harvey Piper, sister-in-law Mamie Schuman, her parents-in-law Clarence and Gustina Helgeson, her sisters-in-law Hazelle Helgeson, Geneva Olsen and Marilyn Aanderud, and brothers-in-law Edwin Helgeson, Glen Chapman, Reo Olsen and Odell Aanderud.

Memorial Services will be Saturday, June 29, 2013,  2:00PM at Leeds Lutheran Church, Leeds, ND, with Pastor Harold Ovre officiating.  Interment will be in St. Oalf Cemetery, rural Minnewaukan, ND.  Music for the service will be from Joann Bergrud, soloist;  Paula Duren, pianist and Dan Nybo, organist.

Alice Georgeson Herbeck- Newspaper Unknown

MADDOCK – Mrs. Alice B. Herbeck, 75, rural Maddock, formerly of the Heimdal, Viking and Hamberg areas, died Friday.  Funeral 2 Tuesday at North Viking Lutheran Church, Maddock Church Cemetery.

Born Alice B. Georgeson March 9, 1900, near Heimdal. 

Was reared in the Viking area where she moved with her parents in 1902, and later in the Hanberg area, where she moved with them about 1910.  Married Francis Herbeck June 11, 1920, at Fessenden.  They farmed in Arne and South Viking townships, Benson County, all their lives.  Mr. Herbeck died in a966.  Member of North Viking Lutheran Church Women and had taught Sunday School at North Viking Lutheran Church, Maddock.

Survivors: one daughter, Mrs. Harlan (Lorraine) Hellerud, Maddock; two grandchildren; one brother, Algot Georgeson, Grand Forks; and two sisters, Mrs. Gladys Mahoney, Granada Hills, Calif., and Mrs. Marlyce Bedford, Fessenden.  (Wheeler Funeral Home, Maddock)

Francis J. Herbeck- Newspaper Unknown

Funeral services for Francis J. Herbeck, 68, of rural Maddock, will be conducted from the North Viking Lutheran Church on Friday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Elmo Andrson officiating.  Interment will be in the North Viking Lutheran Cemetery.  Mr. Herbeck passed away very suddenly at his farm home in South Viking Township, on Monday morning.  He had brushed snow from his car in the early morning, and collapsed upon re-entering his home. Casket bearers for the service will be Joe Bratvold, Knute Bondeli, Leonard Holje, Alvin Shaffer, Kenneth Wisness and Paul Wold. Miss Gilma Hovland will be organist and will accompany Mrs. Elmo Anderson, who will be soloist. The Wheeler Funeral Home of Maddock is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Francis Joseph Herbeck was born May 22, 1898, the son of Henry and Elizabeth Herbeck in Maddock.  He attended the Arne and South Viking Township rural schools.  He had farmed in Arne Township and on his present farm home in South Viking Township, all his life.  He had been a trustee of the North Viking Lutheran Church, and had served as a former member of the Arne Township Board.  He was a present and long-standing member of the South Viking Township Board. On June 11 1920, he married Alice Georgeson in Fessenden.  Surviving besides his wife, are one daughter, Mrs. Harlan (Lorraine) Hellerud of Maddock; his step-father, Mr. Lars Litsheim of Williston; two sisters, Mrs. Stanley (Helen) Davidson of Mt. Vernon, Wash. and Mrs. Alex (Elizabeth) Thiel of Hilbert, Wisc.; one brother, Henry of Sherwood, Wisc.; and two grandchildren.