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North Dakota Obituaries

 

 

NORTH DAKOTA OBITUARIES OF ALFORDS

AND SPELLING VARIATIONS

 

 

Obituaries are listed alphabetically by FIRST name. Included are people whose last name, maiden name, or married name is Alford or a spelling variation: Alfred, Alvord, Allford, Halford, Hallford, Holford, etc.

 

The name of the newspaper (or other source) and place and date of publication follow the name of the deceased. If we published the obituary in AAFA ACTION, the issue is noted.

 

The Alford American Family Association (AAFA) has often added notes for each obituary, including Social Security Death Index (SSDI) data, relationship of the deceased to other Alfords, and lineages. Extensive research notes are not always included in the interest of making the obituaries available online. We will add to AAFA NOTES as time permits.

 

Where lineages are included (Alford unless otherwise stated), the format is: Name, year of birth, state or country of birth.

 

We welcome corrections and additional information. If you have an obituary from this state that is not included here, please share it with us!

 

Date posted: 21 MARCH 2009

 

 

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GERALD DENVAL ALFORD

 

DAILY NEWS

Minot, Ward Co., ND—Wednesday, 15 November 2006

 

Photo from Thompson-Larson Funeral Home

 

            Gerald Alford, 79, 1201-31st. Ave. SW, Minot, died Friday, Nov. 10, 2006, in a Sioux Falls, S.D., hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer.

            Gerald Denval Alford was born Sept. 4, 1927, the son of Monroe and Lillian (Ghoulson) Alford in Steep Creek, Texas. He graduated from Atlanta High School, Atlanta [Cass Co.], Texas, in 1945.

            He enlisted in the United States Army on Feb. 23, 1946. He was honorably discharged Aug. 9, 1947.

            Following his honorable discharge, he worked various jobs in Texas and Louisiana until enlisting in the United States Air Force on Oct. 10, 1955. He proudly served his country and was stationed in Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, Coldbay, Alaska, and Fortuna.

            While in Fortuna, he met and married Mary Ellen Blonigen Todd on April 16, 1966. They then moved to Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, Okla., where their two children, Elizabeth Ann and Denval Lee, were born. Gerald eventually returned to Minot Air Force Base, where he retired as a master sergeant May 31, 1977.

            Following his honorable discharge, the family moved to Texas, where Gerald attended technical school. They then settled in Wichita, Kan., where he worked as an electrician at Beech Aircraft until his second retirement in 1991. Gerald and his wife then returned to Minot to enjoy retirement with friends and family.

            He was blessed with two grandchildren who gave him much joy and pleasure in the last three years of his life.

            He was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church and the AMVETS, both of Minot.

            His loving family includes: wife of 40 years, Mary Ellen, Minot; daughter, Elizabeth Alford, Sioux Falls: son, Denny (Sophia) Alford, Minot; grandchildren, Austin Gregory and Braydon James Alford; sisters, Mildred (Henry) King, Atlanta, Texas, Louise Ener, Houston, Texas, and Julia (William) Gillmore, Cleveland, Texas; brother, Doyle Alford, Cleveland, Texas; and numerous nieces, and nephews.

            Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot.

            Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

            Visitation: Today from noon to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot....

 

AAFA NOTES: SSDI records confirm the birth and death dates of Gerald D. Alford (SS# issued in TX).

            See the obituary of his wife Mary Ellen Ann Blonigen Todd Alford

in this compilation.

            Texas Birth Index (Ancestry.com) lists the birth of Gerald Denval Alford in San Augustine Co., TX. His parents are listed as Monror [sic] McKinly Alford and Lillian Gholson. Also listed as children of Lillian Gholson, with father Monroe Alford, are Mildred Marrie Alford, b. 15 Nov 1930 in San Augustine Co., and Julia Gay Alford, b. 7 Dec 1938 in Cass Co.

            On Monroe M. Alford’s 1918 WWI Draft Registration Card (Ancestry.com), he is age 20 living in Steep Creek, San Augustine Co., TX. He was born 6 Dec 1897. His nearest relatives were Emma and Geo. Alford of Steep Creek.

            Census reports show Monroe Alford as the son of George W. and Emma Alford:

 

1900: Pollock, Grant Parish, LA, dwelling #944

George Alford              head       30      Jan 1870          LA LA MS      married 10 years

Emma                           wife        28      Nov 1871        TX TX TX       5 children, 5 living

Jesse                            dau           8      July 1891         TX LA TX

Eva                              dau           5      Jan 1895          LA LA TX

Monroe                        son           3      Dec 1896         LA LA TX

Pettie                            dau           2      Feb 1898         LA LA TX

George B.                    son      4/12      Jan 1900          LA LA TX

 

1910: Justice Precinct 6, San Augustine Co., TX, dwelling #21

Geo. W. Alford            head       42      LA MS MS      first marriage, 0 years [sic]

Emma                           wife        40      TX TX TX       second marriage 0 years

                                                                                    7 children, 5 living

Monroe                        son         12      LA LA TX

Pet                               dau         11      LA LA TX

Ben                              son           8      LA LA TX

 

1920: Justice Precinct 4, San Augustine Co., TX, dwelling #39

George Alford              head       52      LA MS MS      saw mill laborer

Emma                           wife        50      TX TX TX

Bennie                          son         18      LA LA TX       saw mill laborer

Columbus Massey        nephew  26      TX MS TX      works on farm

William Massey            nephew  20      TX MS TX      farmer, own place

 

1930: Precinct 4 (Steep Creek), San Augustine Co., TX, dwelling #303:

George W. Alford        head       62      LA Ireland [?] TX divorced

 

SSDI records show that Monroe M. Alford (SS #452-12-5473 issued in TX) was born 6 Dec 1896 and died Jan 1988 in Cleveland, Liberty Co., TX.

 

Texas Death Index (Ancestry.com) lists the death of G.W. Alford on 8 May 1931 in San Augustine Co., TX.

 

Possible family of George W. Alford on the 1870 and 1880 censuses:

 

1870: No township, San Augustine Co., TX, dwelling #150:

Lem Alford                     55         NC

Margaret                        22         MS

G.W. (male)                     3         LA

E.T. (female)               6/12         TX    born Jan

George Perry                  20         MS

Nancy Perry                   17         MS

 

1880: No township (District 87), Shelby Co., TX, dwelling #310:

Margaret Alford                head        32         MS NC MS        widow

G.W.                                son          13         LA NC MS

E.T.                                  dau          10         TX NC MS

G.W. Perry                       brother     26         MS NC MS

 

1880: No township (District 87), Shelby Co., TX, dwelling #212:

Lem Alford                       head        65         NC NC NC widowed, mail carrier

 

Lem Alford appears to be enumerated in the household of 2 black servants, listed directly above him in dwelling #212/family #213. However, it is most probable that these servants belong with the family above in dwelling #211/family #212. Lem’s “relationship” is blank, as are all other family heads. The enumerator probably entered the dwelling/family on the wrong line.

 

            Two family trees on RootsWeb.com show Margaret Ann Perry and her brother George Washington Perry as children of Jesse and Cynthia Perry.

            Gerald’s lineage: Gerald Denval 1927 TX1, Monroe McKinley 1896 LA2, George W. 1867 LA3, ??Lem 1815 NC4.

 

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MARY ELLEN ANN BLONIGEN TODD ALFORD

 

[Although she died in SD, we are including her obituary here because of her close ties to ND.]

 

DAILY NEWS

Minot, Ward Co., ND—Saturday, 1 April 2007

 

Photo from Thompson-Larson Funeral Home

 

            Mary Ellen Alford, 77, 1327 25th St. SE #706, Minot, ND, died Wednesday, March 28, 2007, in a Sioux Falls, SD, hospital.

            Mary Ellen Ann Blonigen was born on June 9, 1929, the daughter of Phillip and Elizabeth (Finken) Blonigen in Douglas, ND. She graduated from Douglas High School, in 1947.

            Mary Ellen married Howard Todd April 21, 1955, in Douglas, ND, at a double wedding with Wade and Rita Gulbranson. They made their home in Douglas. From this union a daughter, Lynelle, was born. Both Lynelle and Howard passed away in 1956.

            Following her husbands death, she attended nurses training in Crosby, ND, and graduated as a Registered Nurse.

            Mary Ellen married Gerald Denval Alford on April 16, 1966, in Fortuna, ND. They moved to Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, OK, where their two children, Elizabeth Ann and Denval Lee were born. They eventually returned to the Minot Air Force Base in 1969, where she worked as a Registered Nurse at the Americana Nursing Home until May of 1977.

            Following Gerald's honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1977, the family moved to Cleveland, Texas for a short time. Mary Ellen worked as a RN at the Cleveland Hospital. They then settled in Wichita, Kansas, where she worked as a RN at a local nursing home until 1991. Mary Ellen and her husband then returned to Minot, ND, to enjoy retirement with friends and family.

            She was blessed with two grandchildren who gave her much joy and pleasure in the last four years of her life.

            She was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot.

            Her loving family includes: daughter, Elizabeth Alford, Sioux Falls, SD; son, Denny (Sophia) Alford, Minot; grandchildren, Austin Gregory and Braydon James Alford; sisters, Rita (Wade) Gulbranson, Portal, ND; sister-in-law, Evangeline Blonigen, Carrington, ND; and numerous nieces, and nephews.

            Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald; infant daughter, Lynelle Todd; brothers, Ryland and Clarence Blonigen; and sister-in-law, Frances Karlsbroten.

            Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, April 2, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot.

            Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

            Visitation: Sunday from Noon to 5 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot....

 

AAFA NOTES: SSDI records confirm the birth and death dates of Mary Ellen Ann Alford (SS# issued in ND), last residence Sioux Falls, Minnehaha Co., SD.

            See the obituary of her husband Gerald Denval Alford in this compilation.

 

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PEARL P. BEDKER ALLFORD WOLLSCHLAEGER

 

THE FORUM

Fargo, Cass Co., ND—Thursday, 29 July 1999

 

            Pearl P. Wollschlaeger, 88 Grand Forks [Grand Forks Co.], died Monday, July 26, 1999, in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks.

            Pearl P. Bedker, was born Aug. 12, 1910, in LaMoure County, N.D., where she grew up. She graduated from high school, in Jud, N.D., and later graduated from Ellendale (ND) College with a degree in education. She taught school for many years in several North Dakota communities.

            In 1954 she married Charles Allford in Edgeley, N.D., where they made their home. He died in 1963. In 1972, she married Ernest Wollschlaeger in Edgeley. They lived in Fargo. He died in 1988. In recent years, she lived at Tufte Manor in Grand Forks.

            She is survived by a brother, Melvin (Hada), Edgeley; and two sisters, Mildred, (Richard) Wert, Grand Forks, Hazel Johnson, LaMoure, N.D. Memorial service: Saturday at 2 in Edgewood United Methodist Church, Fargo. Inurnment: Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Fargo....

 

AAFA NOTES: SSDI records confirm the birth and death dates of Pearl P. Wollschlaege [sic] (SS# issued in ND), last residence Grand Forks, Grand Forks Co., ND.

 

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TAMI LINN GENTZKOW ALFORD

 

Source unknown, but probably:

THE FORUM

Fargo, Cass Co., ND—16 October 1999

 

            The memorial service for Tami Linn Alford, Leonard, ND, formerly of LaMoure, ND, will be Sunday, Oct. 17, 1999, at 1 PM in Zoar Lutheran Church, LaMoure. Rev. John Estrem will be officiating.

            Tami Linn Gentzkow, daughter of Edward and Carrie (Holub) Gentzkow was born April 20, l959, in LaMoure, where she grew up and attended school. After graduating from high school, Tami entered the US Air Force. Throughout the years, she was stationed at Lackland AFB, Texas, Tyndall AFB, Florida, Hahn AFB in Germany, Cannon AFB, New Mexico, Spangdahlen AFB in Germany , England AFB, Louisiana and McChord AFB, Washington.

            She was united in marriage to Warren Alford Jan. 6, 1984, in Clovis, NM. Tami retired from the Air Force in July of 1997, after serving 20 years. In 1999 Tami and Warren moved to Leonard.

            She passed away Wednesday, Oct. 13, 1999, in her home. She was 40 years old.

            She is survived by her husband, Warren; her mother, Carrie Gentzkow, LaMoure; six sisters, Beverly (Ray) Sandness, Minot, ND, Helen (Curt) Oberlander, Linton, ND, Patty (Kenneth) Oelke, Killdeer, ND, Barb (Earl) Willhern, Leonard, Bonny (Carl) Broyan, Blaine, WA, and Lori Gentzkow, LaMoure; three brothers, Roger (Kris) Gentzkow, Bismark, Donald (Mary Lou) Gentzkow and Rodney (Debbie) Gentzkow, all of LaMoure; and her father-in-law, George Edgar Alford, Lake City, FL and mother-in-law, JoAnn Alford, Crystal River, FL.  Tami was preceded in death by her father and her grandparents.

 

AAFA NOTES: SSDI records confirm the birth and death dates of Tami L. Alford (SS# issued in ND).

 

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VERNA MADELINE LOBERG ALFORD

 

THE FORUM

Fargo, Cass Co., ND—Sunday, 20 July 2008

 

 

            Verna Madeline Loberg Alford died July 17, 2008, at Bethany Homes in Fargo.

She was born June 16, 1913, in rural Fargo to Harry and Azora (Lillegard) Loberg and was raised on a farm. She attended a country school for seven years before attending Central High School in Fargo; Dakota Agricultural College (now North Dakota State University); Valley City Normal (graduating with a teaching degree) and Fargo Business College (receiving a business certificate).

            Verna worked for Armour & Co. for several years as an accountant and office manager. She married Ernest F. Alford in November 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa, and worked as office manager for the Alford Implement Company until the company was sold in the early 1960’s.

            After retirement, Verna purchased a kiln and poured, fired and painted many pieces of china. She loved working on porcelain. She also created hand-crafted items and opened Val’s Treasure Shoppe in her home. She held special sales in the spring and fall and also took her wares to craft shows.

            Verna was a member of the Red Cross during WWII, and was active in many civic organizations throughout her life. She was a past president of the Fargo Nursing Home Auxiliary (now Rosewood) and had been a member since the home was built. She was a member of St. Luke’s Auxiliary and made toys for the children’s ward, and also a member and past president of Chapter Mu of Beta Sigma Phi. She was active in the YWCA and on the Board and assisted on the drive for funds when the YMCA and YWCA built the present YMCA facility.

            She assisted on several drives for funds for the Community Chest of Fargo-Moorhead (now United Fund). She was a member of Fine Arts, Pioneer Daughters, Orpah Chapter of Eastern Star, Shrine Auxiliary and Windows of the Shrine Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary, Elks Auxiliary, Fargo Moorhead Area Music Club, Fargo Moorhead Symphony Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, WWII Auxiliary and Sons of Norway.

            She was a member of First United Methodist Church. Verna served on several committees of the church; Administrative Board, Board of Trustees, Memorial Committee, Committee on Finance, Nominating Committee, Past President of United Methodist Women, Chairperson, Rooms & Furnishings, Wedding Committee, General Chairperson, Funeral Committee. She also participated in fundraising projects such as bazaars and rummage sales and worked on several pledge drives. Verna was very honored to receive the Jewel of a Woman award from the United Methodist Women.

            Verna was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest; her parents; stepmother; five brothers Eugene, Allen, Harvey, Arlo and Leslie; one sister, Adeline Loberg Barnes; one god-daughter, Mary Ann Barnes Parkhouse; and stepson, William Alford.

            Surviving are her step-daughter-in law, Marilyn Alford; and step-granddaughters, Linda (Jack) Fritts and Susan (Neal) Boeckmann, all of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and step-granddaughter, Amy Nakai of Plymouth, MN. Also four step-great-grandchildren, Lisa (David) Kesse, Auburn, IN; Jessica Fritts, Minneapolis; David Nakai, Plymouth, MN; and Andrea Nakai, Minneapolis. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Louise Loberg of Fargo and niece, Emilie (Maynard) Schossow, Park Rapids, MN. (Hanson- Runsvold, Fargo)....

            Funeral: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at 2pm, at First United Methodist Church, Fargo, ND....        

            Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo.

            Please feel free to sign the on-line guestbook at hansonrunsvold.com.

 

AAFA NOTES: SSDI records confirm the birth and death dates of Verna Madeline Alford (SS# issued in ND), last residence Fargo, Cass Co., ND.