Raymond Mathew Mrachek, 85, of rural Alexander, N.D., died at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Williston, N.D., on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. He was born on Feb. 23, 1939, to Mike and Evelyn Mrachek in Williston, N.D. He attended elementary school in a one room schoolhouse in Charboneau, N.D. He graduated high school in 1957 in Alexander, N.D. He graduated from North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D., and was so proud that his grandson Cayden is now attending the same college. He married his first wife Betty Mrachek and she brought five stepchildren along with her to bless this bachelor’s life. She died from cancer in 1994. He then married Anne Skedsvold at Don and Phyllis Links’ farmstead on Sept. 14, 1995, and they spent 29 years together. Anne also blessed him with two more stepchildren. He was a farmer/rancher, a bus driver, cattle artificial insemination technician and crop adjuster. He also worked at the Sitting Bull Auction for many years and looked forwards to announcing the Alexander Old Settlers Parade, which he did for over 30 years. He was a lifetime active member of the Alexanders Lions Club, and Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church. He enjoyed flowers, listening to the birds and Sunday drives after church to check crops and cattle. He enjoyed spending his time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Anne Mrachek; daughter, Robyn Heck of Sidney; stepdaughters, Cindy Schroeder of Mandan, N.D., Rayne Romo of Bainville, Carrie Torgerson of Beulah, N.D., and Michelle Maxwell of Bismarck, N.D.; stepsons, Randy Jost of Dickinson, N.D., Rocky Jost of Walla Walla, Wash., Michael Rothenheber of Fargo, N.D.; sisters, Dorothy Monger of Williston, N.D., Delores Rod of Williston, N.D., and Rose Hollan of Bismarck, N.D.; 14 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Mrachek. Father Jacob Degele celebrated his mass of christian burial on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Williston. Interment in Alexander Cemetery followed.

Gertrude Egeland Sundsted, 100, of Plentywood died Nov. 26, 2024. She was born Sept. 26, 1924, to Olav and Ingeborg Vik, immigrants from western Norway. She grew up on the family farm west of Reserve, the second daughter of five children. She attended her local country school, Rose Valley, through the eighth grade, spent three years of high school in Medicine Lake and her senior year at Oak Grove Academy in Fargo, N.D., graduating in 1943. Her parents had a strong belief in the value of education, and all children went on to pursue higher degrees. She continued her education at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minn., preparing to teach at a secondary level. Teachers were in short supply during World War II, so she interrupted her education to teach for a school term at Lew Wallace School, east of Antelope. The next year, she returned to Augsburg College and graduated June 2, 1948. After a year of teaching history and social studies at Oak Grove, she decided that younger children were more to her liking. She returned to Sheridan County where she accepted a teaching position at the Wanso School south of Redstone. That winter of 1949-1950 turned out to be a harrowing experience. She was snowed in and isolated for so long that she ran very low on food and firewood. Her father eventually came by sled and rescued her. Deciding it would be safer to live in town, she taught third and fourth grade at Medicine Lake the next year. In 1951, she began to date Jorgen Egeland, a fellow Norwegian and acquaintance from childhood, and they married in July. The Egelands farmed in east Reserve, raising mostly small grains. They also had milk cows and chickens for their own use and sold eggs and cream products in the community. Five daughters and one son were born to this union. Their oldest child, Karen, presented a special challenge in that she was severely handicapped with cerebral palsy. Although Gertrude worried that her other children’s needs too often came second to those of Karen, she came to realize that Karen taught the family to accept difficult things with grace and to appreciate life’s blessings. She found that writing, especially poetry, helped her work through the trauma and helped her commit her loved ones to God’s care. She liked being at home, enjoying reading and teaching her children to love music and to appreciate their Norwegian heritage. Jorgen, and later Jens, were drafted Gertrude Sundsted

Matthew Lynn Vannatta, 58, died Nov. 25, 2024, at his home west of Williston, N.D. He was born Jan. 20, 1966, to Marlyn and Karen (Rossland) Vannatta, in Tioga, N.D. He moved with his family to Parshall, N.D., at the age of two. Even at that young age, he was developing a hardcharging personality. His parents owned Parshall Wesco Propane and he often would help his dad deliver propane or work on heating systems. When he was nine, the family moved to Bainville, where they farmed/ranched 1,700+ acres. He loved the outdoors, driving heavy equipment and working the cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens. His CB handle was “Choreboy” and his parents depended on him to keep the animals fed. He graduated from Bainville High School in 1984. He was active in basketball, the school play, FFA and random mischief. He attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, N.D., where he earned an associate degree in electronics. It didn’t take long for him to realize that a desk job wasn’t in his future. In 1987, he began his 37-year career at Franz Construction, where he worked with heavy equipment, building everything from roads to oil sites. He was also an inventor in his own right. When faced with a problem on the job site, he engineered creative solutions, building tools or modifying machines to get the job done. In the summer of 1990, his life took a turn when he attended a celebratory party for an annual trail ride over Labor Day weekend. That night, as the music played and the laughter echoed, a 5’3” long-haired, brown-eyed girl caught his eye and he asked her to dance. After a short courtship, he married Carla Jane Huck on June 1, 1991. He faced challenges in life with the same head-strong way he approached everything. In July 1996, he was in a car accident that broke his back in two places. Those injuries usually end in paralysis, but he would not allow that to be his fate. In March 2011, he and Carla lost their home to a house fire. Since he wasn’t one to sit back and say “woe is me,” he was digging out the rubble within

Betty Jean McGinnis, 98, of Culbertson died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, at Roosevelt Medical Center in Culbertson. A celebration of life was held Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Culbertson with Pastor Gretchen Wagner officiating. Interment was in the Cherry Creek Cemetery near Culbertson.

Claire Lynn Potts, 15, of Jordan died Oct. 30, 2024. She was born May 11, 2009, to Clint and DaLauna Potts. She joined her brother, Forrest, just 12½ months after he was born. The two siblings were inseparable. As soon as they could walk, they could ride and, from then on, the family was able to cowboy till the job was complete. Her work ethic was never questioned. From a young age, her determination and grit shined through. Her horsemanship skills were something to see, especially her trick riding. Not only could she handle the regular cowboying tasks, but she could look stunningly beautiful while hanging off the side of her loyal steed, Batman, to entertain a crowd. She always seemed at ease flying on the back of her horses. Her fearlessness was a part of everything she did. It was part of her presence when she entered the room, court, track or arena. She could smile and everyone knew she was ready for whatever came next. On the flip side, if she didn’t smile, all knew she was not in a mind to be bossed around. Fortunately, these moments never lasted long, and her smile would return, ready to find fun with any of her many friends or family. She found success in many things. She was a successful student, state-record track athlete, accomplished livestock judger, rodeo competitor, artist and 4-H’er. Her medals, buckles and ribbons proving her work ethic and confidence served her well in any competition. She is survived by her parents; brother, Forrest; grandparents, Rick (Lisa) Potts, Terri Potts (Terry Mason) and Jacque Gregg; and great-grandmother, Margaret Cremer. Her funeral was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Garfield County High School multi-purpose room. Interment followed in the family lot at Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan.

Iola Bighorn Scott, 81, of Poplar died Oct. 31, 2024, in Poplar. A wake will be held on Friday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Brockton Cultural Center. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. at the Brockton Cultural Center. Interment will follow at Fort Kipp Cemetery.

Funeral services for Dixie Donalynn Portra of Bainville, Mont., were Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Bainville School. Dixie will be laid to rest at the Bainville Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the service for a time of fellowship and sharing. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney, Mont., is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com. Dixie Donalynn Portra was born on July 11, 1962, in Williston, N.D. She was the daughter of Larry and Jewel Portra. Dixie was the youngest of five children. She spent her first year in Bainville, Mont., before the family moved to Froid, Mont. Dixie attended Froid Public School and later she moved to South Dakota where she attended Job Corps classes. After returning home, she married Jeff Torgrimson in 1980. They had one son, Levi Torgrimson. After divorcing, she met Dave Granley who has been her life partner. Dixie moved onto Dave’s ranch north of Bainville,

Aloysius Jake Bet His Medicine, 60, died Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at Poplar Community Hospital. He was born Feb. 5, 1964, in Poplar to Marie Bets His Medicine and Joe Bauer. Also, father in life, Jim Brunoski. He attended elementary school in Brockton, junior high school in Riverside, Calif., graduated from Brockton High School and went to college at Concordia in Morehead, Minn. He was a man of many talents and held numerous jobs throughout his life, often working two jobs at a time. He worked at A& S Industries as a netter, went on to be cook, CNA, dietary aide, housekeeper, musician and started his own detailing business, along with other miscellaneous odd jobs. Of all the jobs and career paths he chose, his passion was writing, playing, singing and recording music which took him on an exciting journey in life where he met many people and established lifelong extended family and friends.

Bennie Baker Finnicum, 91, died Oct. 15, 2024, at St. Vincent’s Healthcare Center in Billings. He was born on March 8, 1933, to Frances (Harkins) and Ross Finnicum in Clinton, Iowa. He moved to Andes community, Richland County at the age of three months. He attended school at Andes School until the third grade and Mona School until Christmas of seventh grade when he then stayed home to help on the farm while his brother was deployed. In 1951, he met Anne Ochs. They dated for two years before getting married in the courthouse in Sidney on Aug. 22, 1953. They made their home on the family farm seven miles west of Andes. It was the beginning of a long and happy life, raising their five children and then enjoying the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed feeding the cows in the winter and tinkering in the shop. He was always happy to help the neighbors. His favorite time was harvest. He was a strong and quiet man and had a passion for local history. He enjoyed roller skating and ice skating in his younger years. His eyes sparkled when he was happy or mischievous.

Lyle Lambert, 73, of Williston, N.D., passed away on Oct. 9, 2024. A funeral service for Lyle was held Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, at 1 p.m. Mountain Time at the Bainville football field. Certified funeral celebrant Heidi Coughlin will be officiating the service. Visitation was held at the Everson- Coughlin Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, from 1 to 5 p.m. Lyle Gene Lambert (Bean) was born on May 23, 1951, to Alfred “Smokey” and Doris (Hansen) Lambert in Williston, N.D. Lyle was raised in Bainville, Mont., and graduated from Bainville High School in 1969. He then attended college at Montana State University - Billings. Lyle married his wife, Mary Lou (Nice) Lambert on April 19, 1980, at the First Lutheran Church in Bainville, Mont. Lyle worked at Public Works and for BNSF Railroad where he retired. He received a BNSF Safety Award in July of 2006. Lyle received the Waste Water Operator of the Year Award in 2024. He was a member of the Sidney Country Club, Bainville Booster Club and Teamsters Representative of the Railroad. Lyle was the Bainville Rural Fire District #64 Fire Chief. He was the town of Bainville Fire Chief. Lyle was also the Bainville Volunteer Firemen Chief. He was active on the 911 Board, Bainville School Board and the Montana Rural Water Systems committee. He was a proud supporter of the Bainville Bulldog sporting events. You could always find him at the scorers’ table, running the clock. He looked forward to the events, including football, basketball, volleyball — you name it and he was there enjoying the games! When the weather permitted, he spent as much time as possible on the golf course. In the winter months, he spent his time at Smokey’s Bar playing pinochle. Lyle is survived by his wife, Mary Lambert (Bainville, Mont.); daughters, Leona and MiKayla (Bainville, Mont.); brother, Dan Lambert (Bainville, Mont.); sister, Darlas Rogers (Bainville, Mont.); grandpets, Luna, Nova, Freya Mae and Peaches Marie; and many other loving relatives far and near. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Smokey and Doris Lambert; father-in-law, Benny Nice; mother-in-law, Betty Nice; and his son, Kent Eugene Lambert. Friends are welcome to visit www.eversoncoughlin.com to share memories or leave condolences for his family. (Paid Obituary)