All Obituaries

O’Neil Rainsberry, 93, passed away at Good Samaritan Society in Lakota on Saturday, May 27, 2023. O’Neil A. Rainsberry was born March 14, 1930, to Ernest and Etta Rainsberry in Brocket, ND.  He went to school at Brocket and Cleveland Schools.  He married the love of his life and his life partner Helen in 1951.  After their marriage, O’Neil was drafted into the Army and spent 18 months in Okinawa.  When he finished his duty, he bought their home in rural...

Elaine “Tootie” Fisk, age 94, resident of Lakota, ND, died Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Elaine Mae Nelson was born February 11, 1929 in McVille, ND, the daughter of Edwin and Mabel (Bakke) Nelson.  She was raised in Williams Township of Nelson County, near Mapes, ND.  Elaine graduated from Lakota High School in 1946, then attended Aaker’s Business College.  She was married to Leonard Fisk, they divorced in 1988.  Elaine...

Frank Elton Ferguson, age 80, passed away with family by his side on May 21, 2023 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Frank was the sixth of nine children, the first boy, born to Elton & Eva Ferguson.  He grew up and helped on the family farm just outside Lakota, ND.  Throughout his school years, he played baritone in the school band, football all four years of high school, and was President of his senior class, graduating from Lakota High School in 1961.  He...

Gayle M. Saunders, age 71, of Grand Forks and formerly of Doyon, ND and Battle Lake, MN died Monday, May 15, 2023. Gayle Marie was born May 30, 1951 to Richard and Marjorie Saunders.  She attended school in Doyon, ND and graduated from Lakota High School.  She then attended the University of North Dakota where she earned a degree in education.  She first taught in Grand Forks and Emerado, and later in Crary and Devils Lake, ND. Gayle married Keith Burt in 1972.  They...

Kathryn Ward, age 79 resident of McVille, ND, passed away Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the Nelson County Health System Care Center. Kathy was born February 3, 1944 to Minruh and Lillian (Erickson) Gronaas in Fargo, ND.  She attended school in McVille.  Kathy married Clayton Denzil Ward on November 18, 1962 at the McVille Lutheran Church.  Kathy and Clayton began their married life on a farm north of Hamar briefly before moving to the family farm north of McVille where Kathy grew...

Milton Oliver Barney, age 94, resident of Michigan, ND, passed peacefully on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at the Good Samaritan Society in Lakota, ND with family at his side. Milton was born on the family farm south of Petersburg, ND on May 1, 1929 to Nettie (Johnson) Barney and George Charles Barney.  He attended country school in Melvin Township through the 8th grade and graduated from high school in Petersburg.  Milton attended one year of school in Fargo, ND at NDSU where he...

Leonard Berdal, age 89, resident of Grand Forks, ND, formerly of Dahlen, ND, died Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Woodside Village in Grand Forks. Leonard Berdal was born August 9, 1933 on the Berdal farm, Dahlen Township to Lars and Carrie (Fredrickson) Berdal.  He was baptized and confirmed in Dahlen Lutheran Church and a lifelong member.  Leonard attended Dahlen school graduating 1952.  On November 5, 1953 he was inducted into the United States Army and discharged October 11,...

Beverly “Bev” Bergquist, a resident of Lakota, ND, passed away on April 19, 2023.  Born on May 17, 1958 in North Dakota, she was the daughter of Harold Bergquist and Audrey (Eriksmoen) Bergquist.  Bev graduated from Burnsville High School in Minnesota and attended the University of North Dakota, with a concentration in Communications, and was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.  For many years she worked in the travel industry, and later...

Robert A. Somerville, age 76, resident of rural Tolna, ND, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Robert Alan Somerville was born September 26, 1946 in Devils Lake, ND, the son of Robert L. and Clarice L. (White) Somerville.  He graduated from McHenry High School in 1964.  He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps January 11, 1966 and was honorably discharged on January 10, 1970 with the rank of Sergeant.  Bob returned to North Dakota and farmed in Eddy County...

Carrol C. Elgin, Grand Forks and formerly of Michigan, ND passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Valley Senior Living. Carrol Corrine Kallestad was born to Benjamin J. and Cora (Nelson) Kallestad on April 26, 1924.  She resided with her parents and 2 younger brothers 5.5 miles southwest of Michigan in Williams Township.  She graduated from Michigan High School and attended Aakers Business College in Fargo.  She married Milo Elgin on June 9, 1946 upon his return from...